Canadian Armed Forces Pay and Allowance Increase

News Release

June 2, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members are well compensated for the important work that they do. Today, the Department of National Defence (DND) announced that CAF members will receive an increase of over 6% to pay and around 5% to some environmental and special allowances. CAF members will be paid at these new rates along with a lump sum back-payment starting June 30, 2017. This covers retroactive increases starting April 1, 2014 calculated as follows:

  • four 1.25% increases in pay and allowances effective April 1 for the past four fiscal years: 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, and 2017-2018 and
  • one 1.2% Military Factor pay increase effective April 1, 2016.

CAF members receiving the pay raise include Non-Commissioned Members, General Service Officers and Pilots at the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and Commander and below, and all Medical and Dental Officers. The pay rates for Colonels and Captains (Navy) and above, and all Legal Officers, are managed separately.

Quotes

“Canadian Armed Forces members proudly serve their country despite the many dangers, hardships and sacrifices made by troops and their families. Canadians recognize their need for competitive compensation, outstanding training and modern equipment.”

— Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan

“This is great news for our people who work hard defending Canadian interests at home and abroad. This is an important recognition of their sacrifice and dedication and will improve the quality of life for the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families.”

—General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff

Quick Facts

  • CAF pay rates were last increased effective April 1, 2013. 

  • CAF members’ pay includes a Military Factor compensation for conditions and requirements that are unique to military service, such as potential separation from families and turbulence caused by geographic postings.

  • Allowances that are increasing include all Environmental Allowances, Special Operations Assaulter Allowance, Submarine Crewing Allowance, Stress Allowance for Test Participants, and Special Allowance Canadian Forces Station Alert.

  • These pay and allowance increases align with tentative increases for Federal Public Service employees.

  • Former members who left the CAF after March 31, 2014, will also receive a retroactive payment and adjustments to their retirement benefits.

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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

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

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