# 2021-162 Pay and Benefits, Leave travel assistance

Case summary

F&R Date: 2021-10-01

The grievor, who was expecting to attend a course, bought airplane tickets to return to his principal residence during a period of leave. He had not yet received his loading instruction or approval of his leave. The course dates changed and the tickets were no longer necessary.  Consequently, the grievor wanted to be reimbursed.

The Initial Authority (IA), the Director General Compensation and Benefits, explained that the Compensation and Benefits Instructions for the Canadian Forces (CBI) provide for the reimbursement of transportation and travel expenses. According to paragraph 209.50(3) of the CBI, for a member to be entitled to leave travel assistance (LTA), they must be on leave (in other words, have an approved leave request) before committing funds for a means of transportation.

The Committee concluded that since the grievor's leave had not been approved, he was not entitled to LTA or the reimbursement provided at paragraph 209.54 of the CBI for members whose approved leave is cancelled for service reasons. The Committee recommended that no redress be granted. 

FA Decision Summary  

The Director of the Canadian Forces Grievance Authority, acting as Final Authority, agreed with the Committee's findings and its recommendation not to grant redress to the grievor.