Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

Relocation Directive - Chapter 1 - Principles

1.01 Introduction

This chapter describes the policy principles. They are the cornerstone of managing relocations and shall guide all CF members, civilian employees and the service provider in achieving fair, reasonable and modern relocation practices.

It is divided into the following sections:

Section 1.1 Policy

1.1.01 Policy effective date

The Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program (CFIRP) 2009 is effective 1 April, 2009. It represents the Treasury Board’s approved policy for CF members on relocation of their Dependants, Household Goods and Effects ((D) HG&E). It also represents the Governor in Council’s approved policy for some specific, non-CF members’ relocations.

(TB amended 16 September 2014)

1.1.02 Policy statement

The Department will:

1.1.03 Eligibility application

The following are entitled to relocation benefits under the CFIRP:

The formula for calculating the distance is as follows:

  1. Distance in kilometres between current residence and new place of duty = (number of km)
  2. Distance in kilometres between new residence and new place of duty = (number of km)
  3. Line 1 minus line 2 = (number of km)

    When the difference is 40 km or more, relocation benefits are payable.

(Limitation) CF members who enrol or re-enrol, or transfer from the Reserve Force to the Regular Force, and have not successfully completed basic military occupation or trade training or its equivalent for the occupation or trade for which they enroll, re-enroll or transfer are not entitled to relocation benefits under the CFIRP, unless they:

(TB amended 16 September 2014)

1.1.04 Policy articulation

The CFIRP Policy Document contains information regarding the benefits and applicable funding available to CF members on relocation of (D) HG&E. It provides options to CF members within a policy framework to allow them to choose specific relocation benefits.

CF members will be administered under this CFIRP Directive when:

(TB amended 16 September 2014)

1.1.05 Policy structure

This policy has been divided into three parts:

Section 1.2 Components

1.2.01 Introduction

This section provides:

1.2.02 Components

This table provides a general outline of the benefits and their correspondent funding associated with each component.

Component/Content Core Custom Personalized
Benefits Essential to a relocation. Enhancements to a relocation. Non-essential, but attributable to a relocation.
Funding Each benefit funded directly by the Department

Formula composed of three factors:

  • Accommodation
  • Transportation
  • Shipment of HG&E

Formula composed of a variety of elements (if eligible):

  • Movement Grant
  • Posting Allowance/Reserve Relocation Allowance
  • Incentives (if applicable)
  • Savings (if applicable)

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

1.2.03 Core benefits

CF members are not required to use these benefits; however, unused benefits cannot be exchanged or assigned a monetary value to pay for other benefits or expenses. CF members who do not use core benefits shall forfeit them.

1.2.04 Custom benefits

Custom funding is based on the factors of type of accommodation, distance traveled and family size. The custom funding formula is used by CF members to pay for custom benefits. Custom funding is provided on a use it or lose it basis. Once the customized funds have been used, remaining expenditures are from the personalized funds.

1.2.05 Personalized benefits

Relocation expenses may be reimbursed from the personalized funds when the expenditure is not specified within the policy but is attributable to the relocation and meets the intent of the CFIRP. These must be reasonable, justifiable, and supported by receipts. The reimbursement of these expenses must not constitute personal gain.

It is within CF members' discretion to use personalized benefits. The personalized funding formula is subject to Canada Revenue Agency regulations and available for use in three ways:

When a relocation benefit is reimbursed from personalized funds CF members are not obligated to use the 3rd party service provider.

Section 1.2.1 Custom Funding Formula

1.2.1.01 Formula

The Custom Funding Formula is used to calculate how much money will be available to spend on Custom Benefits and is the total of three factors:

Custom Funding Formula

1.2.1.02 Limitations to qualifying rooms

For the purpose of calculating the Custom Funding Formula, the following is the list of qualifying rooms:

1.2.1.03 Shared accommodation

When CF members share accommodations with persons other than their spouse or dependants, the shipment of HG&E factor is based on the rental or pro-rated homeowners formula.

If CF members occupy a then the factor is based on
single room, one qualifying room.
portion of an entire residence, CF members portion of the number of rooms in the residence.

Section 1.2.2 Personalized Funding Formula

1.2.2.01 Formula

The Personalized Funding Formula is used to calculate how much money will be available to spend on Personalized Benefits and is the total of three or, as the case may be, five factors as shown in the table below:

Personalized Funding Formula

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

1.2.2.02 Movement grant

Wherever a move of HG&E is authorized and eligibility has been established, CF members receive a non-accountable movement grant of $650 to offset various losses or expenses incurred but not specifically provided for. CF members must sign a statement attesting that these expenses were incurred. Receipts are not required. Examples of expenditures are:

1.2.2.03 Posting/Reserve Relocation allowance

Posting allowance is intended to provide compensation for the turbulence associated with relocation of Regular Force members, which is based on CF members' monthly rate of pay on the COS date.

Reserve Force members authorized to relocate are entitled to the Reserve Relocation Allowance of $1000.

1.2.2.04 Real estate incentive

CF members who elect to keep their principal residence receive an incentive equal to 80% of the pre-negotiated corporate real estate commission rate based on the appraised value of the principal residence, not to exceed $12,000.

1.2.2.05 Long Term Storage incentive

This incentive only applies in respect of a CF member whose HG&E are packed before 19 April 2018.

CF members posted to isolated posts or outside Canada are entitled to Long Term Storage (LTS) of major appliances. CF members who do not store their major appliances may transfer 80% of the savings resulting from not storing one set of the following qualifying appliances: refrigerator, stove, freezer, washer, dryer, and/or dishwasher. Savings shall not exceed the cost of 24 months storage. Entitlement is limited to CF members who owned the appliances prior to the receipt of a posting instruction. Eligible appliances are listed in art 9.1.07.

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

1.2.2.06 HHT savings incentives

A CF member who is entitled to receive relocation benefits under this Directive, and who commenced their HHT before 19 April 2018, can generate Personalized Funding of up to $250 by shortening the normal duration of their HHT, and an additional $250 if they and their spouse travel via service flight or charter.

For greater certainty this entitlement is not available to any other CF member.

(TB amended, 19 April 2018)

Section 1.3 Recourse

1.3.01 Limitations

The benefits outlined in this policy are all inclusive. It is designed to provide some degree of flexibility while remaining within the intent of the policy. This will allow CF members to make choices based on their specific needs; however, those choices shall not extend benefits or create entitlements.

Disagreement with the relocation policy is not substantiation for departmental adjudication.

There is no provision, under any circumstances, for benefits to be exchanged, traded, assigned a monetary value, or changed through the provision of a business case.

1.3.02 Request for clarification /adjudication

Requests may be submitted to DCBA through the CF Relocation Coordinator when CF members:

All requests shall include the following information:

CF Relocation Coordinators shall return incomplete requests to CF members with explanations on required documents/information.

CF Relocation Coordinators shall respond directly to CF members' requests that do not meet the limitations of the policy as stated above with appropriate analysis and pertinent references.

Released CF members Released CF members shall communicate with the nearest CF Base Relocation Coordinator.

(TB amended 16 September 2014)

Section 1.4 Definitions

Accommodation Directory

Government of Canada Hotel Directory for that particular area.

Actual and Reasonable Expenses

Justifiable expenses that do not upgrade the financial position or exceed the authorized benefit of the CF member and are supported by proof of payments; i.e., receipts, vouchers, and credit card statements.

Arm's Length Transaction

An arm's length transaction is one that is consummated between two or more non-related parties as per Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) interpretation. Related individuals include:

direct-line descendants, as well as spouse or common law partners, brothers, sisters, and in-laws; and

non-immediate family members such as cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces.

ATM Charges

Charges by a financial institution for transactions conducted via automatic teller machines.

Basic Training List (BTL)

A list of positions to which CF members may be posted to acquire initial occupation qualification training.

Business Case

A detailed analysis of the costs, benefits and risks associated with a proposed plan which offers reasonable alternatives. It provides information necessary for making a decision about whether a plan should proceed.

Clear Title

Unconditional title to a property as determined by the CF member's lawyer.

Commercial Lodgings

Lodgings obtained in a hotel, motel, tourist home, guest cottage or similar establishment that caters to the general public at predetermined rates.

Commercial Transportation

Transportation by air, ground transportation such as but not limited to: professional airport limousine, rental vehicle, shuttle, taxi, bus, rail or watercraft. Upgrades to Business Class or First Class will not be reimbursed from any funding envelope.

Component

The Component provides CF members with benefits and funding for relocation.

Controlled Location

A VCDS Controlled International Operation, where the move of dependant(s) is authorized; however, the move of HG&E is limited to specific weight restrictions found within the applicable weight tables contained in the CFIRP Policy.

Cooking Facilities

Adequate cooking facilities, as a minimum, are a two-burner hotplate, refrigerator and a microwave oven if required for a continuous period of less than seven days. For periods of more than seven continuous days, adequate cooking facilities include a stove, refrigerator and microwave oven.

DCBA

The Directorate of Compensation and Benefit Administration.

Department

The Department of National Defence.

Dependant

(1) This definition applies to all chapters in the CFIRP. For the purpose of an IPR move (Chapter 14), the context here requires that "CF member" includes an eligible person who is not an estate.

(2) “Dependant” means, in relation to an individual who is a CF member, a person who is related to the individual within the meaning of paragraph (3) and who:

  1. physically resides in the individual's residence for more than 240 days during the 365 days immediately before the day on which the individual commences their move;
  2. does not meet the residence requirement in subparagraph (a) because:
    1. they attend full-time a university, college, professional or vocational institution, or similar body;
    2. they married or became the common-law partner of the individual during the 240 days immediately before the day on which the individual commences their move and physically reside in the individual's residence after that day;
    3. they became a child of the individual during the 240 days immediately before the day on which the individual commences their move and physically reside in the individual's residence after that day, or
    4. in the case of the spouse or the common-law partner of the individual, they are or were a member of the Regular Force or the Reserve Force and reside elsewhere for service reasons.

(3) For the purpose of paragraph (2) a person related to an individual who is a CF member if:

  1. the person is the individual's common-law partner or spouse;
  2. the person is a child of the individual, their spouse or their common-law partner;
  3. in the case of a person who is a minor or who is an adult who has been declared incompetent under provincial or territorial law, the individual, their spouse or their common-law partner is the person authorized by law to act on behalf of that person; or
  4. the person is a person in respect of whom the individual may claim a tax credit under the Income Tax Act or would be able to claim such a credit except for the fact that the person's income exceed the applicable income limit specified under that Act for that tax credit.

(4) For the purpose of paragraph (2), if an individual who is a CF member has a child who is a minor and is the subject of a custody order or an enforceable custody agreement betweenthe individual and another person, the child is deemed to physically reside in the individual's residence for the greater of:

  1. the number of days in a year that the order or agreement specifies the individual's residence to be the child's primary residence; and
  2. number of days in a year that the order or agreement specifies that individual has access to but not custody of the child.

Number of Dependants - When a posting message does not include all dependants, CF members must provide their Military Personal Records Resume (MPRR) to the service provider to show the number of dependants.

Note

1. In cases of joint/shared custody, when the dependant is residing with the CF member at the time of the relocation, expenses as outlined in the CF IRP Policy may be reimbursed. As per art 3.4.03 the DAE portion of the posting allowance is payable to CF members whose dependants are relocated at public expense.

2. When posted outside Canada the host country may not recognize those defined as dependants under the CF policy therefore CF members should verify host country regulations and ensure compliance understanding that they are responsible for any subsequent costs associated with continuing to establish residency. Person à charge (PC)

(TB amended 16 September 2014)

Direct Road Distance

Means the official distance listed in the department-approved distance guide less distance traveled on water, where included, or when not listed means the shortest practicable road distance as determined by the service provider.

Dwelling

Self-contained living quarters that have the normal amenities necessary for continuous year-round occupancy, and that have one or more private entrances from outside or from a common hall, lobby, vestibule or stairway inside the building. The term includes houses, condominiums, apartments, mobile homes, boats and those portions of a multiple-unit residential building that are owned and occupied by the CF member.

Eligible person

Has the same meaning as in QR&O 209.20 (Definitions).

(TB amended 16 September 2014)

Equity

The sale price of the residence less any existing mortgage and/or lien, not a CF member's net worth (i.e. the difference between the sale price of the residence and the remaining mortgage or loan payments outstanding on that residence).

Exceptional Circumstances

Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, weather conditions, operational requirements or travel to remote areas. They are rare and shall only be considered in cases of extreme and unforeseen situations.

Expenses

The amount of money spent in order to purchase an item or service.

Fees

The payment for professional services rendered.

Funding Formula

The various factors and elements that add together to determine the amount of custom and personalized funding available to the CF member.

Geographical Boundaries

Geographical boundaries of a base established by a Base Commander.

Government Quarters

Family or single quarters, a limited dividend or non-public fund housing or similar accommodation whose occupancy is controlled by the Canadian Forces Housing Agency or by military authorities.

Home Staging

Home staging is a professional service that assists a home seller in making their home more attractive and appealing to potential buyers. A home stager may bring in furniture, artwork, plants, rugs and accessories to make a house look its best while on the market. Some full service stagers also offer contractor consulting services which may include choosing paints, tiles, carpets, etc., and working with the contractors to get the house ready.

Household Goods and Effects (HG&E)

The personal belongings, including the furniture, household effects, household equipment and personal effects of a CF member and dependants. They do not include those items specified not eligible to be shipped due to their hazardous nature or where excluded by Departmental relocation policy or otherwise restricted by household goods removal tariffs of the HGRS contract.

Imposed Restriction (IR)

An approved delay in moving Dependants, Household Goods and Effects ((D)HG&E) for a specific period of time.

Incidentals

When on an HHT or DIT means the Treasury Board Incidental Travel Rate payable to one family unit only (including the CF member) anytime CF members or dependants are on travel status. Incidentals are intended to pay for expenses such as, but not limited to, gratuities, dry cleaning, laundry, bottled water, phone calls, home grass cutting, snow removal, home security check, plant watering, mail services, pet care, telecommunications hook-ups and service.

Intended Place of Residence

The place at which a CF member - or eligible person who is not an estate - intends to reside following a release or transfer from the Regular Force.

(TB amended 16 September 2014)

Isolated Posts

As identified in the Treasury Board Isolated Post Directive.

Kilometric Rate - Travel

The travel rates as published by the Treasury Board kilometric rate. Reimbursement under CFIRP is the applicable kilometric rate, multiplied by the pre-established distance to be traveled as per the department-approved distance guide.

Loyalty Contract

A vendor-imposed contract, which stipulates a fixed period of time for a service provided to the consumer (i.e., a free cell phone for signing a three year contract; if the contract is broken there is a penalty to the consumer).

Market Value

The value of a residence at the time of its sale.

Meal Rate

The Treasury Board prescribed meal rate per person, per full calendar day that includes the breakfast, lunch and dinner meals.

Medically Retained

A CF member may be retained subject to employment limitations only on a temporary, transitional basis, to the earliest of the end of the current terms of service, or a period of three years, if the recommendation of an Administrative Review - Medical Employment Limitation is release because the CF member is in breach of the minimum operational standards.

Mileage - Distance Calculation

Kilometric and mileage distances (less distance traveled by sea) calculated using the shortest practicable road distance and the department-approved distance guide.

Miscellaneous Allowance

When on TNL and ILM&M means 12% of the full daily meal rate for the CF member and 6% of the full daily meal rate for each dependant regardless of age and is payable anytime CF member or dependants are on travel status. Miscellaneous expenses are intended to pay for expenses such as, but not limited to, gratuities, dry cleaning, laundry, bottled water, phone calls, home grass cutting, snow removal, home security check, plant watering, mail services, pet care, telecommunications hook-ups and service.

Movement Grant

A non-accountable grant intended to offset various losses or expenses incurred but not specifically provided for because of the move.

Non-Commercial Lodgings

Lodgings other than commercial lodgings, including a travel trailer, tent or a private home, but not including public quarters or the private residence of the CF member or a relative or acquaintance with whom the CF member normally resides.

Pets

Animals that normally reside in the family home or that would be allowed in a living room. Farm animals such as horses are not included. Large numbers of animals such as a cattery or a kennel of dogs, whether owned for pleasure or profit, are not included.

Place of Duty

The place at which a CF member usually performs normal military duties and includes any place in the surrounding geographical area that is determined to be part thereof by the Chief of the Defense Staff or such other officer as shall be designated.

Posting Allowance

An allowance, provided as part of the funding, intended to provide compensation for the turbulence associated with relocation of CF members of the Regular Force.

Primary Mode of Travel

The mode of travel by which the CF member and the majority of the family members travel.

Principal Residence

A dwelling in Canada, other than a summer cottage or other seasonal accommodation, together with that portion of land (1.25 acres or less) that:

  • Is situated at the location to which the CF member's Household Goods and Effects were last moved at public expense or at a location from which the CF member is authorized to move Household Goods and Effects where the CF member's Household Goods and Effects have never been moved at public expense;
  • Is owned by the CF member or the CF member's dependants or jointly by the CF member and the CF member's dependants; and
  • Was occupied by the CF member, the CF member's dependants or both, immediately prior to official notification of the posting (as defined by Canada Revenue Agency).
Principal Residence - Actively Marketed

A principal residence will be considered actively marketed for sale when:

  • The principal residence is continuously for sale except for brief interruptions (e.g. to change brokers or listings) through a licensed real estate agent (realtor);
  • The principal residence listing price is consistent with the appraisal paid by the CFIRP and the conditions of the market;
  • The CF members are acting in good faith to dispose of the residence; and
  • No reasonable offers have been refused.
Private Motor Vehicle (PMV)

A serviceable motor vehicle whose cubic measurement does not exceed 20.80 cubic meters that is owned and registered by the CF member or a dependant, and may be of passenger car configuration, or any other type of self-propelled vehicle mounted on a car or truck chassis, but does not include the cars of electric or steam railways or other motor vehicles running only on rails, or a motorized snow vehicle, farm tractor, or similar type of self-propelled vehicle.

Professional Cleaning

A service rendered by a company or an individual who provides cleaning services as a source of income. It does not include the purchase of cleaning supplies to personally perform the cleaning. It excludes items deemed as maintenance such as, but not limited to: chimney cleaning, furnace cleaning, duct cleaning, spa and pool cleaning, etc.

Prohibited Move

A move to a place of duty to which the Department considers it desirable, or in the public interest, to prohibit the move of dependants, or Household Goods and Effects, or both.

Purchase Price

The actual amount paid for a principal residence, including applicable federal or provincial sales tax.

Receipts/Personal Declaration

Receipts - An official receipt as defined by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) which shall include the following information:

  • Name of person or organization that provided the service;
  • Date the service was rendered (period covered);
  • Address of the CF member;
  • Signature of the service provider;
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN) of the person providing the service or telephone number of the person providing the service (see note below);
  • Amount paid for services rendered; and
  • If the receipt is for babysitting, the name(s) of the child(ren) that were babysat.

SIN Number - Although CRA internal procedures indicate that a SIN should be provided on the receipt, Canadian citizens may refuse to provide their SIN to the service provider due to confidentiality issues. However, they must provide a telephone number where they can be reached by CRA if their SIN is required at a later date.

Personal Declarations - Receipts are required for reimbursement. Under extenuating circumstances when receipts have been lost, accidentally destroyed, incomplete or unobtainable, CF members may submit a personal declaration which explains the events, the reasons and the costs. They must include CF members' name/rank and be signed/dated.

Replacement Residence

A dwelling in Canada, other than a summer cottage or other seasonal accommodation, together with that portion of land (1.25 acres or less) that:

  • Is situated at the location to which the move of HG&E is authorized;
  • Is purchased by the CF member, CF member's dependants or both at the location to which the move of HG&E is authorized; and
  • Will be the principal residence of the CF member's or the CF member's dependants at the location to which the move of HG&E is authorized.
Restricted Move

A move to a place of duty to which the Department considers it desirable, or in the public interest, to restrict the move of dependants or Household Goods and Effects or both, until suitable accommodation becomes available.

Sale Price

The final selling price of a principal residence.

Secured Accommodation

A binding contract for accommodations (signed purchase/lease agreement) where all conditions have been met.

Spouse

The common law partner of the CF member or a person married to the CF member but does not include a spouse who is living separate and apart from the CF member within the meaning of the Divorce Act.

(TB amended 16 September 2014)

Standard Rate Accommodation

The Government of Canada Hotel Directory Standard Rate for that particular area.

Storage at Own Expense (SOE)

The temporary or long term storage of Household Goods and Effects at the expense of the CF member outside the HGRS contract, either immediately prior to or subsequent to the movement of the Household Goods and Effects at public expense, including a move on release.

Storage in Transit (SIT)

The temporary storage of Household Goods and Effects either immediately prior or subsequent to movement of the Household Goods and Effects at public expense, including a move on release.

Storage, Long-Term Storage (LTS)

The storage or long-term storage of Household Good and Effects, not including storage in transit (SIT).

Third Party Suppliers

A third party service provider (not considered a subcontractor) engaged by the service provider to give specialized services in accordance with the CFIRP program or the relocation of CF members as part of their entitlement under the CFIRP Policy.

Page details

Date modified: