# 2019-235 Pay and Benefits, Relocation - Reservists

Case summary

F&R Date: 2020-12-17

The grievor complained that she had been denied an extension to the six-month timeline to complete her relocation on acceptance of a Class “B” term of service. The Committee found that the Canadian Armed Forces had the discretion to extend the timeline if there were exceptional circumstances to justify an extension. The Committee concluded that a number of issues related to the grievor's move met the definition of “exceptional circumstances” and recommended that the grievor be granted a six-month extension to complete her move and be reimbursed her relocation expenses.

FA decision summary

The Final Authority (FA), Director Canadian Forces Grievance Authority, accepted the Committee's findings and recommendation. She agreed with the Committee's view that the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program Directive discretion to extend time limits is not restricted to delays caused by service requirements. Furthermore, the term “service reasons” is not defined in the Directive. The FA accepted the grievor's reasons as both “exceptional circumstances” and “service reasons” and concluded that they satisfied the terms of the policy to grant an extension. She directed the Director General Compensation and Benefits to reopen the grievor's relocation file to effect payment of the relocation benefits to which she was entitled.