# 2020-062 Pay and benefits, Shelter allowance outside Canada, Military Foreign Service Instruction

Case summary

F&R Date: 2021-05-11

The grievor was informed that they would not have to pay rent and utility expenses during their posting in Algeria. Nonetheless, following a subsequent verification, the grievor was informed of the discovery of an administrative error and that the amounts must be paid. The grievor submitted a grievance.

The Treasury Board's policy on financial benefits associated with military service postings outside Canada is described in Chapter 10 of the Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI) – Military Foreign Service Instruction (MFSI). Section 5 of the CBI deals with the financial provisions regarding housing and related provisions. 

The Committee noted that the grievor was single during their posting to Algeria and not financially responsible for a residence in Canada, given that they had left it prior to their posting. The grievor had also availed themselves of benefits related to the storage of household goods and effects in accordance with CBI 208.84(5) – Storage of household goods and effects – members without dependants – prior to leaving for Algeria. 

The Committee determined that, because the grievor was not financially responsible for a residence in Canada, the grievor's rent and utility shares were their only lodging and utility expenses during their posting in Algeria. This put them in a similar position to other military members, in service in Canada, held responsible for their own lodgings and utilities. Eliminating the grievor's expenses would provide them an advantage that would go against the MFSI. The Committee found that the grievor was treated in line with the applicable regulations in effect and that there was no evidence of the grievor suffering any harm. Consequently, the Committee recommended the Final Authority (FA) not grant the grievor redress.

FA decision summary

The Director-Canadian Forces Grievance Authority, acting as the FA, agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation and did not grant the grievor redress.