Grievances in the Canadian Armed Forces

From: National Defence

CCMS Agents have been trained to deal with issues affecting members and will be able to guide grievors and present multiple avenues for conflict resolution, including the completion of the digital grievance submission form.

Notice of Intent (NOI) to grieve

Any Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member wishing to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to Grieve should do so using the digital NOI submission form (you are now leaving Canada.ca).

The NOI promotes efforts to resolve grievances early, locally, and informally. The NOI is a way to inform your Commanding Officer (CO) that you believe you have been treated unfairly.

Once you submit an NOI, your CO will assign you an Assisting Member (rank of Sgt or above who holds a valid Assisting Member qualification) to support you through the grievance process. You may also request a specific individual to serve in this role.

The form is accessible via DWAN and/or any personal device. If logging in via a personal device, CAF members will be prompted to enter their D365 credentials prior to accessing the form.

Alternatively, you may submit a paper copy to your CO, as outlined in DAOD 2017-1.

Note: The NOI is not a grievance and does not initiate the grievance process. Submission of an NOI does not pause or suspend the grievance submission timelines. A formal grievance must still be filed within three months after the day on which the grievor knew or ought to reasonably have known of the act, omission, or decision in respect of which the grievance is submitted.

Grievance submission

Any Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member wishing to submit a grievance should do so using the digital grievance submission form (you are now leaving Canada.ca).

The form is accessible via DWAN and/or any personal device. If logging in via a personal device, CAF members will be prompted to enter their D365 credentials prior to accessing the form.

Once the digital grievance form has been submitted, the grievance will be routed to the Commanding Officer of the aggrieved member. The grievance must meet all the requirements under QR&O 7.08 – Submission of a Grievance.

CAF grievances may only be submitted by serving CAF members and must be submitted within three months after the day on which the grievor knew or ought reasonably to have known of the decision, act or omission in respect of which the grievance is submitted. CAF members can submit a grievance and attempt informal resolution at the same time, and if successful, request to withdraw their grievance.

Commanding officer responsibility

A commanding officer to whom a grievance is submitted shall acknowledge receipt to the grievor, register it in the National Grievance Registry (ICRTS) and examine it to determine whether the commanding officer is able to act as the initial authority.

If the commanding officer is not able to act as the initial authority, the commanding officer shall:

1. forward the grievance within 10 days after the day on which it is received to the Canadian Forces Grievance Authority and, as soon as possible, after forwarding the grievance, forward any additional information that the commanding officer considers relevant to it; and
2. inform the grievor of the action taken and provide them with a copy of any additional information forwarded to the Canadian Forces Grievance Authority.

Contact us for help

For general CAF grievance inquiries, including the grievance submission process, members can contact their local Conflict and Complaint Manage Service office or email ICCMInquiries.DemandesrequeteGICPDGGP@forces.gc.ca.

Any feedback on the digital grievance form can be directed to the grievance project positional mailbox: CPCCCAFGrievanceProject-ProjetdeGriefFACCCPC@forces.gc.ca.

Back to top