Provision of Accurate and Timely Information on Return Move from a Posting Outside Canada

Topic

Provision of Accurate and Timely Information on Return Move from a Posting Outside Canada

Case Number

• 2015-301 (F&R date: 2016-10-27)

Description

The Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program (CFIRP) aims to allow CAF members to make informed decisions on the manner in which their moves from one location to another are conducted, domestically or internationally. One of these decisions is which/how much household goods and effects (HG&E) to place in long-term storage (LTS), to discard, or perhaps to acquire, and eventually to move within the scope of the weight entitlements prescribed in the CFIRP directive. The pre-move consultation is a key element to assist the military member and their family in making informed choices.

The Committee noted a major flaw with regard to the manner in which moves outside of Canada are performed, as well as how they are administered in accordance with the CFIRP directive. First, the pre-move consultation of HG&E at origin (overseas) is based on a volumetric weight assessment, whereas the weight at destination (in Canada) is actually scaled. Volume and weight are not really comparable units of measurement. A volume-based estimation of weight at origin can lead to a significant difference in comparison with the actual weight scaled at destination. 

Second, CAF members are not necessarily made aware of the actual weight of their HG&E that was placed in CBI when the total weight on relocation to an overseas destination (shipped and in CBI) did not exceed the core entitlement of 20,000 lbs. The lack of such valuable information prevents CAF members and their family to make informed decisions on which/how much HG&E to discard, or perhaps to acquire, and eventually to move on return to Canada within the scope of the weight entitlements for an international move.

Recommendation

The Committee recommended that the CAF and its agents develop and implement a process whereby CAF members are provided accurate and timely information regarding the estimated weight of their HG&E on relocation, more so on outside Canada postings, and are always provided with the actual weight of their HG&E in CBI regardless of the circumstances of their relocation. This will allow them to make informed decisions regarding the management of their HG&E with due consideration of the weight entitlement and funding envelopes of the CFIRP directive.

Final Authority Decision

The CDS agrees with the Committee that exact amount of HG&E they are placing in LTS, prior to departing for Outside of Canada should be available to members in a much more expedient manner, to allow them to better make prudent decisions regarding shipping and storing HG&E. The CDS direct CMP to ensure that the Director General Military Careers develop a process to ensure that CAF members are informed of their LTS weight within a reasonable timeframe upon their arrival to an overseas posting location.