# 2016-031 - Post Living Differential (PLD), Revision of Geographical Boundaries Guidelines

Case Summary

F&R Date: 2016–05–09

The grievor claimed he was unfairly denied Post Living Differential (PLD) benefits because the Canadian Forces Base Halifax (CFB) Geographical Boundaries are unrealistic with respect to commuting time. As redress, he requested that the Halifax Geographical Boundaries be amended to provide a clear, just and consistent perimeter based on commuting times.

The Initial Authority agreed that the allowable commuting times throughout CFB Halifax area appear to be inconsistent. He granted partial redress by directing that the Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) complete a review of the CFB Halifax Geographical Boundaries no later than fall 2016 and that MARLANT Order 6-3 be improved to remove any confusion arising from ambiguities between the map and written description.

The Committee examined the current CFB Halifax Geographical Boundaries and found that the existing disparities in commuting times, on their face and unexplained, appeared to be unfair.

In reviewing the applicable policies, the Committee noted that the Geographical Boundaries guidelines issued on 31 July 2000 by the Assistant Deputy Minister (Human Resources-Military) no longer fully aligned with recent grievance decisions addressing the question of what constitutes a reasonable daily commute. The Committee observed that the CAF has consistently endorsed a 100 kilometers distance or a one-hour commuting time as being a reasonable daily commute, but that this guideline is not absolute and must take other factors into account. The Committee also noted that well designed Geographical Boundaries are essential for determining more than just PLD benefits.

Given that a review of the CFB Halifax Geographical Boundaries was already underway, the Committee found that the Commander of MARLANT should be informed without delay of the 100 kilometers distance or one-hour commuting time to enable its use as a reasonable commuting norm in the CFB Halifax Geographical Boundary policy review currently underway.

The Committee recommended that the remainder of the grievance be denied. The Committee also made a Systemic Recommendation regarding the need to review the 31 July 2000 Assistant Deputy Minister (Human Resources-Military) Geographical Boundaries guidelines.

FA Decision Summary

The CDS agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation that the remainder of the grievance be denied. The CDS agreed with the Committee's systemic recommendation regarding the 31 July 2000 ADM (HR-Mil) guidelines. Therefore, the CDS directed that the Commander of Military Personnel Command review and update direction to Commanders to properly refine their geographical boundaries with a new version of the letter issued by ADM (HR-MiI) on 31 July 2000.