# 2015-265 Pay and Benefits, Integrated Relocation Program (CF IRP)

Case Summary

F&R Date: 2015–12–30

Upon relocation, the grievor was unable to sell his principal residence after several months and so decided to rent it. He then applied for the Real Estate Incentive (REI) benefit but was denied on the basis that the decision to opt for REI was too late, not having been made within 15 working days of the home appraisal. The grievor argued that the policy in its current form fails to offer members the flexibility required to assist them during their non-optional geographical moves.

The Director General Compensation and Benefits, acting as the Initial Authority (IA), denied the grievance, finding that the grievor had not made his REI election within the time limit provided by section 8.2.14 of the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Policy (CF IRP).

The Committee acknowledged the difficulties the grievor faced trying to sell his principal residence. However, the Committee had to agree with the IA that the grievor was not entitled to REI under the applicable CF IRP policy.

The Committee observed that the grievor's situation illustrates a lack of flexibility within the current CF IRP construct to adapt to the changing and unique situations encountered by CAF members like the grievor on posting.

The Committee proposed that the CAF and the Treasury Board consider improving the usefulness of the REI benefit by amending the policy to allow CAF members to apply for the REI later in the process in circumstances where a principal residence proves difficult or impossible to sell.

The Committee recommended that the grievance be denied.

FA Decision Summary

The CDS agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation that the grievance be denied.