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QR&O: Volume I - Chapter 7 Grievances

Effective 1 January 2006, the official version of the QR&O is that published in PDF format on this website.

A consolidation of the QR&O volumes in official PDF version were made as of the 3 July 2019. The HTML version on this website is provided solely for the convenience of readers. Any discrepancies between the HTML and the official PDF version should be reported to Corporate Secretary.

Amendment List:

  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.01
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed note: 7.01
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.02
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed note: 7.02
  • 1 April 2026 – title of the article is replaced: 7.03
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.04
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.05
  • 1 April 2026 – replaced paragraph : 7.06(1) 
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed note: 7.06
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed  paragraph : 7.06(4)
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.07
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed note: 7.08
  • 1 April 2026 – replaced paragraphs : 7.08(1) and 7.08(4)
  • 1 April 2026 – replaced subparagraphs : 7.08(2)(b) and 7.08(2)(e)
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.09 
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed note: 7.09
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.10
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.11
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed note: 7.11
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.12
  • 1 April 2026 – title of the article is replaced: 7.13
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed note: 7.14
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.15
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.16
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.17
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed note: 7.17
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.18
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed note: 7.18
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.19
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.20
  • 1 April 2026 – replaced subparagraphs : 7.21(a) to (c)
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed note: 7.21
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.22
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed note: 7.23
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.24
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed note: 7.25
  • 1 April 2026 – repealed article: 7.27 and 7.28
  • 1 September 2018 – note amended: 7.02
  • 1 June 2014 – repealed article: 7.01
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.01
  • 1 June 2014 – replaced note: 7.01
  • 1 June 2014 – repealed article: 7.02
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.02
  • 1 June 2014 – replaced note: 7.02
  • 1 June 2014 – replaced article: 7.03
  • 1 June 2014 – replaced article: 7.04
  • 1 June 2014 – replaced article: 7.05 to 7.09
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.05
  • 1 June 2014 – repositioned: heading before article 7.06
  • 1 June 2014 – new article note: 7.06
  • 1 June 2014 – repositioned: heading before article 7.08
  • 1 June 2014 – new article note: 7.08
  • 1 June 2014 – repealed note: 7.09
  • 1 June 2014 – new article note: 7.09
  • 1 June 2014 – replaced article: 7.10
  • 1 June 2014 – repealed article: 7.11
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.11
  • 1 June 2014 – new article note: 7.11
  • 1 June 2014 – replaced article 7.12
  • 1 June 2014 – repealed notes: 7.12
  • 1 June 2014 – added: heading before article 7.13
  • 1 June 2014 – replaced article: 7.13
  • 1 June 2014 – replaced article: 7.14
  • 1 June 2014 – new article note: 7.14
  • 1 June 2014 – repositioned: heading before article 7.15
  • 1 June 2014 – replaced article 7.15
  • 1 June 2014 – added: heading before article 7.16
  • 1 June 2014 – repealed article 7.16
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.16
  • 1 June 2014 – repealed note: 7.16
  • 1 June 2014 – repealed article 7.17
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.17
  • 1 June 2014 – new article notes: 7.17
  • 1 June 2014 – new article note: 7.18
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.19
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.20
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.21
  • 1 June 2014 – new article notes: 7.21
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.22
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.23
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.24
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.25
  • 1 June 2014 – new heading before article 7.26
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.26
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.27
  • 1 June 2014 – new article: 7.28
  • 18 October 2013 – amended article: 7.11
  • 18 October 2013 – amended article: 7.12
  • 18 October 2013 – amended notes A and B: 7.12
  • 18 October 2013 – replaced article: 7.13
  • 18 October 2013 – amended article: 7.14
  • 18 October 2013 – amended article: 7.18

History:

(Refer carefully to article 1.02 (Definitions) when reading every regulation in this chapter.)

Section 1 – General

(G) [7.01: repealed by P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014]

(C) [1 June 2014; 1 April 2026 – 7.01 is repealed; Note repealed on 1 April 2026]

(G) [7.02: repealed by P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014]

(C) [1 June 2014; 1 April 2026 – 7.02 is repealed; Note repealed on 1 April 2026]

7.03 – EXCEPTION TO RIGHT TO GRIEVE

For the purposes of paragraph 29(2)(c) of the National Defence Act, there is no right to grieve in respect of a decision made under the Code of Service Discipline.

(G) [P.C. 2000-863 effective 15 June 2000; P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C. 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – Title of the article is replaced]

(G) [P.C. 2000-863 effective 15 June 2000; P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C. 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – 7.04 is repealed]

(G) [7.05: repealed by P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014]

(C) [1 June 2014; 1 April 2026 – 7.05 is repealed]

7.06 – TIME LIMIT TO SUBMIT GRIEVANCE

(1) A grievance shall be submitted within 90 days after the day on which the grievor knew or ought reasonably to have known of the decision, act or omission in respect of which the grievance is submitted.

(2) A grievor who submits a grievance after the expiration of the time limit set out in paragraph (1) shall include in the grievance reasons for the delay.

(3) The initial authority or, in the case of a grievance to which Section 2 does not apply, the final authority may consider a grievance that is submitted after the expiration of the time limit if satisfied it is in the interests of justice to do so. If not satisfied, the grievor shall be provided reasons in writing.

(G) [P.C. 2000-863 effective 15 June 2000; P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C. 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – (1) is replaced, (4) is repealed]

(C) [1 June 2014; Note repealed on 1 April 2026]

(G) [P.C. 2000-863 effective 15 June 2000; P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C. 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – 7.07 is repealed]

7.08 – SUBMISSION OF GRIEVANCE

(1) A grievance shall be submitted to the Canadian Forces Grievance Authority.

(1.1) If it is not practical for the grievor to submit their grievance in accordance with paragraph (1), the grievor may submit it to their commanding officer.

(2) A grievance shall include

(a) a brief description of the decision, act or omission that is the subject of the grievance, including any facts known to the grievor;

(b) an indication of the redress sought;

(c) if a person can substantiate the grievance, a statement in writing from that person;

(d) a copy of any relevant document in the possession of the grievor; and

(e) if the grievance is submitted after the expiration of the time limit set out in paragraph 7.06(1), reasons for the delay.

(3) A grievance shall not be submitted jointly with any other grievor.

(4) A grievance shall not contain content that constitutes insubordinate behaviour or a breach of discipline, unless it is necessary to state the grievance.

(G) [P.C. 2000-863 effective 15 June 2000; P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C. 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – (1), (2)(b),(e), and (4) are replaced]

(C) [1 June 2014; Note repealed on 1 April 2026]

(G) [P.C. 2000-863 effective 15 June 2000; P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – 7.09 is repealed]

(C) [1 June 2014; Note repealed on 1 April 2026]

(G) [P.C. 2000-863 effective 15 June 2000; P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – 7.10 is repealed]

(G) [7.11: repealed by P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014]

(C) [1 June 2014; 1 April 2026 – 7.11 is repealed; Note repealed on 1 April 2026]

(G) [P.C. 2000-863 effective 15 June 2000; P.C. 2013-1068 effective 18 October 2013 – heading, portion before (1)(a), and (2); P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – 7.12 is repealed]

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Section 2 – Initial Authority in Respect of a Grievance

7.13 – NON-APPLICATION

This Section does not apply to

(a) a grievance submitted by a military judge;

(b) a grievance concerning a decision, act or omission of an officer who is directly responsible to the Chief of the Defence Staff; and

(c) a grievance concerning a decision, act or omission of the Chief of the Defence Staff in respect of a particular officer or non-commissioned member.

(G) [P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – Title of the article is replaced]

7.14 – OFFICERS WHO MAY ACT AS INITIAL AUTHORITY IN RESPECT OF GRIEVANCE

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the following officers may act as the initial authority in respect of a grievance:

(a) the commanding officer of the grievor, if the commanding officer can grant the redress sought; and

(b) the commander, or officer appointed to the position of Director General or above at National Defence Headquarters, who is responsible for dealing with the matter that is the subject of the grievance.

(2) If a grievance relates to a decision, act or omission of an officer to whom a grievance is submitted, the officer shall refer the grievance to the next superior officer who is responsible for dealing with the matter that is the subject of the grievance and that officer shall act as the initial authority.

(G) [P.C. 2000-863 effective 15 June 2000; P.C. 2013-1068 effective 18 October 2013 – heading, portion before (1)(a), and (1)(b); P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014]

(C) [1 June 2014; Note repealed on 1 April 2026]

(G) [P.C. 2000-863 effective 15 June 2000; P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – 7.15 is repealed]

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Section 3 – Final Authority in Respect of Grievance

(G) [7.16: repealed by P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014]

(C) [1 June 2014; 1 April 2026 – 7.16 is repealed]

(G) [7.17: repealed by P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014]

(C) [1 June 2014; 1 April 2026 – 7.17 is repealed; Notes repealed on 1 April 2026]

(G) [P.C. 2000-863 effective 15 June 2000; P.C. 2013-1068 effective 18 October 2013 – (3)(a); P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – 7.18 is repealed]

(C) [1 June 2014; Note repealed on 1 April 2026]

(G) [P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – 7.19 is repealed]

(C) [1 June 2014; 1 April 2026 – 7.20 is repealed]

7.21 – TYPES OF GRIEVANCES TO BE REFERRED TO GRIEVANCES COMMITTEE

For the purposes of subsection 29.12(1) of the National Defence Act, the final authority shall refer to the Grievances Committee any grievance relating to one or more of the following matters:

(a) administrative action resulting in reversion to a lower rank or release from the Canadian Forces;

(b) the application or interpretation of Canadian Forces policies relating to harassment, discrimination, racist conduct, the expression of personal opinions, political activities, candidature for office, civil employment or conflict of interest and post-employment compliance measures;

(b.1) any decision, act or omission relating to an incident of a sexual nature;

(c) pay, allowances and other financial benefits, if the value of the redress sought is $25,000 or more;

(d) the entitlement to medical care or dental treatment; and

(e) any decision, act or omission of the Chief of the Defence Staff in respect of a particular officer or non-commissioned member.

(G) [P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014;P.C 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – (a), (b) and (c) are replaced]

(C) [1 June 2014; Notes repealed on 1 April 2026]

(C) [1 June 2014 – renumbered from 7.13; 1 April 2026 – 7.22 is repealed]

(C) [1 June 2014; 1 April 2026 – 7.23 is repealed]

(G) [P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – 7.24 is repealed]

(C) [1 June 2014; 1 April 2026 – 7.25 is repealed]

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Section 4 – Miscellaneous

7.26 – INFORMAL RESOLUTION

If an initial or final authority proposes to resolve the grievance of a grievor and the grievor accepts the proposal in full satisfaction of the grievance, the grievor has no further right to submit a grievance, once the proposal has been implemented, concerning the decision, act or omission in respect of which the grievance was submitted.

(G) [P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014]

(G) [P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014; P.C 2026-0131 effective 1 April 2026 – 7.27 and 7.28 are repealed]

[7.29 to 7.99: not allocated]

Page details

2026-06-02