U of C expense disclosures show thousands spent on President Ed McCauley’s conference travel
By Hannah Caparino, March 25 2026—
After the release of the Proactive Disclosure of Expenses the University of Calgary’s President and Vice-Provost, Dr. Edward McCauley, was reported to spend tens of thousands of dollars to travel to a number of conferences in order to establish U of C as a leader in the research sector. After spending over $40,000 in travel and accommodation expenses from January to April 2025, the Gauntlet hasn’t received any word on how these research and connection-based conferences would impact external funding going forward.
According to the Public Disclosure of Expenses document, McCauley spent $10,276.94 on a trip to Hanover, Germany, to attend the German U15 International Science and Policy Symposium (ISPS).
In comparison, the University of Alberta’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Bill Flanagan, attended the same conference and spent approximately $5,000 more for the airfare.
In a joint statement provided by the University of Calgary and the Office of President and Vice-Provost, McCauley was required to travel due to mandatory appearances in conferences hosted by the U15 schools.
“Canada’s U15 universities share a core mission: to educate the next generation while serving as engines of economic growth, research and innovation. Fulfilling this role requires engagement beyond campus, at times through a physical presence at the national and international level,” the office stated.
From Jan. 22 to 23, 2025, the U15 Conference hosted the top schools in the world to address ongoing challenges facing post-secondary research. As of right now, the University Office of Provost and Vice-President website has not released information about how U of C has established its place in the U15 or how the symposium will impact ongoing research, funding and sustainability.
Following that trip, he proceeded to attend the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Sciences and Technology opening ceremonies that was hosted in Paris, spending approximately another $10,000 for travel expenses.
Since 2022, the U of C has continued to invest in both Quantum Science research and real estate after recently breaking ground to build the “qLab”. An extension to the Alastair Ross Technology building was approved to start construction in July 2025. The extension is dedicated to Quantum studies and the building will include laboratory spaces, workshops and classrooms. Although construction has begun, no estimated costs were provided on the University of Calgary Properties Group website or PCL project site; even though the building is set to complete construction in 2027. This expansion is only one part of a major building project titled the “University Innovation Quarter” that is still under review by the City of Calgary.
In response to the reported travel expenses, the Office of the President and Vice-Provost explained that senior leadership is responsible for representing the school and creating relationships to better equip the University to produce successful graduates.
“Like all leading research institutions, UCalgary invests in travel for its president and senior leadership as an essential part of building international research partnerships, attracting top academic talent, informing national policy, and securing investment that strengthens Alberta’s economy. These efforts support student learning and opportunity. While the benefits of this work often take time to fully materialize, many of UCalgary’s impactful partnerships have either originated or been successfully advanced through in‑person engagement. Each trip is carefully evaluated to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds,” the office said.
At this time, no statement has been provided regarding the increasing investment in Quantum science research.
The document also provides the receipt for his domestic expenses. From April 27 to 29, on a trip to Ottawa to attend the U15 Executive Heads meeting, McCauley’s two night stay at the Fairmont Laurier brought his costs up to $1,416.87. But his airfare had no reported cost because of his purchase of an Air Canada East-West Connector Flight Pass.
The hotel cost is notably higher than that of University of Alberta President Bill Flanagan, whose accommodation for the same trip was reported at $757.57, according to the University of Alberta Travel, Hospitality and Working Session Expense Report.
With the recent CBC investigation shedding light on CLARE’s (Department of Classics and Religion) closure this coming July, staff are set to be absorbed into larger departments like History and Philosophy. The Office provided a statement regarding the Arts Renewal and the necessary changes for the faculty.
“Arts Renewal is a strategic, faculty‑led process focused on aligning academic structures with evolving student interest and strengthening academic communities for long‑term sustainability. The goal is to position the faculty and its students for long term success. As part of this work, the Faculty of Arts is modernizing its organizational structure to better support teaching, research, and collaboration,” the office said.
For more information regarding the Public Disclosure of Expenses, check out the UCalgary Legal Services webpage.