Starting 2025 on a high note – Introducing new leave entitlement for Canadian Armed Forces members

January 20, 2025 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:00

Starting in April 2025, as part of the modernization of QR&O Chapter 16 (Leave) along with articles 9.09 and 9.10 (Exemption from Duty and Training for maternity and/or parental purposes), significant updates to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) leave entitlements will be introduced. These new initiatives aim to provide CAF members with:

• Greater flexibility, expanded eligibility, and enhanced management of leave; and
• Maximized and aligned maternity and parental leave, eliminating the need for members to proceed on Leave Without Pay and Allowances – Personal when taking advantage of the extended Parental Leave option.

Effective April 1, 2025, the amendment of the QR&O Chapter 16 (Leave), will allow:

• Earlier access to more annual leave, with members earning 30 annual leave days after 25 years of service instead of after 28 years;
• Broader consideration of prior service when calculating years of service on enrolment;
• Greater flexibility with the delegation of different types of leave, such as short leave and compassionate leave; and
• Harmonization of the calculation of leave across the CAF, providing Reserve Force members with annual leave in a similar manner to Regular Force members.

The Canadian Forces Leave Policy Manual has also undergone a comprehensive review, incorporating lessons learned and feedback. Updates include clearer language, delegation matrices and a bilingual format, among other improvements.

In addition to these updates, Compensation and Benefits Instruction 205.461 – Maternity and Parental Allowance has been revised to include the new leave rules and provide a policy in plain language, making it easier to understand and administer.

What’s next

The CAF recognizes the unique contributions made by military members and is continuously striving to be innovative with compensation and benefits tools. Modernizing the CAF’s existing policies will provide CAF personnel and their families with improved care and support.

All members are encouraged to check out the related links below. Please note that these changes will not come into effect until April 2025, at which time your chain of command and Orderly Rooms will be prepared to address your questions.

Related links

• CANFORGEN 010/25 CMP 008/25 171655Z JAN 25
• Canadian Forces Leave Policy Manual – Frequently Asked questions
• QR&O Chapter 9 – Reserve Force
• QR&O Chapter 16 – Leave
• Leave policy – Canada.ca
• Compensation and Benefits Instructions – Canada.ca
• Compensation and Benefits Instruction 205.461 – Maternity and Parental Allowance
• The CAF Offer – my Benefits – Canada.ca