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Government of Canada Gouvernement du Canada

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DAOD 5044-0, Family Services to Support Canadian Armed Forces Members

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Policy Direction
  3. Consequences
  4. Authority
  5. References

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2025-10-29

Effective Date: 2025-10-29

Application: This DAOD is an order that applies to officers and non-commissioned members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF members).

Approval Authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP)

Enquiries: Administrative Response Centre (ARC)

2. Policy Direction

Context

2.1 For the purposes of the DAOD 5044 series, “family” is described as a group of two or more persons between whom there is an intimate or significant personal relationship that is connected over time by ties of mutual consent, birth, adoption, or legal placement. These relationships are characterized by either biological, spiritual, economic, emotional, social or psychological interdependence.

2.2 There is an important connection between the proximity of family members to serving military personnel and the extent to which service affects their family. The CAF recognizes the many unique contributions made by CAF members for the protection of Canada and the maintenance of international peace and stability. CAF members and their families are a distinct subset of the Canadian population and encounter many unique challenges stemming from their commitment to military service.

2.3 Services, benefits, and programs for military families focus primarily on specific categories of immediate family members most impacted by the conditions of military life, such as spouses, children and parents of CAF members. These categories and the application of specific benefits are further detailed within the eligibility criteria of relevant legislation, regulation and policy depending on the service, benefit or program being provided. Policy instruments related to compensation, reimbursement of expenses, or the provision of publicly funded services provide specific definitions of family, family members, and dependants, which have been approved by Treasury Board.

2.4 The CAF acknowledges the impact that factors such as living situations and cultural differences have on shaping the structure, composition and function of modern Canadian military families. The CAF also recognizes that military families exist in many forms including individuals living alone, separate or apart from their family members.

Policy Statement

2.5 The CAF is committed to:

  1. providing services and supports (including access to referrals and networks) when appropriate to help CAF members and their families manage the unique opportunities and challenges of military service;
  2. building capacity across the many domains of health and wellness by providing guidance and resources for CAF members and their families; and
  3. upholding the leadership role in fostering a healthy work-life balance when operationally feasible, as outlined in Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence.

Requirements

2.6 The CAF must:

  1. provide services and support when appropriate to CAF members in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations and programs;
  2. monitor and provide appropriate programs, services, policies, referrals, and other similar resources to assist CAF members with the challenge of balancing military service and family life to ensure operational readiness; and
  3. establish protocols, procedures, and education to support healthy families.

3. Consequences

General

3.1 Should clarification of the policy statement, requirements or authorities set out in this DAOD be required, CAF members may seek direction through their chain of command. The anticipated results set out in the policy statement may not be achieved by the DND and the CAF if the requirements specified in this DAOD are not properly implemented. Not achieving the anticipated results could affect the ability of the DND and the CAF to ensure that the CAF is prepared to undertake missions for the protection of Canada and Canadians and the maintenance of international peace and stability.

4. Authority

4.1 The CMP has the authority to develop and approve policies, instructions and programs pertaining to family support services. 

5. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

Other References

Page details

2025-11-05