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Travel expenses

Last updated on April 5, 2024

The Ministry of Finance oversees travel policy. For detailed allowances and reimbursements review Core Policy and Procedures Manual chapter 10: Travel.

You'll be allowed certain travel allowances and expenses depending on your travel allowance group.

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Paying for travel

Apply for a travel credit card to pay for travel and approved expenses. Pay the monthly statement balances and claim for reimbursement. Most travel expenses are covered using this method, with the exception of airline tickets and some taxi billings.

For expenses related to meals, please note that where a meal is provided without charge or is paid for from public funds, no claim for that meal can be made.

Be sure to keep all receipts and remember to:

  • Obtain expense authority approval to travel before expenses are incurred
  • Certify that your travel expense claims are correct, complete and comply with policy

Vehicles and mileage

When public transportation or a privately owned vehicle is not available or economical, a government car is the first choice. Use the following criteria to select appropriate vehicle use for your business travel.

For daily travel under 150 km per day:

  • Public transportation
  • Privately owned vehicle

For daily travel greater than 150 km per day:

  • Government car
  • Rental car

If you're buying insurance when renting a car, review Travel/Vehicles – Chapter 10.3.9 of the Core Policy and Procedures Manual.

Claim mileage when using your own vehicle for business travel or getting to a departure location (for example, airport, bus or ferry terminal). Carpooling is expected when it's practical do so in order to minimize costs and the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Review Appendix 1 - Travel Allowances (PDF, 51KB) for rates.

Accommodation and lodging

Stay with family or friends while working away from home and claim the private accommodation allowance as per Appendix 1 - Travel Allowances (PDF, 51KB). Or use the business travel accommodation listing to find a hotel that qualifies for reimbursement.

Meals

Claim meal or per diem expenses (PDF, 51KB) based on your travel allowance group.

To claim meals, travel status must:

  • Begin before 7 am on the date of departure to claim breakfast
  • Begin before 12 pm on the date of departure to claim lunch
  • End after 6 pm on the date of return to claim dinner

Miscellaneous allowances and reimbursements

Some employees receive a per diem that includes allowances such as ferry tolls, personal phone calls, laundry, dry cleaning and porterage fees. 

Travel outside the province

Review the Foreign Travel Guide (PDF, 523KB) (IDIR restricted) to learn more about travel outside the province.

Get reimbursed

Use iExpenses to enter and submit expense reports for business travel expense reimbursements, check the status of your expense reports, view payment information and access notifications.