Clarification bulletin – Real Estate Incentive (REI)

Dated 6 August 2021

Issue:

The current wording of subparagraph 2 of CAFRD 8.2.03 (Real Estate Incentive (REI)) has resulted in some members interpreting it to mean that they are entitled to request REI after a second or even third appraisal under CAFRD 8.2.04 – even if their subsequent requests did not satisfy the criteria to elect REI.  This is not the intent of the policy. As per CAFRD 1.3.01 (General), “the benefits outlined in this directive are designed to provide some degree of flexibility while remaining within the intent of the policy. This will allow members to make choices based on their specific needs. However, those choices shall not extend benefits or create entitlements.”

Clarification:

In accordance with CAFRD 2.1.01 (Authority – DCBA), the following clarification is provided for subparagraphs (2)(a) and (2)(c) of CAFRD 8.2.03 (Real Estate Incentive):

The first condition (subparagraph (2)(a)) for a member to qualify for the Real Estate Incentive is that their principal residence is appraised and that appraisal is reimbursed from the Core Account in accordance with subparagraph (2)(a) of CAFRD 8.2.04 (Appraisal Fees).  The third condition (subparagraph (2)(c)) for a member to qualify for the Real Estate Incentive is that the decision to elect this incentive is made within 15 working days after receipt of that Core Account funded appraisal by indicating their election via the contracted relocation service provider’s approved election/waiver form.

In accordance with CAFRD 2.1.01 (Authority – DCBA), this clarification bulletin is policy direction that conveys the intent of the specific CAFRD provision as confirmed by the Treasury Board Secretariat. A clarification amendment to CAFRD 8.2.03 will follow in due course.