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Communication to Researchers - Tri-Agency Summary of Changes
On Behalf of Financial Services, Restricted Funds team, please note that The Tri-Agency (NSERC, SSHRC & CIHR) have updated their financial administrative guide taking effect on October 1st, 2016.
We would like to bring to your attention some significant changes:
Computers and Electronic Communications
Home internet costs: Ineligible Expenses
Hospitality Meals
To be an eligible expense, hospitality meals (non-alcoholic refreshments or meals) are required to be for networking purposes in the context of formal courtesy between the grantee and guest researchers OR for research-related activities in the context of assemblies that facilitate and contribute to the achievement of the research objectives (e.g., grantee meeting with partners, stakeholders, guest researchers), AND “at least” one external attendee (i.e. guest researcher) at the meal.
Therefore, in addition to the invoice the following information is required to be included:
- The date(s) of the event(s);
- The number of participants; names, title, name of their institution.
- A justifiable reason for each internal and external attendee to be present at the meal.
- The purpose of the event.
- And now, the expenses require counter signature by the department head or dean for hospitality expenses claimed by the grantee.
Salary reminder:
Research salary codes structure linked to the eligible Research benefit rate
As per the Tri-Agency guidelines discretionary benefits are ineligible on Tri-Agency grants. As such, Concordia University created account codes with a customized Research benefit rate that captures non-discretionary benefits only. The Research benefit rates are linked to the 666* “Research salary” account code series. The Research salaries account code series must be used in order to apply the CU customized Research benefit rate and therefore comply with the Tri-Agency rules.
Note: Any account code used that generates a benefit rate greater than -the current Research benefit rate of 21.4% is deemed ineligible by the Tri Agency as this would include discretionary benefits.
Salaries on Tri-Agency grants
Any individual whose status would make them eligible to apply for a Tri-Agency grant cannot be paid any part of his/her salary/stipend on any Tri- Agency grant.
Exception:
Postdoctoral researchers holding a fellowship or receiving a stipend or salary from another researcher’s grant may apply for and hold their own research grant (SSHRC only).
Please review the Summary of Changes on the tri-Agency website, which highlights these & other significant updates at:
If there are any questions please contact your financial officer in Restricted Funds.
Thank you.