# 2022-307 Pay and Benefits, Interim Lodging, Meals and Incidentals, Relocation

Case summary

F&R Date: 2024-07-31

The grievor challenged the 45-day limit to meal entitlements imposed by the Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (CAFRD) when relocating outside of Canada (OUTCAN), arguing that it is arbitrary and unfair when compared to benefits provided to public service employees through National Joint Council (NJC) Directives. The grievor and their spouse were separated from their household goods and effects (HG&E) beyond 45 days due to a delay in delivery for reasons beyond their control.

The Initial Authority (IA), the Director General Compensation and Benefits, denied the grievance finding that the grievor was treated in accordance with applicable policies and regulations. The IA noted that the CAF have no authority to extend benefits beyond the prescribed framework approved by the Treasury Board (TB).

The Committee noted that it would not be appropriate to compare NJC Directives and the CAFRD, as they provide for benefits related to the type of OUTCAN employment, which differs for public servants and CAF members. The Committee observed that the CAFRD provides the approving authority with the discretion to determine when a delay is beyond the CAF member's control. While this discretion allows for interim lodgings to be paid for the entire period of separation from the HG&E, the CAFRD provides no explanation for the 45-day limit imposed on meal entitlements under the same circumstances. As such, the Committee found that the meal entitlement provisions for OUTCAN relocations are arbitrary and unfair. The Committee opined that CAF members who carefully plan their relocation based on timelines provided by the CAF and experience delays beyond their control should be properly compensated for the entire period. Referring to a similar case where the Final Authority (FA) had requested that the Director Compensation and Benefits Administration address this issue with the TB, the Committee recommended that the FA follow-up on the request.