# 2024-057 Pay and Benefits, Annual Leave, COVID-19, Travel Expenses

Case summary

F&R Date: 2025-04-22

The grievor argued that the decision to deny reimbursement for accommodation expenses incurred due to the cancellation of leave, in the context of COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions, was unjustified. At the time of the event, the grievor chose not to request full reimbursement but instead opted for a voucher for later use. Two years later, when the grievor attempted to use the voucher, ownership had changed, and the new owners no longer wished to rent the property but agreed to reimburse the grievor only partially. The grievor then attempted to claim the accommodation fees from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), but the request was denied. As redress, the grievor sought compensation for the rental property cost that was not reimbursed.

The Initial Authority (IA), the Director General Compensation and Benefits, found that it was the grievor's decision to initially choose a credit to rent the accommodation at a later date instead of a full reimbursement. As a refund was initially proposed, the grievor was not eligible for compensation under the Compensation and Benefits Instructions for the Canadian Forces 209.54. The IA was of the view that the CAF cannot be held responsible for a financial loss endured because of the grievor's decision.

After reviewing the applicable policies and relevant information, the Committee concluded that the grievor was not entitled to reimbursement. Under the condition of Canadian Forces General Message 052/20, the grievor would have been entitled to reimbursement of expenses if they had not been initially offered a reimbursement by a third party. The grievor's decision to accept a credit for a future stay instead of an immediate refund was a risk that they took. The Committee recommended that the Final Authority not afford the grievor redress.