# 2021-293 Pay and Benefits, Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program, Pet care/Transportation expenses, Relocation

Case summary

F&R Date: 2022-10-27

The grievor indicated that when he was posted from outside of Canada back to Canada, he incurred significant abnormal expenses for the transportation of his dog. The grievor maintained that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were placed on animal travel and, as such, the grievor had no alternative but to hire two animal shipping companies to transport his dog.

The Initial Authority rejected the grievance because it had been submitted after the expiry of the applicable time limit.

The Committee found that the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation (CFIRP) Directive did not provide for the reimbursement of pet shipment using the core or custom funding at the time of the grievor's relocation. However, the Committee found that all commercial carriers ceasing normal pet transportation due to a global pandemic qualified as a rare, extreme and unforeseen circumstance. As such, the Committee recommended that the grievor's case be submitted to the Treasury Board Secretariat for approval under article 2.1.01 of the CFIRP Directive.

FA decision summary

The Director Canadian Forces Grievance Authority, acting as the Final Authority, agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation. He directed the Director General Compensation and Benefits to submit the grievor's case to the Treasury Board under article 2.1.01 of the CFIRP Directive with his full support.