Understanding the expenditure reports for Presiding Officers and House Officers

The expenditure reports for Presiding Officers and House Officers include expenses processed by the House of Commons Administration for a quarterly period. These expenses are subject to the policies of the Board of Internal Economy that are in effect when the expenses are incurred. The current policies are explained in the Members’ Allowances and Services Manual, which is available on ourcommons.ca. 

The expenses included in reports reflect, to some extent, the number of Members representing a party.

For more information about expenditure reports for Presiding Officers and House Officers, please refer to the frequently asked questions. Further enquiries about the reports or about the expenses of a specific Presiding Officer or House Officer should be directed to Board of Internal Economy spokespersons or to the Presiding Officer or House Officer in question.

With the transition to enhanced reporting processes, Presiding Officers’ and House Officers’ expenditure reports may have minor differences in format and content from previously published reports. While some fields have been removed or reformatted, all information required by the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act continues to be fully disclosed. These updates aim to enhance the reporting processes while upholding transparency.

SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES

The Summary of Expenditures for Presiding Officers and House Officers includes quarterly, aggregate amounts for the following categories:

• Salaries (includes the salaries of Presiding Officers’ and House Officers’ employees)
• Travel (includes the travel expenses charged to the Presiding Officer’s and House Officer’s Office Budget and under the Travel Points System)
• Hospitality (includes hospitality expenses incurred for events in the fulfillment of Presiding Officers’ and House Officers’ parliamentary functions)
• Contracts (includes all other expenses incurred by Presiding Officers and House Officers, such as for service contracts, gifts, office operations, and training)

DETAILED TRAVEL EXPENDITURES REPORT

The Detailed Travel Expenditures Report for Presiding Officers and House Officers includes all travel expenses paid with House funds, namely: expenses for transportation, accommodations, meals and incidentals, as well as any other travel-related expenses for Presiding Officers, House Officers and their employees. Travel expenses include those charged to the Presiding Officer’s and House Officer’s Office Budget. At their discretion, Presiding Officers and House Officers may also use the Travel Points System for their transportation expenses.

DETAILED HOSPITALITY EXPENDITURES REPORT

The Detailed Hospitality Expenditures Report for Presiding Officers and House Officers includes all hospitality expenses paid with House funds, namely: expenses for meals, beverages and refreshments, as well as other expenses related to hospitality extended to guests at events that are necessary for the fulfillment of parliamentary functions.

DETAILED CONTRACT EXPENDITURES REPORT

The Detailed Contract Expenditures Report for Presiding Officers and House Officers includes information on contracts entered into by Presiding Officers and House Officers and paid with House funds. A contract is established every time a Presiding Officer or House Officer uses House funds to acquire goods or services from a supplier, whether or not a formal contract is signed. This report includes expenses related to service contracts, gifts, office operations, and training.