FAQs regarding the CANFORGEN on Voluntary Delay of Releases from the CAF due to COVID-19

General questions

Why did the CAF issue this CANFORGEN on voluntary delay of releases?

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an environment that has impacted services available to CAF members and their families, who are, understandably, concerned. The delayed release option is being offered to ensure that CAF members and their families are effectively supported in a time of uncertainty.

Canada’s healthcare system is under increasing demand with COVID-19 and the CAF and DND are doing their part to assist Canada and Canadians as a whole and we will assist further by lessening the burden on the provincial and territorial health services by delaying releases wherever possible and continuing to provide for their care through the Canadian Forces Health Service.

Therefore, effective immediately, Regular and Reserve Force members who wish to voluntarily delay their release date are requested to contact their Chain of Command to determine if the option to delay their release is appropriate for them.

Will the option to voluntarily delay one's release be open to all CAF members?

Regular and Reserve Force members who wish to voluntarily delay their release date are requested to contact their Chain of Command to determine if the option to delay is appropriate for them. As the related Canadian Armed Forces General Message (CANFORGEN) indicates, the decision will be made in consultation with their Chain of Command and authorized release authorities, as there are a number of factors that must be taken into consideration in this regard.  

For example, in the case of members who are being released due to unsatisfactory conduct or who have been found to lack the suitability for military life, their releases will continue as scheduled when possible.

And where members are being released due to misconduct (such as hateful or sexual misconduct), their releases will proceed as normal, being as soon as practical in accordance with any disciplinary and/or administrative measures taken against members. Such conduct is completely incompatible with CAF’s values and culture and will not be tolerated.

If I choose to delay my release, could my release item be changed?

Your release item should not change if you choose to delay your release, unless other circumstances surrounding your release change. If other circumstances have changed, the appropriate authority will conduct an assessment to see if your release item remains valid.  

If I choose to delay my release, what will my new date of release be?

Your Chain of Command, in consultation with you and the authorized release authorities, will coordinate a new release timing that is sufficiently delayed as not to be impacted by COVID-19 related issues (including any pension benefits) and you and your family can be properly prepared for a successful transition. The situation will continue to be monitored, but it is anticipated that revised release dates will be delayed until 31 August 2020, at the earliest.   

What if I still want to proceed with plans to release?

You retain the right to release. The delayed release option above is being offered to ensure that CAF members and their families are effectively supported in a time of increased uncertainty. For those who wish to continue with their existing plans to release, you can expect some delays in administrative support due to reduced staffing in units. Your understanding and flexibility in these challenging times are appreciated.

What if I am a reservist? How does this CANFORGEN affect me?

The CANFORGEN applies to both Regular and Reserve Force members. However, please connect with your Chain of Command if you have specific questions.

If I am approaching Compulsory Retirement Age, how does this CANFORGEN impact me?

If you are reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60) before release, you will need to seek approval through your Chain of Command for an extension. Such requests will be processed as expeditiously as possible so that your Terms of Service (TOS) may be extended by the appropriate authority. 

I have a planned release date, and I do not want to delay my release. Will my release date be affected due to COVID-19?

No, you retain the right to release, and your release date will not change unless you wish to seek a delay. Those who wish to continue with their existing plans to release can expect some delays in administrative support due to reduced staffing in units, but your actual release date will not be affected.

Medical Releases

If my current 3-year retention period is ending shortly, will it be further extended?

You may be eligible for a further extension. Please connect with your Chain of Command to discuss your specific situation.

Health-Related Questions

If I do choose to proceed with my transition, will I be able to obtain a provincial health card and will my health care continue uninterrupted?

Given the current environment, if you and your family choose to continue the transition to civilian life, there is the potential for delays in obtaining a provincial health card and possible uncertainty regarding employment, health care, and other services once released. Combined with disruptions to normal transition services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the DND and CAF felt that providing the possibility of voluntarily delaying releases until the current crisis is over was the best way of helping to ensure the successful transition of CAF members and their families. 

Compensation and Benefits

Will delaying my release affect my pay?

No. If you have your release voluntarily delayed, you will continue to receive your regular paid salary. For Reserve Force members on Class B or C service, your Route letter and Statement of Understanding will be extended to ensure the continuation of your pay, subject to your consent. For those on Class A service, you may continue to be scheduled for work and will be paid accordingly, subject to your consent.

Will a decision to delay my release (or not) affect my pension and other benefits?

There are a number of factors for CAF members and their families to consider when deciding whether or not to delay one’s release. If you have questions, or are thinking about requesting a delay of release, please contact your Chain of Command to determine if the option to delay is appropriate for you.

If you have specific pension-related questions, they should be directed to Government of Canada Pension Services at 1-800-267-0325. They will assist you and your family to make an informed decision by considering your specific situation.

Regarding release benefits and how they may be affected, please refer to the CANFORGEN on compensation and benefits that was recently issued. Additional questions may be directed through your Chain of Command to the Administrative Response Centre (ARC) or 1-833-445-1182.

If I have sold my house, have completed my House Hunting Trip (HHT), and have purchased my new home, can I release in the new location?

You can if a change of release Base/Wing is approved. You should direct your questions to your Chain of Command.

If there are delays in my being able to complete my Intended Place of Residence (IPR) move due to house construction closing dates or other unforeseen factors, can I extend the time allotted for my IPR move?

Yes, as long as you have a valid IPR. Any questions in this regard should be addressed to your Chain of Command.

Component Transfers

Will my Component Transfer (from Reserve to Regular Force or vice versa) be affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic?

Your Component Transfer will continue, albeit with potential delays given the uncertain environment and the limited services currently available. Any questions in this regard should be addressed to your Chain of Command.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Serving Members VRPSM

Will the Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Serving Members (VRPSM) be affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic?

Participation in the VRPSM may be postponed until the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer impacting resources and normal services and support resume. Any questions in this regard should be addressed to your Chain of Command.

Additional Questions

If you have additional questions regarding the CANFORGEN on the Voluntary Delay of Releases from the CAF due to COVID-19, please contact:
  1. Release Benefit Administration (RBA) or in the case of medical and misconduct releases contact the DMCA positional mail box.
  2. The Chief of Military Personnel Administrative Response Centre (ARC), or toll-free at 1-833-445-1182.

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