# 2019-266 Pay and Benefits, Education Reimbursement - Primary Reserve

Case Summary

F&R Date: 2021–03–29

The grievor filed a grievance disputing the refusal to reimburse his education expenses. 

The grievor's Individual Learning Plan (ILP) was approved when he was a member of the Regular Force (Reg F). However, he completed his training and obtained his certification after his transfer to the Reserve Force (Res F). He was informed that he had to file a new ILP as a Res F member. However, the institution that provided the training was not approved for Res F members by the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA). The grievor asked that the institution be added to the list of approved establishments, but the request was denied. The grievor pointed out that the institution was approved for Reg F members.

The Initial Authority has not rendered a decision in the file. 

The Committee noted that pursuant to subsection 210.801 of the Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI), only costs incurred in obtaining a degree or diploma are eligible for reimbursement for Res F members. The CDA informed the Committee that the institution at which the grievor trained did not issue diplomas, only certificates. Until 2018, the institution was approved for Reg F members because different criteria applied. The Committee concluded that the grievor was not eligible for reimbursement of his education expenses because, under the CBI, he needed an ILP approved by the CDA, which was not the case following his transfer to the Res F.

The Committee determined that the grievor was treated in accordance with the policies in effect, and recommended that the Final Authority grant no redress.