# 2012-013 Pay and Benefits, Custodial Services Expenses

Case Summary

F&R Date: 2012–03–30

The grievor submitted a grievance after being denied a request for reimbursement of pet kennel fees she incurred while on deployment. She stated that, in her opinion, it is unfair not to provide financial assistance for kennel fees while the custodial expense policy allows for the reimbursement of expenses incurred for taking care of a Canadian Forces (CF) member's primary residence while on deployment. She requested the reimbursement of her pet kennel fees for the duration of her six-month deployment; she also expressed the view that the current custodial expense policy should be reviewed or that a policy should be created to cover such expenses, especially for single members.

In denying the grievance, the initial authority (IA), the Director General Compensation and Benefits, noted that the Operations Foreign Service Premium (OFSP) was intended to cover expenses such as pet kenneling fees and that there was no other Treasury Board approved provision that expressly allows reimbursement of these expenses.

In the Board's opinion, the CF cannot antitipate every situation or expense each individual member may have; however, the Board also noted that, as indicated by the IA, the intent of the OFSP is "to cover expenses not specifically covered by other allowances and benefits" and as such, it provides blanket coverage for those expenses that a member may incur while deployed.

The Board acknowledged that the grievor absorbed a significant cost to board her pet, but noted that she also received the OFSP for the duration of her deployment. The Board was of the view that pet care costs are part and parcel of the OFSP allowance and to compensate the grievor above and beyond what she has already received would negate the reasoning behind the OFSP.

The Board recommended that the Chief of the Defence Staff deny the grievance.

CDS Decision Summary

CDS Decision Date: 2012–11–13

The CDS agreed with the Board's recommendation that the grievance be denied, adding that the intent of CBI chapter 10 section 28 is very : custodial expense is only meant as an allowance when a member's vacant residence requires maintenance.