Disclosure of Travel and Hospitality Expenses: Foreign Affairs
On December 12, 2003, the Prime Minister announced a new policy
on the mandatory publication of the travel and hospitality expenses for selected government officials.
This Web site provides information on the travel and hospitality expenses incurred,
on a quarterly basis, within Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) by the Minister, Minister of State, their exempt staff,
Parliamentary Secretary, as well as by senior employees at the Deputy Minister, Associate Deputy Minister and
Assistant Deputy Minister levels, and Heads of Mission at equivalent levels.
The rules and principles governing travel are outlined in the
Guidelines for Ministers' Offices, the
Treasury Board's Travel Directive, and the
Special Travel Authorities.
The Government of Canada extends hospitality in accordance with the rules and principles outlined in the Guidelines for
Minister Offices, the Treasury Board's Hospitality Policy,
and in accordance with Chapter 9 of the Manual of Protocol, on
Hospitality Outside of Canada. This chapter ensures coordination and cost-effectiveness of official hospitality abroad and a
consistent interpretation of the relevant Treasury Board directives by departments and agencies with program personnel on
foreign assignment.
Official hospitality outside Canada serves to strengthen and develop bilateral relations with other countries
and promote Canadian interests abroad. Customs relating to the form and offering of hospitality vary from country
to country. The cost of extending hospitality can vary substantially, depending on the local customs and costs in
each country. The Department regularly performs audits
of missions, including activities related to the extension of hospitality and travel, and the results are posted on our website.
The information on this Web site will be updated every three months, beginning on March 31, 2004. Amounts include all applicable taxes.
Please note that while this initial report includes only senior level Heads of Mission outside Canada at levels
equivalent to Deputy Minister, Associate Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Minister, it is the intention that
all Heads of Mission eventually be subject to the disclosure requirement.
Please note as well that information that would normally be withheld under the Access to Information Act
or the Privacy Act does not appear on this Web site.
|
