# 2022-322 Pay and Benefits, Relocation, Relocation benefits

Case summary

F&R Date: 2024-04-05

The grievor challenged the denial of reimbursement for a partial septic system inspection. The grievor had arranged for a home and a septic system inspection to occur during his initial virtual house visit whereupon he decided to not make an offer. While recognizing that article 8.3.06 of the Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (CAFRD) provides for reimbursement only if this expense is for a residence in respect of which an offer to purchase is made, the grievor argued that the local market conditions presented exceptional circumstances such that he had to engage inspection services prior to presenting a competitive offer. The grievor further reasoned that he met the CAFRD intent of securing accommodations while minimizing expenses by stopping the septic system inspection case, thus creating a savings.

The Initial Authority, the Director General Compensation and Benefits, denied the grievor's request finding that the CAFRD is clear in that reimbursement of expenses related to inspections is predicated on the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member making an offer to purchase the residence.

The Committee found that the eligibility criteria, clearly articulated in the CAFRD, are fair and in keeping with the recognized practice of inspections being carried out as a condition to an offer to purchase. It also found that the local market did not meet the definition of exceptional circumstances provided for in policy. The Committee concluded that there is no authority to reimburse inspection expenses when no offer to purchase is made on the residence. The Committee also concluded that the grievor’s actions were not in keeping with the CAFRD's intent, which is to provide fair compensation to CAF members relocated for service reasons, not to allow for a competitive offer to purchase. Consequently, the Committee recommended that the Final Authority deny the grievance.