# 2025-005 Pay and Benefits, Exempt Duty and Training, Imperative Military Requirement

Case summary

F&R Date: 2026-02-06

The grievor, a Primary Reservist on Class (Cl) “A”, was denied financial compensation for tasks performed while on Exempt Duty and Training (ED&T) for maternity/parental purposes, including tasks requested by her commanding officer (CO). The grievor argued that current policies were unfair towards Cl “A” members and more specifically females, and that Cl “A” members should be entitled to work in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) while on ED&T for maternity/parental purposes. As redress, the grievor requested financial compensation for the tasks performed during ED&T. She also requested that the CAF policies be amended to permit remuneration for Cl “A” service while on ED&T for maternity/parental purposes, in accordance with the Employment Insurance Act.

There was no Initial Authority (IA) decision on file because the recommended IA did not have the authority to grant the redress. As such, the grievance was forwarded to the Final Authority (FA).

The Committee confirmed that paid service on ED&T is not possible. ED&T is not a status that can be “suspended” to conduct administration, maintain readiness or remain in contact with the unit. Rather, ED&T represents a formal change granting a member temporary relief from the obligation of meeting the minimum requirements to remain in the CAF. Therefore, the Committee found that the grievor is not entitled to compensation for any tasks performed during ED&T, as they were deemed not imperative military duties. Yet, the Committee found that the grievor was aggrieved when the CO asked her to perform tasks under Cl “A” service during her period of ED&T.

As for the grievor's claim that ED&T is discriminatory towards females, the Committee reviewed the grievor's representations and found that the ED&T option is available equally to all, and therefore, no such discrimination exists.

The Committee recommended that the FA issue an apology to the grievor for the policy non-compliant decision by the chain of command and that consideration be given to granting the grievor a form of redress, such as special leave, as compensation.