Vacation Travel Assistance Update - October 2015

Date: October 1, 2015
To: Designated Departmental Contacts, Isolated Posts and Government Housing

The purpose of this notice is to provide departments and agencies with the new Vacation Travel Assistance (VTA) rates which are effective and published October 1, 2015 that have an environmental Classification of 4 and 5 under the Isolated Posts and Government Housing Directive (IPGHD).

Please be aware that there were a number of changes to airline services that have resulted in significant variations in the VTA rates. Departments are encouraged to review the rates carefully to ensure that employees are notified accordingly and adjustments are made appropriately.

Reintegration of Fort Nelson and Toad River, BC

You will note that 2 isolated posts (Fort Nelson and Toad River, BC) were reintegrated retroactively to February 1st, 2014. Reimbursement of the VTA rates will be done in the following manner:

• For the 2013-2014 fiscal year:
  • The rate of $1,348 (adults and children) will be applied retroactively and prorated from February 1st to March 31, 2014;
• For the 2014-2015 fiscal year:
  • The rate of $1,348$ (adults and children) will be applied retroactively from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015; and
• For the 2015-2016 fiscal year:
  • The rate of $1,224 (adults and children) will be applied retroactively from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.

New locations added

Four (4) new locations were added effective June 1^st 2015:

• Ethelbert, MB
• Swan River, MB
• Turnor Lake, SK
• Winnipegosis, MB

Reimbursement of VTAs will be retroactive to June 1, 2015 using the rates published on October 1, 2015.

Departments are reminded to distribute this notice to employees at your headquarters and regional offices who are involved in the administration of the isolated posts allowances. Departmental employees or regional staff should direct any questions on this subject to the appropriate departmental corporate official. View the list of Designated Departmental Contacts.