# 2021-057 Pay and Benefits, Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program – Temporary Dual Residence Allowance Policy Review, Home Equity Assistance Program

Case Summary

F&R Date: 2021-04-12

Prior to enrolling in the Canadian Armed Forces, the grievor had purchased land and built his own home, acting as the general contractor, and had done most of the construction work on his own. Upon being posted after enrolment, he sold the home and attempted to claim home equity assistance (HEA). The grievor contended that the cost to build the home, which included an estimated $100,000 for his own labour, was greater than the sale price of the home and he should be entitled to HEA.

The Initial Authority (IA) indicated that the estimated value of the labour provided by the grievor was not an actual expense incurred in building the home. Therefore, this value could not be taken into consideration when setting the sale price, in the context of the HEA. If the value of the labour provided by the grievor was subtracted, the IA concluded that the sale price was higher than the purchase price and that the grievor had not suffered a home equity loss.

The Committee acknowledged that the grievor had invested a considerable amount of his own time and effort in the construction of his home, but found that providing this labour was not a transaction for which he paid out any actual money. It was not an “expense.” The Committee concluded it could not be considered part of an actual amount paid as part of a purchase price, pursuant to the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program. Consequently, the Committee found that the grievor was not eligible for HEA and recommend that the Final Authority (FA) not afford him redress.

FA Decision Summary

The Acting Chief of the Defence Staff, acting as the FA, agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation and denied the grievance.