Grievance policies, guidance, and regulations
Use this page to find the key policies, orders, and regulations that guide the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) grievance process.
Attention: On April 1, 2026, a series of important updates to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) grievance system officially came into effect. Grievances submitted before April 1, 2026 will be processed under the previous Queen’s Regulations and Orders (QR&Os) and Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAODs).
Policies
The CAF Grievance Policy sets out the rights, roles, and responsibilities of all parties in the grievance process, including timelines and requirements for submitting, reviewing, and deciding grievances.
Defence administrative orders and directives
Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAODs) are administrative orders that apply to members of the CAF and directives that apply to employees of National Defence.
The following DAOD provides guidance related to the grievance process:
Queen’s regulations and orders
The Queen’s Regulations and Orders (QR&Os) are regulations authorized under the National Defence Act. They set out the legal framework for the administration, discipline, and organization of the CAF.
Chapter 7 outlines the rights, scope, authorities, and responsibilities for all parties involved in the grievance process.
Support services
If you are a Commanding Officer and need help interpreting policy or understanding your responsibilities, you can contact the Grievance Centre of Expertise for assistance.
CAF members seeking advice on submitting a grievance or exploring other complaint mechanisms can contact their local Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS) office.