# 2021-191 Pay and Benefits, Class B reserve service, Compassionate travel assistance

Case summary

F&R Date: 2021-10-05

The grievor challenged his ineligibility for the compassionate travel assistance (CTA) benefit to visit an ill family member while he was on a Class “B” period of Reserve Force (Res F) service. He argued that the policy was unfair to prohibit Class “B” reservists, who had not been moved at public expense, from the CTA benefit when Regular Force (Reg F) members were entitled to it. 

The Initial Authority (IA) found that, since the grievor had not been authorized to move his household goods and effects (HG&E) at public expense for his Class “B” service, he was not entitled to CTA in accordance with Compensation and Benefit Instructions for the Canadian Forces (CBI) 209.51(3). The IA did not afford redress.

The Committee found that, in accordance with CBI 209.51, the grievor was not entitled to CTA benefits as he had not been authorized to move his HG&E at public expense for his Class “B” Res F service. The Committee also commented that the benefits available to Reg F and Res F members often differ because of the different level of obligation for their service in the Canadian Armed Forces. 

The Committee recommended that the Final Authority not afford the grievor redress. 

FA decision summary

The Final Authority acknowledged the grievor's difficult circumstances but agreed with the Committee that he was not eligible for the benefit. The FA did not grant redress.