Tax Exemption for Salaries of Deployed Canadian Armed Forces Personnel and Police Officers 

News Release

May 18 2017 – Ottawa, ON – Government of Canada

Recognizing the commitment and sacrifice that Canadian Armed Forces members - and their families - make for Canada when a member deploys abroad, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, Finance Minister Bill Morneau, and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale today announced the Government’s intention to exempt the military salaries of all Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed on named international operations from federal income taxes, up to and including the pay level of Lieutenant-Colonel.

This tax relief would also apply to police officers deployed on international operational missions.

This measure is an important part of a broader package of administrative changes and new measures included in Canada’s new Defence Policy, which will improve the way the Government of Canada treats our military personnel. Canada’s new Defence Policy will be made public on June 7, 2017.

These changes ensure that Canadian Armed Forces personnel and police officers deployed on designated international missions are recognized for their sacrifice and that of their family.

Quotes

“When our women and men in uniform deploy internationally, they and their families make great sacrifices on our behalf. Military families are the strength behind the uniform and we must do more to acknowledge that our people are our most important asset. The Government of Canada will recognize their sacrifices with these important tax relief measures.”

—    Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

“I am very pleased to provide further recognition of the special contribution that Canadian Armed Forces members and police officers make to international peace and stability while serving their country abroad.”

—    Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance

“The government is proud of the important work our police do abroad to support peace and stability in parts of the world that badly need both. We will provide further recognition of their tireless work by providing additional tax relief when they are deployed abroad.”

—    Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Quick Facts

  • While the number of CAF personnel on deployed operations changes from day-to-day, there are currently approximately 1,450 Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed on international military operations. 

  • The Government intends to make this measure retroactive to January 1, 2017. These changes will not affect the assessment and awarding of existing hardship and risk allowances earned by Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed abroad.

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Contacts

Jordan Owens 
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: jordan.owens@forces.gc.ca

Annie Donolo
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
Phone: 613-769-7187
Email: Annie.donolo@canada.ca

Scott Bardsley
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Phone: 613-998-5681

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of Finance
Phone: 613-369-4000
Email: fin.media-media.fin@canada.ca

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