Due to the increasing federal budget deficit, the following policies have been
established regarding employees traveling on official government business.
(Note: this is from a sheet that I photocopied on March 12, 1993, when the
Canadian government was in the midst of wholesale cutbacks.)
TRANSPORTATION
Hitchhiking in lieu of commercial transport is the preferred choice.
Fluorescent safety vests will be issued to all employees prior to their
departure on government business trips. Bus transportation will be used
whenever hitchhiking is not possible. Airline tickets will only be authorized
for purchase in extreme circumstances, and the lowest fares will be used. If,
for example, a meeting is scheduled in Vancouver, but a lower fare can be
obtained by traveling to Montreal, then the meeting will be relocated to
Montreal.
LODGING
All employees are encouraged to stay with relatives, friends, or mere
acquaintances while on government business. If weather permits, public areas
such as parks, roadside rest stops, and parking lots should be used for
temporary lodging sites. Bridges and tunnels may provide shelter in periods of
inclement weather.
MEALS
Expenditures for meals will be limited to the absolute minimum. It should be
noted that certain grocery chains, such as Loblaws, often provide free samples
of promotional items. Entire meals can frequently be consumed in this manner.
Travelers should also become familiar with indigenous roots, berries and
other protein sources available at their destination. If restaurants must be
utilized, travelers should seek establishments offering "all you can eat"
salad bars. This will be especially cost-effective to employees traveling
together, as a single plate can be used to feed an entire group. Employees are
also encouraged to bring their own food while on government business. Cans of
tuna fish, Spam and Beefaroni can be conveniently consumed at your leisure,
without the unnecessary bother of heating or other costly preparations.
ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment while on travel is strictly discouraged. If such extravagances
are required on diplomatic contacts, international visitors should be
encouraged to "pick up the tab". Such action will save the taxpayers money and
also convince foreign diplomats that we are concerned about spending money on
effective government, not on useless frivolities. The hospitality provided to
diplomats who visit our facility shall be tasteful, yet cost-effective. In
lieu of lavish dinners, a picnic bench will be placed in the rear parking lot
near the dumpster and a garden hose will be made available so that liquid
refreshments can be provided for our guests.