# 2021-185 Pay and Benefits, Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program, Interim Lodging, Meals and Incidentals

Case summary

F&R Date: 2022-05-19

The grievor contested the decision to refuse to reimburse him for extra interim meals expenses and believed that he did all he could to complete his relocation within the prescribed timeframe. The grievor explained that he was not able to obtain the official documents required to proceed with his relocation to the United States given the extenuating circumstances caused by the pandemic, which forced him and his family to spend several nights in commercial and non-commercial lodgings. In his opinion, he was not responsible for the delays that occurred and therefore should not be penalized for that unfortunate situation. As redress, the grievor asked to be reimbursed for daily meal expenses for each family member.

The Director General for Compensation and Benefits, acting as Initial Authority (IA), concluded that the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program (CFIRP) Directive does not contain any provision that permits the authorization of reimbursement for additional interim meal expenses exceeding 30 days and that the grievor had therefore been treated in accordance with the directive in effect. The IA explained that, according to section 5.08 of the CFIRP Directive, the grievor was able to claim the maximum interim meal expenses despite the delays encountered while awaiting the receipt of official documents, which was deemed out of his control.

The Committee concluded that the circumstances surrounding the grievor's relocation were no different than those set out by the Treasury Board in the CFIRP Directive and that, despite the prolonged period of the relocation, the grievor had received the reimbursement to which he was entitled. The Committee noted that beyond 30 days, it is members' responsibility to feed their families, despite the disruption caused by the pandemic.

The Committee determined that the grievor was not eligible for reimbursement for additional interim meals expenses while travelling for his relocation to the United States and recommended that the Final Authority not grant the grievor the redress sought.