Extension of Class “C” Service beyond 24 Months

Topic

Extension of Class “C” Service beyond 24 Months

Case number

• 2015-194 (F&R Date: 2016–04–21)

Description

Compensation and Benefit Instructions 210.72 limits extensions of Class “C” service for reservists, who became injured or ill in the performance of their duties, to a maximum of 24 months.  As the evidence showed that the Director Casualty Support Administration had approved extensions of greater than 24 months in a number of cases, the Committee concluded that this action seriously affected the compensation and benefits received by several Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members.

Recommendation

The Committee recommended that the Chief of the Defence Staff :

•    immediately put a stop to this practice;
•    ensure that the appropriate authorities rapidly identify CAF members who have been or are affected; and
•    engage Treasury Board and the Director Claims and Civil Litigation in an effort to resolve the situation.

Final Authority Decision

The FA noted that “There appears to be some confusion on the part of the various stakeholders, including the Assistant CMP, the CO JPSU, and the Reserve Force Compensation Adjudicator, as to whether such extensions are permitted under the current policies and regulations”. The FA stated that “CI "C" Svc and RFC are distinctly different from one another. Being on CI "C”, or even CI “A" or CI “B", implies that service has been rendered, while RFC allows for the continuation of a benefit in line with the salary you would have been receiving at the time you sustained your service-related injury”.