# 2024-163 Pay and Benefits, Enrollment Offers, Recruitment

Case summary

F&R Date: 2025-08-22

The grievor, who was residing outside Canada, was scheduled to return to Canada to be enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and attend Basic Military Qualification. The grievor had quit his previous employment upon accepting the enrolment offer. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the grievor was informed that his enrolment was delayed. The grievor disputed this delay and the period without employment income and sought compensation based on his originally scheduled enrolment date. 

The Initial Authority determined that the grievance had not been submitted within the required time limit prescribed and that it was not in the interests of justice to consider the grievance.

The Committee observed there were no erroneous commitments within the Enrolment Offer such as promises of higher pay or rank upon enrolment, and that the grievor was eventually enrolled. The Committee found that in the context of the very early response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the delay to the grievor's enrolment was not unreasonable. 

The Committee noted that entitlement to compensation and benefits for CAF members begins on their enrolment date. The Committee found that it was not possible to backdate the grievor's enrolment date as it is defined as the date a member takes an oath or solemn affirmation and that this cannot be artificially altered. 

The Committee recommended that the Final Authority not afford redress.