2019-2020 Report on annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences

Parks Canada Agency

As required by the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on travel, hospitality and conference expenditures for the Parks Canada Agency for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, except for information withheld under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act.

Travel, hospitality and conference expenditures incurred by a federal department or agency relate to activities that support the department or agency’s mandate and the government’s priorities.

Parks Canada Agency’s travel, hospitality and conference expenditures support the delivery of core programs and services to Canadians. In particular, this includes managing national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas on behalf of Canadians. Parks Canada is a proud steward of these heritage places and protects and presents them for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Parks Canada’s mandate and programs

Parks Canada has the mandate to protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations.

The programs that support Parks Canada’s mandate include:

• Heritage Places Establishment;
• Heritage Places Conservation;
• Heritage Places Promotion and Public Support;
• Visitor Experience; and
• Heritage Canals, Highways and Townsites Management.

Canada’s national urban park, national parks, national historic sites, heritage canals and national marine conservation areas, of which Parks Canada is the proud steward, offer Canadians opportunities to visit, experience and personally connect with these heritage places.

Further information on Parks Canada’s mandate and programs can be found in the Departmental Plan (DP) and in the Departmental Results Report (DRR).

Annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences of Parks Canada

Significant variances compared to the previous fiscal year

Travel

For fiscal year 2019-20, the Agency’s expenditures for travel decreased by $377,000 or 2 percent. The decrease in travel is primarily related to the Fire Program which required less travel due to a reduction in the number of fires as well as a decrease in travel for Nunavut staff. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic began at the end of fiscal year 2019-20. In March 2020, travel restrictions were put in place to stem the spread of COVID-19. This initiated a decrease in travel expenditures.

Hospitality

For fiscal year 2019-20, the Agency’s expenditures for hospitality decreased by $31,000 or 6 percent. The COVID-19 pandemic began at the end of fiscal year 2019-20. In March 2020, public health measures were put in place to stem the spread of COVID-19. This initiated a decrease in hospitality expenditures.

Conference fees

For fiscal year 2019-20, the Agency’s conferences fees expenditures have decreased by $10,000 or 5 percent. The COVID-19 pandemic began at the end of fiscal year 2019-20. In March 2020, public health measures were put in place to stem the spread of COVID-19. This initiated a decrease in conference fees.