# 2021-152 Others, Beard Policy

Case summary

F&R Date: 2022-04-05

The grievor, a Military Police (MP) grieved the decision to prohibit his ability to wear Military Policy Operational Patrol Dress with requisite accoutrements, and operate in a front-line policing role due to his religious accommodation to wear a beard in observance of his religious beliefs. This resulted in the grievor's Commanding Officer (CO) approving the grievor's request for religious accommodation, but placing restrictions on his dress of the day and his duties. The Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, acting as the Initial Authority, found that the grievor's CO's determination on his request for religious accommodation was reasonable in the circumstances, and that he was treated in accordance with applicable policy.

The Committee reviewed Canadian Forces General message 158/18 - Amendment to Beard Policy, and FRAGO 002 to Canadian Forces MP Group OP Order with respect to health protection measures. The Committee also reviewed Defence Administrative Orders and Directives 5516-3 - Religious or Spiritual Accommodation, and the Chaplain General Correspondence 001/19 with respect to religious accommodation. The Committee determined that the authorization to wear a beard for religious or spiritual accommodation is not absolute. The Committee concluded that the wearing of a beard could be subject to limitations due to health and safety concerns, cost, and the availability of alternatives. The Committee found that the accommodation provided to the grievor was policy-compliant. The Committee also found that it was done without any adverse affect on the grievor, with no change to his pay, seniority, performance assessment or entitlement to benefits. The Committee found that the grievor was treated fairly, and was not aggrieved.

FA decision summary

The Chief of the Defence Staff, acting as Final Authority, agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation.