# 2019-304 Pay and Benefits, Relocation - Reservists

Case summary

F&R Date: 2020-12-21

The grievor argued that he was unfairly denied local move benefits upon his medical release from the Reserve Force. The grievor intended to remain within the same place of duty in order to improve his chances at securing civilian employment following his release from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). He claimed that he should be entitled to the same local move benefits than a Regular Force member being medically released, as the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program (CFIRP) Directive does not specifically deny the benefit.

The Director Compensation and Benefits Administration, acting as the Initial Authority (IA), denied the grievor redress and noted that the reimbursement for expenses incurred by CAF members arising out of their service are determined and regulated by the Treasury Board (TB). The IA explained that the CFIRP Directive is the TB-approved policy for relocation benefits available to CAF members. As the grievor was intending to remain in the same place of duty, the IA determined that in accordance with Chapter 13 of the CFIRP Directive the grievor was not entitled to reimbursement for a local move. The IA also stated that the benefits for a local move upon medical release found in Chapter 14 of the CFIRP Directive are only applicable to members releasing from the Regular Force.

The Committee concluded that the grievor had been treated in accordance with the applicable policies and was not entitled to reimbursement for a local move. In accordance with the limitations set out by the TB in the CFIRP Directive, the CAF has no ability to extend or approve reimbursements that are not specifically articulated by the policy. The Committee recommended that the grievor be denied redress.