# 2021-096 Pay and Benefits, Capital Improvements in accordance with article 8.2.10 of the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program

Case summary

F&R Date: 2021-10-22

The grievor contested the Director Compensation Benefits Administration’s decision to deny him reimbursement for the cost of the renovations that he had made to his home. Having made the renovations soon after moving into his home, the grievor stated he had done so within the financial limits set by the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program (CFIRP) Directive. The grievor also said that he had accepted an offer of purchase for his home a few days after the 19 April 2018 version of the CFIRP Directive came into effect, which modified his eligibility for reimbursement for capital improvements expenses. The grievor indicated that he did not find out about the policy changes until weeks later, which prevented him from considering it at the time when he put his home on the market.  

The Initial Authority refused to grant the grievor redress, indicating that since the grievor sold his home after the 19 April 2018 version of the CFIRP Directive came into effect, he was no longer eligible for reimbursement for the capital improvement expenses. 

The Committee examined the provisions in effect and found that after 19 April 2018 it was no longer possible for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members to claim reimbursement for the capital improvements made to their principal residences. However, the Committee concluded that the grievor was aggrieved because the CAF failed in its duty to duly inform him of the changes made to the relocation benefits, thereby preventing the grievor from knowing whether the price set for the sale of his home was in his best interest. As such, the Committee concluded that the grievor was entitled to an appropriate redress.

The Committee recommended that the Final Authority grant the grievor redress in the form of an ex gratia payment.