# 2022-175 Careers, Rations and Quarters

Case summary

F&R Date: 2023-11-30

The grievor argued that he ought to be reimbursed half of the amount he had paid for rations when he was undergoing training during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grievor explained that the quality and quantity of the food he received often failed to meet standard, as food was delivered in hay boxes and often burnt, frozen, or lacking items. As redress, the grievor requested reimbursement of half his rations deductions.

The Initial Authority (IA), the Commander 5 Canadian Division Support Group, denied redress, stating that all guidelines and directives emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic were followed. The IA explained that the Operation LASER Standard Menu replaced the National Standardized Cycle Menu, allowing for boxed meal deliveries and hay-boxes. The IA stated that the meals provided met nutritional standards. The IA also explained that the rations rates are set by the Treasury Board and there is no authority to change them, and any cost increases due to food shortages were not passed on to members. 

In the grievor's situation, the Committee considered the Minimum Operational Performance Feeding Standard as the minimum acceptable standard during COVID-19. The Committee noted that, for a period, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) was unable to meet these standards. While the Committee acknowledged the pandemic-related challenges, the Committee found that it was more likely than not that the grievor did not receive the diversity nor quantity of food to which he was entitled and any cost increases were not for the grievor to bear. 

The Committee recommended that the Final Authority exercise the authority provided to the Chief of Defence Staff under article 208.52 of the Queen's Regulations and Orders for the Canadian Forces to remit 50% of the grievor's ration costs for the period in question. 

The Committee further recommended that the Final Authority investigate the situations of the other CAF members who the IA noted were in similar situations.