Overview of the Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (CAFRD)

The Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (CAFRD) is a comprehensive guide designed to facilitate the relocation process for members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and their dependents. Effective from April 1, 2021, it supersedes the previous Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program Directive (CFIRPD)​​. The CAFRD covers various aspects of relocation, including benefits, policies, and funding options available to CAF members. Its primary aim is to minimize the impact of relocations on service members, their families, CAF operations, training, and administration, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness​​.

Key Aspects of CAF Relocation

1. Eligibility Criteria: CAF members eligible for relocation benefits under CAFRD include:

   • Regular Force members posted to a new workplace at least 40 km away from their current one.
   • Reserve Force members authorized for Class “B” or “C” Reserve service employment, under similar distance conditions.
   • Members authorized for local moves, moves to their Intended Place of Residence (IPR), or moves outside Canada for safety, security, or operational reasons​​.

2. Spending Accounts: The CAFRD includes two types of spending accounts:

   • Core Account: Funds common relocation expenses considered essential for a CAF member's move. This account does not have a fixed fund amount​​.
   • Custom Account: Provides enhanced benefits from the Core Account and additional flexibility to choose benefits that best meet the member's relocation needs. The Custom Account includes a formula based on accommodation, transportation, and household goods and effects (HG&E) shipment factors​​.

3. Qualifying Rooms for HG&E Shipment: The calculation for the HG&E shipment factor considers various rooms in the member's residence, such as the basement, bedroom, dining room, and family room, among others. This calculation is crucial, especially when shipment out of Long-Term Storage (LTS) is involved​​.

4. Policy Flexibility and Review Process: The CAFRD is designed to offer flexibility within policy limits, allowing members to make choices based on their specific relocation needs. Members can request a review by the Director Compensation and Benefits Administration (DCBA) if they face exceptional circumstances not covered by the CAFRD, require authority for a benefit, or disagree with the directive’s interpretation by the service provider​​.

5. Additional Relocation Considerations:

   • Active Marketing of Residence: A residence is considered actively marketed for sale based on continuous sale efforts, consistency in listing price with market conditions, good faith actions by the member, and not refusing reasonable offers​​.
   • Actual and Reasonable Expenses: This includes the actual expenses incurred supported by proof of payment and those deemed appropriate and justifiable by the CAF​​.
   • Arm’s Length Transaction: Transactions should be between individuals who are not related by blood, marriage, common-law partnership, or adoption​​.
   • Animal Care: Covers basic commercial boarding fees for pets or service dogs, excluding additional costs like grooming or veterinary expenses​​.
   • Lodgings and Transportation: Defines types of eligible lodgings and transportation modes for relocation purposes, including hotels, peer-to-peer marketplaces like Airbnb, and various ground and air transportation options​​.

6. Definitions and Terms: The CAFRD provides clear definitions of key terms such as COS date, dependant, direct road distance, and dwelling, ensuring clarity in the relocation process​​.

Special Circumstances in CAF Relocation

The Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (CAFRD) addresses various special circumstances that members may encounter during relocation. These include local moves, moves to the Intended Place of Residence (IPR), and relocations under exceptional conditions such as safety or security concerns, particularly for members serving at posts outside Canada​​.

Planning a House Hunting Trip (HHT)

1. Application Process: Members must complete a specific form detailing their move number, service number, rank, name, unit, Change of Strength (COS) date, current address, and the distance from the old to the new place of duty. They should also provide the anticipated vacate date of their current residence and the approved dates for their HHT/Destination Inspection Trip (DIT)​​.

2. Travel and Accommodation Options: Members can choose from various travel options including air travel, personal motor vehicle (PMV), train, bus, or rental car. They must be aware of their CAFRD entitlements and apply accordingly for their first or subsequent HHT, extended HHT, unaccompanied HHT, DIT, or IPR HHT​​.

3. Leave and Expense Coverage: The application process includes leave approval in conjunction with HHT/DIT. Members should note that expenses incurred during leave are not reimbursed through the CAFRD unless authorized for an extended HHT and if custom funds are available. They are responsible for ensuring that travel arrangements cover the entire approved HHT/DIT period​​.

Commonly Asked Questions about House Hunting Trip to Ottawa

Registering in the BGRS System

The Brookfield Global Relocation Services (BGRS) system plays a crucial role in the CAF relocation process. Members are required to register in this system for their relocation, and it is essential to keep BGRS informed of any changes to the relocation application. The system facilitates the management of relocation benefits and entitlements under CAFRD, and members must ensure their registration details are up-to-date and accurate.

Additional Resources and Contacts

For further assistance and detailed information, the CAFRD document can be accessed directly (link to the official CAFRD document). Additional resources are available on the Children’s Education Management (CEM) website, the Compensation and Benefits Instructions for the Canadian Forces (CBI) Chapter 12, and the Military Foreign Service Instructions (MFSI). Contact information for further assistance can be obtained from the CAF Relocation Coordinator and the Director Compensation and Benefits Administration (DCBA).

FAQs

The CAFRD also addresses common questions related to posting changes due to personal circumstances, the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group, Imposed Restriction status, Separation Expense, and more. These FAQs help members understand their entitlements and the procedures to follow in various scenarios during the relocation process.

Special Circumstances in CAF Relocation

1. Service Couples: Special provisions are made for service couples to ensure their relocation process accommodates the needs of both members. This may include considerations for joint postings or coordination of relocation benefits when posted to different locations.

2. Specific Moves within Canada: Moves within Canada may have unique aspects, such as differences in provincial regulations or specific regional benefits, which need to be addressed in the relocation process.

3. Moves to/from Outside Canada: Relocations involving a move to or from an international location have additional layers of complexity, including customs regulations, international shipping of household goods, and other logistical challenges.

4. Moves of Reservists: Reservists may be eligible for relocation benefits under certain conditions, such as long-term Class “B” or “C” service, and their specific needs and entitlements are outlined in the CAFRD.

5. Moves to Intended Place of Residence (IPR): Upon retirement or release from the CAF, members may relocate to their IPR, and the CAFRD provides guidelines for such moves, including benefits and entitlements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Posting Changes due to Personal Circumstances: Address how personal situations like family needs or medical issues can affect posting and relocation.

2. Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group: Information about the support provided by this group for members transitioning out of the CAF, including relocation aspects.

3. Imposed Restriction Status: Clarify what this status entails and how it impacts relocation benefits and processes.

4. Separation Expense: Guidance on how separation expenses are handled within the CAFRD framework, especially in cases where families cannot move immediately with the member.

5. Relocation Benefits Information: Provide insights into how to access detailed information about specific relocation benefits, including allowances and reimbursements.

Other Resources:

1. Relocation Checklist and Timelines: Providing detailed checklists and timelines for different stages of the relocation process can be immensely helpful. This could include checklists for pre-move preparations, moving day, and settling into the new location.

2. Local Community Information: Detailed information about various Canadian regions, such as local amenities, schools, healthcare facilities, and community resources, can be very beneficial for families planning their move.

3. Financial Planning and Budgeting Tools: Interactive tools for budgeting and financial planning specific to relocation can help members manage their finances effectively during the transition.

4. Legal and Regulatory Information: A section on legal and regulatory considerations, such as lease agreements, property laws, and tax implications related to relocation, can be valuable.

5. Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources:

   • The Royal Ottawa: About Mental Health - Mental Health Resources
   • Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa: Mental Health Resources and Crisis Lines
   • Ottawa Public Health: Mental Health Resources

6. Integration and Cultural Adaptation Resources: For members relocating to significantly different cultural environments, including resources on cultural adaptation and integration can be helpful.

7. Testimonials and Personal Stories:

"As out-of-town clients we really appreciated Roch’s availability. When you’re out of town, you have many questions and it’s not easy to find the right home in the right time." - Sylvie M. & Sylvain B.

"When I couldn’t sell my property on my own I was referred to Roch by a friend. He wasted no time getting my home listed. Professional, punctual and most importantly, always available, returning my calls/emails promptly."- Cheryl B.

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