# 2025-135 Pay and Benefits, Recruitment Allowance

Case summary

F&R Date: 2025-12-09

The grievor disputed the fact that they did not receive a recruiting allowance (RA) on enrolment in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Medical Radiation Technologist (MRAD TECH).

The Director General Compensation and Benefits, acting as the Initial Authority (IA), determined that the grievor did not meet the conditions to receive an RA. The IA found that the grievor had not reached the occupational functional point as an MRAD TECH, nor were they considered a military occupation qualified (MOQ) applicant. The IA reasoned that only MOQ applicants were eligible for an RA, and applicants who were civilian trained qualified (CTQ), such as the grievor, were not. The IA also found that the Enrolment, Transfer and Posting message issued on the day of enrolment also correctly indicated that the grievor was not entitled to a RA. Therefore, the IA determined that the grievor was correctly informed regarding the RA prior to the grievor making the decision to enroll in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

The Committee found there were two alternative qualification pathways in effect during the period in which the grievor enrolled, namely possession of relevant CTQ or full MOQ. The Committee found that the grievor met the CTQ criterion. The Committee concluded that the CAF had improperly relied on an internal document to impose a more restrictive requirement not approved by the Chief of the Defence Staff and inconsistent with the policy in force at the time. The Committee therefore determined that the denial of the RA was improper and recommended that the grievor be paid the RA and that a review of similar past cases be directed.