# 2019-028 Pay and Benefits, Real Estate Incentive - Time limit for signing the waiver electing not to sell

Case summary

F&R Date: 2019-05-03

This is another case where the grievor was denied the Real Estate Incentive (REI) because he applied for the benefit after the 15-day time limit set out in the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program Directive (CFIRP). The Committee found that the grievor had no entitlement to the REI in accordance with the policy.

FA decision summary

The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) agreed with the Committee's recommendation that the grievance had to be denied in accordance with the applicable policy. He also agreed with the Committee's finding that the 15 day time limitation to elect for the REI does not provide for sufficient flexibility. The CDS noted that he does not have the authority to extend the limitation period provided for in the CFIRP. He further stated that the grievor's case was not unique and noted that he had already directed the Commander Military Personnel Command, in 2017, to engage with the Treasury Board (TB) "with a view of developing a more flexible REI timeline". He mentioned that the Commander Military Personnel Command staff "are working to engage with TB on this issue". The CDS also mentioned that he was hopeful that the next version of the CFIRP will include a more reasonable timeline to apply for the benefit, noting that the amendment did not make it into the 2018 version.