Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Common menu bar links

Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences

Note: NSERC is moving its proactive disclosure reports to This link will take you to another Web site open.canada.ca. During this transition, if you cannot find the report you are looking for on our website, search for NSERC's Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences using the This link will take you to another Web site Open Government Portal.


Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences for 2017-18

As required by the Treasury Board This link will take you to another Web site Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures (DTHCEE), this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for each of travel, hospitality and conferences by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. It also provides the variance explanations for the previous fiscal year in each of these areas.

This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the This link will take you to another Web site Access to Information Act or the This link will take you to another Web site Privacy Act.

NSERC’s purpose is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians, by supporting postsecondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies, promoting discovery by funding the research programs of academic researchers, and stimulating partnerships between academia and industry. Further information on the NSERC mandate and program activities can be found in NSERC’s 2017-18 Departmental Plan.

NSERC’s program delivery is centered on a peer review model. External experts from across the country and around the world contribute their time and expertise to adjudicate grant proposals as well as scholarship and fellowship applications, with the aim of funding excellence for the benefit of Canada. The vast majority of NSERC’s travel and hospitality expenses are to support this peer review process.

NSERC’s total annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences are summarized below:

Expenditure Category Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2018 (a)* Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2017 (b) Variance (a – b)
(in thousands of dollars)
Travel – Public Servants N/A 924 N/A
Travel – Non-Public Servants N/A 1,452 N/A
International Travel by Minister and Minister’s Staff - - -
Travel - Operational activities 1,942 N/A N/A
Travel - Key stakeholders 460 N/A N/A
Travel - Internal governance 37 N/A N/A
Travel - Training 22 N/A N/A
Travel - Other 14 N/A N/A
Total Travel 2,475 2,376 99
Hospitality 278 203 75
Conference Fees 165 105 60
TOTAL 2,918 2,684 234

 

*The Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures (DTHCEE) was revised on April 1st, 2017, this report applies the new travel categories for reporting as per section A.2.2.12 of the DTHCEE, for fiscal year 2017-18.

Travel expenditures have increased mainly as a result of a higher number of visits to private organizations due to partnerships grants' requirements, and NSERC hosted several non-recurring events; these included two international events, the Gender Summit held in Montreal in November 2017 and the annual Global Research Council Meeting was held in the Ottawa region in May 2017.

Hospitality expenditures were larger in 2017-18 mainly due to increasing costs in hospitality for various peer review processes for various competitions, and NSERC hosted several non-recurring events; these included two international events, the Gender Summit held in Montreal in November 2017 and the annual Global Research Council Meeting was held in the Ottawa region in May 2017.

The conference fees expenditures have increased compared to fiscal year 2016-17, mainly due to increased training of staff through expert conferences and the Agency’s increased support to various science conferences such as the Impact of Science conference, the Federal Globe Pavilion conference, the conference for Research Data Alliance and the World Data System Inaugural Workshop.


Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences for 2016-17

As required by the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for each of travel, hospitality and conferences by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017. It also provides the variance explanations for the previous fiscal year in each of these areas.

This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act.

NSERC’s purpose is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians, by supporting postsecondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies, promoting discovery by funding the research programs of academic researchers, and stimulating partnerships between academia and industry. Further information on the NSERC mandate and program activities can be found in NSERC’s 2016-17 Report on Plans and Priorities.

NSERC’s program delivery is centered on a peer review model. External experts from across the country and around the world contribute their time and expertise to adjudicate grant proposals as well as scholarship and fellowship applications, with the aim of funding excellence for the benefit of Canada. The vast majority of NSERC’s travel and hospitality expenses are to support this peer review process.

NSERC’s total annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences are summarized below:

Expenditure Category Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2017 (a) Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2016 (b) Variance (a – b)
(in thousands of dollars)
Travel – Public Servants 924 942 -18
Travel – Non-Public Servants 1,452 1,647 -195
International Travel by Minister and Minister’s Staff 0 0 0
Total Travel 2,376 2,589 -213
Hospitality 203 206 -3
Conference Fees 105 96 9
TOTAL 2,684 2,891 -207

The NSERC's travel expenditures for public servants have decreased mainly as a result of a reduced number of research project site visits.

Compared with fiscal year 2015-16, NSERC's travel expenditures by non-public servants and hospitality expenditures have decreased, mainly as a result of a reduction in the costs for peer-reviewers for the Discovery Grants Competition, NSERC's largest program.

The conferences fees expenditures have increased slightly compared to fiscal year 2015-16 due to an increase in participation at the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA) 2017 National Conference and other events.


Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences for 2015-16

As required by the Treasury Board This link will take you to another Web site Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for each of travel, hospitality and conferences by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016. It also provides the variance explanations for the previous fiscal year in each of these areas.

This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the This link will take you to another Web site Access to Information Act or the This link will take you to another Web site Privacy Act.

NSERC’s purpose is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians, by supporting postsecondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies, promoting discovery by funding the research programs of academic researchers, and stimulating partnerships between academia and industry. Further information on the NSERC mandate and program activities can be found in NSERC’s 2015-16 Report on Plans and Priorities.

NSERC’s program delivery is centered on a peer review model. External experts from across the country and around the world contribute their time and expertise to adjudicate grant proposals as well as scholarship and fellowship applications, with the aim of funding excellence for the benefit of Canada. The vast majority of NSERC’s travel and hospitality expenses are to support this peer review process.

NSERC’s total annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences are summarized below:

Expenditure Category Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2016 (a) Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2015 (b) Variance (a – b)
(in thousands of dollars)
Travel – Public Servants 942 843 99
Travel – Non-Public Servants 1,647 1,743 -96
Total Travel 2,589 2,586 3
Hospitality 206 227 -21
Conference Fees 96 113 -17
TOTAL 2,891 2,926 -35


The NSERC's travel expenditures for public servants have increased mainly as a result of:

  • an increase in science promotion and research partnership related travels, Canada-wide and internationally.

Compared with fiscal year 2014-15, NSERC's travel expenditures by non-public servants and hospitality expenditures have decreased, mainly as a result of:

  • reduced expenditures related to various peer review processes for competitions due to effective negotiations with hotels to lower room prices; and
  • using alternatives to travel such as teleconferencing, video conferencing and in-house meeting rooms.

The conference fees expenditures have decreased compared to fiscal year 2014-15 due to management’s decision to reduce participation in some events in fiscal 2015-16.


Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences for fiscal year 2014-15

As required by the Treasury Board This link will take you to another Web site Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for each of travel, hospitality and conferences by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015. It also provides the variance explanations for the previous fiscal year in each of these areas.

This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the This link will take you to another Web site Access to Information Act the This link will take you to another Web site Privacy Act.

NSERC's purpose is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians, by supporting post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies, promoting discovery by funding the research programs of academic researchers, and stimulating partnerships between academia and industry. Further information on the NSERC mandate and program activities can be found in This link will take you to another Web site NSERC's 2014-15 Report on Plans and Priorities.

NSERC's program delivery is centered around a peer review model. External experts from across the country and around the world contribute their time and expertise to adjudicate grant proposals as well as scholarship and fellowship applications, with the aim of funding excellence for the benefit of Canada. The vast majority of NSERC's travel and hospitality expenses are to support this peer review process.

Total NSERC annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences are summarized below:

Expenditure Category Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2015 (a) Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2014 (b) Variance (a – b)
(in thousands of dollars)
Travel – Public Servants 843 874 -31
Travel – Non-Public Servants 1,743 1,806 -63
International Travel by Minister and Minister’s Staff* 0 0 0
Total Travel 2,586 2,680 -94
Hospitality 227 244 -17
Conference Fees 113 74 39
TOTAL 2,926 2,998 -72

(*) Includes international travel that is part of a department's program.

Compared with fiscal year 2013-14, NSERC's travel and hospitality expenditures have decreased, mainly as a result of:

  • reduced expenditures related to various peer review process for various competitions due to effective arrangements negotiations for hotel rooms to lower prices; and
  • the use of alternatives to travel such as teleconferencing, video conferencing and in-house meeting rooms.

The NSERC's conference fees expenditures have increased mainly as a result of:

  • increased expenses related to participation in research conferences for international initiatives.

Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences for fiscal year 2013-14

As required by the Treasury Board This link will take you to another Web site Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for each of travel, hospitality and conferences by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. It also provides the variance explanations for the previous fiscal year in each of these areas.

This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the This link will take you to another Web site Access to Information Act the This link will take you to another Web site Privacy Act.

NSERC’s purpose is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians, by supporting post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies, promoting discovery by funding the research programs of academic researchers, and stimulating partnerships between academia and industry. Further information on the NSERC mandate and program activities can be found in This link will take you to another Web site NSERC’s 2013-14 Report on Plans and Priorities.

NSERC’s program delivery is centered around a peer review model. External experts from across the country and around the world contribute their time and expertise to adjudicate grant proposals as well as scholarship and fellowship applications, with the aim of funding excellence for the benefit of Canada. The vast majority of NSERC’s travel and hospitality expenses are to support this peer review process.

Total NSERC annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences are summarized below:

Expenditure Category Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2014 (a) Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2013 (b) Variance (a – b)
(in thousands of dollars)
Travel – Public Servants 874 848 26
Travel – Non-Public Servants 1,806 1,819 -13
International Travel by Minister and Minister’s Staff* 0 0 0
Total Travel 2,680 2,667 13
Hospitality 244 326 -82
Conference Fees 74 76 -2
TOTAL 2,998 3,069 -71

(*) Includes international travel that is part of a department’s program.

Compared with fiscal year 2012–13, NSERC’s hospitality and conference expenditures have decreased, mainly as a result of:

  • reducing expenditures related to peer review adjudication process.
  • limiting the number of people attending a meeting or a conference.
  • the use of alternatives to travel such as teleconferencing, video conferencing and in-house meeting rooms.

Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences 2012-13

As required by the Treasury Board This link will take you to another Web site Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for each of travel, hospitality and conferences by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. It also provides the variance explanations for the previous fiscal year in each of these areas.

This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the This link will take you to another Web site Access to Information Act or the This link will take you to another Web site Privacy Act .

Expenditures on travel, hospitality and conferences incurred by federal departments and agencies are for the most part directly related to supporting departmental mandate(s) and the Government of Canada’s priorities.

NSERC’s purpose is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians, by supporting post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies, promoting discovery by funding the research programs of academic researchers, and stimulating partnerships between academia and industry. Further information on the NSERC mandate and program activities can be found in This link will take you to another Web site NSERC’s 2012–13 Report on Plans and Priorities.

NSERC’s program delivery is centered around a peer review model. External experts from across the country and around the world contribute their time and expertise to adjudicate grant proposals as well as scholarship and fellowship applications, with the aim of funding excellence for the benefit of Canada. The vast majority of NSERC’s travel and hospitality expenses are to support this peer review process.

Total NSERC annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences are summarized below:

Expenditure Category Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2013 (a) Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2012 (b) Variance (a – b)
(in thousands of dollars)
Travel – Public Servants 848 902 -54
Travel – Non-Public Servants 1,819 2,199 -380
International Travel by Minister and Minister’s Staff* 0 0 0
Total Travel 2,667 3,101 -434
Hospitality 326 417 -91
Conference Fees 76 69 7
TOTAL 3,069 3,587 -518


(*) Includes international travel that is part of a department’s program.

Compared with fiscal year 2011–12, NSERC’s travel, hospitality and conference fees expenditures have decreased, mainly as a result of:

  • limiting the number of people attending a meeting or a conference;
  • booking flights farther in advance;
  • using of travel alternatives such as teleconferencing, videoconferencing and in-house meeting rooms; and
  • introducing a new Financial Resource Management Framework to strengthen the budget and financial risk management processes and controls.

Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences 2011-12

As required by the Treasury Board This link will take you to another Web site Directive on the Management of Expenditures on Travel, Hospitality and Conferences, this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for each of travel, hospitality and conferences for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012. It also provides the variance explanations from the previous fiscal year in each of these areas.

This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the This link will take you to another Web site Access to Information Act or the This link will take you to another Web site Privacy Act.

Expenditures on travel, hospitality and conferences incurred by federal departments and agencies are, for the most part, directly related to supporting departmental mandate(s) and the government's priorities.

NSERC's purpose is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians, by supporting post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies, promoting discovery by funding the research programs of academic researchers, and stimulating partnerships between academia and industry. Further information on the NSERC mandate and program activities can be found in This link will take you to another Web site Part II of the Main Estimates.

NSERC's program delivery is centered around a peer review model. External experts from across the country and the world contribute their time and expertise to adjudicate grant proposals and scholarship applicants with the aim of funding excellence for the benefit of Canada. The vast majority of NSERC's travel and hospitality expenses are to support this peer review process.

Total annual expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences of NSERC are summarized below:

Expenditure Category Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2012 (a) Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2011 (b) Variance (a – b)
(in thousands of dollars)
Travel – Public Servants 902 960 -58
Travel – Non-Public Servants 2,199 2,258 -59
International Travel by Minister and Minister's Staff* 0 0 0
Total Travel 3,101 3,218 -117
Hospitality 417 449 -32
Conference Fees 69 77 -8
TOTAL 3,587 3,744 -157

(*) Includes international travel that is part of a department's program.

Compared to fiscal year 2010-11, NSERC's travel, hospitality and conference fees expenditures have decreased mainly due to:

  • the ability to negotiate better pricing with restaurants and hotels;
  • limiting the number of people attending a meeting or a conference;
  • booking flights more in advance;
  • the use of teleconferencing and in-house meeting rooms; and
  • increasing the accountability of budget holders.

Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences 2010-11

As required by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s This link will take you to another Web site Directive on the Management of Expenditures on Travel, Hospitality and Conferences, this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011.

This information is updated annually and does not contain information withheld under the This link will take you to another Web site Access to Information Act or This link will take you to another Web site Privacy Act.

Expenditures on travel, hospitality and conferences incurred by federal departments and agencies are related to supporting departmental mandate(s) and the Government of Canada’s priorities.

NSERC’s purpose is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians, by supporting post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies, promoting discovery by funding the research programs of academic researchers, and stimulating partnerships between academia and industry. Further information on NSERC’s mandate and program activities can be found in This link will take you to another Web site Part II of the Main Estimates.

NSERC’s program delivery is centred around a peer review model. External experts from across the country and the world contribute their time and expertise to adjudicate grant proposals and scholarship applicants with the aim of funding excellence for the benefit of Canada. The majority of NSERC’s travel and hospitality expenses are to support this peer review process. 

Total annual expenditures for travel, hospitality and conferences by NSERC are summarized below:

Expenditure Category Expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2011
(in thousands of dollars)
Travel – Public Servants 960
Travel – Non-Public Servants 2,258
International Travel by Minister and Minister's Staff* 0
Total Travel 3,218
Hospitality 449
Conference Fees 77
TOTAL 3,744

*Includes international travel that is part of a department's program.