Separation Expense Benefits – Principal Residence

Topic

Separation Expense Benefits – Principal Residence

Case number

• 2015-002 (F&R date: 2015-03-24)

Issue

Without overriding the purpose of the Separation Expense policy set out in Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI) 208.997(1), the definition of “principal residence” should not be overly restrictive to the point that it does not afford the appropriate authority enough flexibility to avoid a situation where newly recruited members are inadvertently being caught in an administrative loop that denies them benefits in accordance with CBI 208.997(3).

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) order a review of the definition of « principal residence » found in CBI 208.997(2).

Final Authority Decision

The CDS agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation and remitted charges for quarters in accordance with Queen's Regulations and Orders for the Canadian Forces article 208.52.The CDS agreed with the Committee's systemic recommendation that the definition of "principal residence" found in CBI 208.997(2) be reviewed to allow some flexibility and to prevent new enrollees from being caught in an administrative loop that denies them the benefits prescribed in CBI 208.997(3).