Canadian Armed Forces grievances

CAF members are encouraged to explore proactive and alternative resolution options and seek advice before deciding to submit a grievance.

Informal discussions

Before using a formal complaint mechanism, consider:

• speaking to your chain of command or;
• contacting your local CCMS office

An informal discussion or alternative dispute resolution may help you resolve your issue or guide you toward the appropriate next step.

For more information, visit or contact one of the CCMS centres located across Canada or call CCMS toll free at 1-833-328-3351.

Notice of intent (NOI) to grieve

You may submit a notice of intent (NOI) to grieve to your chain of command. This can encourage resolution at the lowest level and help identify the most appropriate complaint mechanism.

Consult the How to Submit a Grievance webpage for more information on how to submit a NOI.

If informal or proactive resolution efforts do not work, a formal grievance can be initiated. Please consult the Canadian Armed Forces Grievance system webpage to understand the steps involved in the CAF grievance process and access the Digital Grievance Submission Form.

To file a grievance, you must currently be a serving CAF member, including: 

• Regular Force
• Primary or supplementary Reserve
• Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS), 
• Canadian Rangers. 

Who is not eligible to submit a grievance

• Applicants to the CAF 
• Former CAF members (post release)

If you are an applicant to the CAF, review the available options to raise your concerns.

If you are transitioning out of the CAF, you may submit a grievance before your release date and continue the process after.

For detailed information on the CAF grievance process, consult the Canadian Armed Forces Grievance System webpage. 

Steps to follow:

1. Prior to submitting a grievance, you should consider filing a NOI to your chain of command. Proceeding with informal discussions or submitting a NOI does not pause or extend the 90-day time limit. As a grievance can still be resolved informally after it is submitted, members are encouraged to file an NOI within the prescribed time limit 
2. If you choose to file a grievance, you must submit it within 90 days from the time you knew or reasonably ought to have known of the decision, act, or omission you are grieving. Grievances may be submitted using the Digital Grievance Submission Form (only accessible on the Defence Network) or be submitted electronically or on paper using form DND 4953. 
3. Upon receipt of your digital grievance form, the Canadian Forces Grievance Authority (CFGA) will inform your Commanding Officer (CO) of your submission and determine the appropriate IA. 

4. Your CO will assign an Assisting Member to guide you through the grievance process. You may decline this assistance if you wish. 
5. The IA will 
   • Acknowledge receipt of your grievance within 10 days
   • Provide a decision within 120 days (or explain any delays)

If you are satisfied with the IA’s decision, the process ends here.

You have the right to: 

• Submit your grievance in the official language of your choice
• Receive communication in that language throughout the process

Final Authority (FA) review

If you are not satisfied with the IA decision or if a decision has not been rendered within 120 days, you may request a FA review of your grievance using the FA review form within 30 days of receiving the decision letter. 

• The FA is the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) or their delegate 

• Depending on the matter, some cases may be referred to the Military Grievances External Review Committee

After a decision

The organization responsible for implementing a decision must do so within 60 days. If there is a delay, you, the grievor, must be notified in writing. 

Judicial Review 

FA decisions are binding but may be reviewed by the Federal Court. If you are unsatisfied with the FA decision you may apply for judicial review under the Federal Courts Act within 30 days after the decision was received.

A judicial review is not an appeal of the FA decision. It is a legal process which allows the courts to determine whether decisions made by an administrative body are fair, reasonable, and lawful. There are costs associated with the application process.

For more information consult the Federal Court’s website.

Policy limitations

Some matters cannot be addressed through the grievance process. These include matters that fall under: 

• Subsection 29(2) and (2.1)of the National Defence Act or 
• Queen’s Regulations and Order(QR&O) article 7.03, Exception to Right to Grieve; or 
• QR&O article 101.20, Application – Representation on Appealor
• Requests that would require creating or expanding governed benefits by the Treasury Board

If your grievance falls outside of the process, you will be notified. You may still request it be reviewed by the FA. Note that forwarding the grievance to the FA may result in the same outcome.

We are an office of last recourse. However, we can: 

• Help you understand the grievance process
• Provide guidance on what to expect
• Review fairness concerns and make recommendations (with your consent) 

While the CDS’ decision is final and the Ombudsman’s Office does not have the power to change the decision, we can make recommendations if we believe you may have been treated unfairly throughout the process.

Every situation is unique. Contact us if exceptional reasons, like time sensitivity, health, security, or financial concerns for you or your family, prevent you from addressing your concerns through regular channels. Where these compelling circumstances exist, our office can ensure the appropriate parties are aware of your circumstances and making informed decisions.

• Attention CAF members: Updates to CAF grievance policies are now in effect
• CANFORGEN 052/26 – CAF grievance policy updates (available on the Defence Network or by downloading the MyCAF App)
• Canadian Armed Forces Grievance System
• Canadian Forces Grievance Authority (CFGA) (available only on the Defence Network) 
• Conflict Solutions and Services offered by your local Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS) centres
• Getting Redress Right: An investigation into the inequities Canadian Armed Forces members face when they have limited or no grievance rights
• What are compelling circumstances?