# 2024-250 Pay and Benefits, Special Commuting Assistance

Case summary

F&R Date: 2025-09-22

The grievor grieved that the Special Commuting Assistance (SCA) entitlement criteria were unreasonable, particularly Compensation and Benefits Instructions for the Canadian Forces (CBI) 209.29(2)(c)(i) regarding the maximum reasonable daily commute distance of 100 kilometres and CBI 209.29(2)(f) regarding the requirement for a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member being the driver of their Private Motor Vehicle (PMV). Further, she contended that the CAF failed to adequately inform her of her relocation benefits, including that accepting a Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (CAFRD)-funded move would impact SCA eligibility. As redress, she requested positive confirmation of SCA entitlements integrated into the CAFRD and BGRS processes, in addition to being exempt from the SCA requirements, while CBI 209.29(2) also be revised to remove criteria (c) and (f). 

The Director General Compensation and Benefits, acting as the Initial Authority, denied the grievance, finding that the grievor was treated fairly and in accordance with Treasury Board-approved policy.

The Committee found that the CBI is unambiguous in stating that a member is eligible for either SCA or relocation benefits under the CAFRD, which was readily available and easily accessible for the grievor to inform herself of. The Committee further found that the grievor was not eligible for SCA, having accepted a CAFRD-funded relocation, in addition to residing further than 100km from her place of duty and not being the driver of her PMV. The Committee considered and found the SCA criteria to be reasonable. 

In finding the grievor not aggrieved, the Committee recommended that the Final Authority not afford the grievor redress.