Government Expense Report Shows Nearly $50K Spent on Lodging for Two-Night Stay

A recently published government travel expense report shows that John Murray, President & CEO of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), incurred $51,393.34 in travel costs for a two-night stay in Toronto.

The report, covering expenses from June 5 to June 7, 2024, lists $49,992.78 spent on lodging alone, with the remaining amount covering meals, incidentals, and transportation.

The expense report does not provide details on the accommodation or why lodging costs were significantly higher than typical government travel rates. As the head of a federally regulated body, Murray’s travel expenditures are subject to public disclosure, but no explanation has been provided for the cost.

Murray has led the CICC since 2018, overseeing the regulation of immigration consultants in Canada. The organization operates under government oversight, making financial transparency a key responsibility.

Without further clarification, the lodging cost stands out as anomalous in the context of standard travel expenses. Whether it reflects a reporting error or an exceptional circumstance remains unclear.

Coastal Front reached out to the CICC for comment but has not received a response.