# 2023-068 Careers, Canadian Rangers, Class A Reserve Service, Policies on the Use of Social Networks, Reserve Force

Case summary

F&R Date: 2023-12-15

The grievor, a reservist, disputed the letter of direction that he was issued by his Commanding Officer (CO) to cease monitoring a civilian's social media. As redress, the grievor requested that the letter be rescinded.

The Initial Authority (IA), the Commander 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters, denied redress. The IA determined that the CO had the authority to issue the letter of direction. 

The Committee found that the grievor was not on duty the date the letter of direction was issued. The Committee further found that the grievor was not tasked to gather evidence on a civilian and could not claim days of pay as a result. The Committee found that the CO had no authority over the grievor's social media activities during his personal time and using his personal equipment and Internet, so long as the grievor demonstrated fidelity to Defence Administrative Orders and Directives 6002-2, Acceptable Use of the Internet, Defence Intranet, Computer and Other Information Technology Systems. Therefore, the Committee concluded that the CO exceeded his authority in issuing the letter of direction. 

The Committee recommended that the Final Authority afford redress and rescind the letter of direction. The Committee further recommended that a replacement letter of direction be issued, properly articulating the scope and boundaries of the grievor's actions with respect to monitoring the social media of a civilian.