Ottawa – The Subcommittee on Senate Estimates and Committee Budgets has begun its study of co-ordinated travel by senators after receiving a mandate from the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration at its June 5, 2025 meeting.

The subcommittee aims to table a report to the Internal Economy committee in the fall. The subcommittee’s work will be guided by the principles of integrity, accountability, honesty, transparency and equity. Senators strive to ensure a balance between the need to support their parliamentary work and the importance of showing that taxpayers’ money is being spent effectively and with rigorous oversight.

In accordance with the mandate to represent Canada’s regions, co-ordinated travel by senators — also known as regional familiarization tours — are organized by senators with the aim of increasing their colleagues’ awareness of regional issues through fact-finding exercises and meetings with stakeholder groups. Consultation with senators showed a consensus in favour of continuing to allow co-ordinated travel; however, senators recognized the need for a strong governance policy to ensure transparency and value for money.

The subcommittee will present a report with recommendations to the Internal Economy committee, which will allow members to make an informed decision on the best way forward.

Quote

“Public funds must continue to be spent diligently and prudently; our goal is to ensure that this is the case for this kind of travel.”

- Senator Éric Forest, chair of the subcommittee

“Canadians expect their representatives to be responsible stewards of public money. Senators taking part in co-ordinated travel must be able to show that expenses incurred are justified.”

- Senator Claude Carignan, deputy chair of the subcommittee

Associated Links

• Watch subcommittee chair Senator Éric Forest’s update at the October 2, 2025 meeting of the Internal Economy committee.
• Follow the subcommittee on social media using #SEBS.
• Subscribe to email alerts for Senate committees.
• Sign up for the Senate eNewsletter.

For more information:
media@sen.parl.gc.ca