Moving and relocation

From National Defence

From time to time, Canadian Armed Forces members are moved – or posted – to different locations to perform their jobs. Spouses, children and dependants are usually moved with their loved one.

You may be posted:

• to gain experience
• for training purposes
• after a promotion
• or if your skill set is needed in another area

When work requires you to move, the Canadian Armed Forces covers the costs. You may also get financial assistance depending on your relationship status, where you are posted, and for how long.

Deployment

A deployment is a reassignment from regular duties to provide humanitarian aid or participate in a military mission. You may be deployed in Canada or abroad.

Depending on the mission, deployments can last from a few weeks to over a year. Most deployments range from six to twelve months.

Forces members must be ready to be deployed on short notice.

Whatever the case, the Canadian Armed Forces understands that deployments can be challenging for families and have the resources in place to help.

Support programs and service

There are numerous programs to support you and your family during challenging times. Every base has a Military Family Resource Centre to provide services like career counselling for spouses and daycare for children.

Additional services and benefits provided for families include:

• community orientation
• low-cost access sports and fitness facilities
• a diverse mix of leisure activities
• youth services and programs
• child care facilities and emergency child care
• employment assistance and second language training for spouses
• relocation benefits and services and cost-of-living differential allowances
• an education management program for families living abroad or moving to a different province
• domestic travel and family-care related benefits
• morale and psychological support, including a member assistance program, operational trauma and stress support centres, family separation and reunion counseling and self-help groups
• retail stores on bases
• financial services such as insurance, financial planning and income tax preparation

If you have any other questions about family life in the Forces, talk to a recruiter – they are here to help. Many can speak from personal experiences as they have gone through the same process.