Report on Annual Expenditures for Travel, Hospitality and Conferences

As required by the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality Conferences and Event Expenditures, this report provides information on the total annual expenditures for each of travel, hospitality and conferences for the Northern Pipeline Agency (NPA or the Agency) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. 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 Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act.

Expenditures on travel, hospitality and conferences incurred by the NPA are related to activities that support the Agency’s mandate and the government’s priorities. 

The Agency was established by the Northern Pipeline Act (Act) in 1978 to facilitate the planning and construction by Foothills Pipe Lines Limited (Foothills) of the Canadian portion of the Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline (AHGP) project and to maximize social and economic benefits from its construction and operation while minimizing any adverse effects.

In February 2013, Foothills notified the Agency that no further work is planned on the AHGP for now; however, the company intends to maintain the AHGP assets in Canada.

In support and development of its programs and mandate, the Agency incurs travel, hospitality and conference expenses. In 2013-14, the Agency spent $7,218 on travel. The Agency did not incur hospitality or conferences expenses in 2013-14.

For more information on NPA Plans and Priorities, see the 2013-14 Report on Plans and Priorities.

Significant Variances Compared With the Previous Fiscal Year

Travel - Public Servants:  Compared to fiscal year 2012-13, the NPA travel expenditures by public servants decreased by $48,263, or 87%, as a result of the reduced consultation and engagement activities with Aboriginal groups and other levels of government associated with the current project status. 

Conference Fees: In 2013-14, the NPA did not incur any expenditures for conference fees, compared to $1,776 in 2012-13, again due to the recent reduction of Agency activities.