Report on annual expenses for travel, hospitality and conferences 2022-2023

Pursuant to the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on the total annual expenses for travel, hospitality and conference expenses incurred by IDRC for the financial year ending 31 March 2023. This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act.

Travel, hospitality, and conference expenses incurred by the Centre are related to activities that support IDRC’s mandate described in About IDRC.

IDRC invests in research to build evidence, inform decisions, and generate opportunities that promote an inclusive and sustainable world. As a Crown corporation and part of Canada’s global affairs and international development efforts, IDRC invests in high-quality research in developing countries, shares knowledge with researchers and policymakers for greater uptake and use and mobilizes global alliances to build a more sustainable and inclusive world.

In carrying out its mandate, the Centre:

  • provides financial support to researchers in developing countries to address domestic development challenges and contribute to broader global solutions;
  • facilitates the use and uptake of research, and encourages dialogue and learning between researchers, policymakers, and private sector actors;
  • synthesizes and shares results from across its research investments to inform local, regional, and global agendas; 
  • engages, convenes, and collaborates with research organizations and funding partners throughout the innovation process; and
  • builds the evidence base to support people in developing countries have more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive economies with expanded, lasting, and high-quality economic opportunities for women and youth.

IDRC’s annual expenses for travel, hospitality and conferences are summarized below:

Expense category                       

Expenses for the 

year ending

31 March 2023

Expenses for the 

year ending

31 March 2022     

Variances          

 

 (In thousands of dollars) 

                                                                                   

Travel

      

for operational activities

$1,046.8

$92.3

$954.5

to meet key stakeholders (*)

$258.9

($1.1)

$260.0

for internal governance

$38.1

$0.5

$37.6

for training (*)

$30.4

($1.4)

$31.8

for other purposes

$49.5

–

$49.5
A. Total travel

$1,423.7

$90.3

$1,333.4
B. Hospitality

$36.7

$0.4

$36.3
C. Conferences fees

$8.2

$3.9

$4.3
Total [A+B+C]

$1,468.6

$94.6

$1,374.0

International travel by

Governors (included in travel)

$9.6

–

$9.6

(*) Negative amounts for the year ending 31 March 2022 correspond to airline credits received for trip cancellations due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

 

Significant variances relative to the previous financial year

The total expenses on travel, hospitality and conference fees increased by $1,374 thousand in the financial year ended 31 March 2023 compared to the previous financial year as a result of the easing of travel restrictions and public health measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Travel

With the lifting of travel restrictions and the resumption of travel activities in 2022-2023, travel expenses went up by $1,333.4 thousand in comparison with 2021-2022.

Hospitality

Hospitality expenses totaling $36.7 thousand incurred during the current financial year are due to the resumption of in-person meetings.

Conference fees

Conference expenses for 2022-2023, totaling $8.2 thousand, remained minimal although they slightly increased compared to 2021-2022 due to the resumption of in-person conference participation.

International travel by Governors

Compared with financial year 2021-2022, in which no in-person Board meetings took place, in 2022-2023 in-person Board meetings were held in Ottawa requiring Governors residing abroad to travel to Canada.