# 2018-046 Pay and Benefits, Education Reimbursement Policies

Education Reimbursement Policies

Case summary

F&R Date: 2019-03-11

The grievor had received $38,000 reimbursement from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for the pursuit of an Executive Master's of Business Administration (EMBA) program, which had cost him $96,000. The grievor contended that the CAF delay in approving his Individual Learning Plan (ILP) had caused him to miss out on a $10,000 early enrolment incentive. He also challenged the $38,000 cap on an EMBA program and requested consideration for full reimbursement of the cost of his EMBA.

The CAF found that the delays in ILP approvals were unavoidable due to funding restrictions in place at the time. Although it was acknowledged that there was a gap in policy concerning the maximum allowable reimbursement, the CAF concluded that the $38,000 was fair and reasonable as it allowed more members to benefit from the Educational Reimbursement program while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The Committee found that the CAF was not responsible for the grievor missing out on the $10,000 early incentive as he had a choice about when he enrolled in the program. The Committee also found that it was reasonable to set a cap on the maximum allowable reimbursement and that the grievor was fully aware that he would only be reimbursed $38,000 before he made the choice to enroll in a $96,000 program.

The Committee recommend that the Final Authority (FA) not afford the grievor redress, but also made a systemic recommendation in regard to clarifying the policy.

FA decision summary

The FA found that the grievor had been treated fairly in accordance with applicable policy and declined to grant a remedy.

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