Postings, assignments, and employment outside of Canada

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members posted Outside of Canada (OUTCAN) have the opportunity to develop new skills, learn firsthand from other nations, and experience different cultures and languages.

Information on postings, assignments, and employment Outside of Canada (OUTCAN) for the Department of National Defence (DND) employees.

• General information on the OUTCAN Programme

• How do I apply for a work assignment outside of Canada (OUTCAN)?

  As a Department of National Defence (DND) civilian employee, you can apply for a work assignment outside of Canada (OUTCAN) as you would for all other staffing opportunities within the Federal Public Service.

  Check the Government of Canada jobs website for OUTCAN assignments that interest you and submit your application. The sponsor organization will assess all applications and select suitable candidates.

  If selected, you must complete a screening process that the sponsor organization administers. The Foreign Service Program section of the Director Corporate Labour Relations may also give you a preparation briefing, either in-person or by telephone.

  As part of the screening process, you must complete an Occupational Health Assessment Report that Health Canada administers. If your family intends to accompany you, they must also complete an Occupational Health Assessment Report.

• Once chosen for an OUTCAN assignment, what entitlements, benefits, and services are available to me and my family during the relocation?

  The Foreign Service Directives describe the relocation entitlements, benefits, and services available to you and your family. The Foreign Service Program section of the Director Corporate Labour Relations administers relocation services. Unlike moves within Canada, there is no contracted relocation service provider to conduct the move. The responsibility for all phases of the move resides with you and your family. For more information, review the Foreign Service Directives.

• Once chosen for an OUTCAN assignment, what housing options are available to me and my family?

  Depending on the location of the OUTCAN assignment, you and your family can choose one of two housing options: Crown housing or housing on the economy.

  Crown housing or Crown-held accommodations are owned or leased by the Crown or provided by the host government. Access to Crown housing is based on location, availability, and your job duties. In most locations, there is limited choice or housing is assigned in advance.

  Housing on the economy means you secure your own accommodation. This includes responsibility for location, lease negotiation, and interacting with lessors. If you lease privately, there is a rent ceiling. You can find the maximum rent payable to you as a civilian employee in Appendix A of the Foreign Service Directive 25 – Shelter. Review these directives before making any financial commitments.

  If you opt for housing on the economy, you are also entitled to benefits such as rent and utility share. For more information on shelter and related provisions, review Part IV of the Foreign Service Directives.

• I am on an OUTCAN work assignment and am experiencing workplace issues or conflict. What can I do?

  You have several complaint mechanisms and avenues for recourse.

  As a first step, discuss problems with your management to try to resolve them informally and at the lowest possible level. If you are a represented employee, you could also contact your union representative for information and assistance. If unsuccessful, you can seek recourse through formal channels, such as a harassment complaint or grievance.

  For more information, review Complaint mechanisms for civilian employees, Grievances information for civilian employees, and Harassment prevention and resolution information for civilian employees. You can also contact our office by telephone or in writing.

• I am on an OUTCAN work assignment. What should I do in the case of an emergency evacuation?

  The Foreign Service Directive 64—Emergency Evacuation and Loss contains the information you need in case of an emergency evacuation. Discuss this issue with your manager for additional information. You can also consult your Orderly Room for information on your local emergency plan.

Information on postings, assignments, and employment Outside of Canada (OUTCAN) for Staff of Non-Public Funds (NPF), Canadian Forces (CF).

• General information on the OUTCAN Programme