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Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Relocation Program

What Is the CAF Relocation Program?

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Relocation Program helps CAF members and their families move to new locations when needed. This is important because members often need to relocate for training or new job roles. The program provides support to make these moves easier and less stressful. It is run by a company called Brookfield Global Relocation Services (BGRS) and follows the rules in the Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (CAFRD).

Why Do CAF Members Move?

  • Over 60,000 CAF members move each year, with about 9,400 moves across provinces and territories.
  • Relocations are required for training and job experience, sometimes within Canada or even internationally.
  • Moving can be hard for families, causing stress, financial strain, and emotional challenges.

How the Relocation Program Helps

The program offers:

  1. Financial Support: Covers moving costs like transportation, housing, and temporary stays.
  2. Logistical Support: Helps with planning, booking movers, and finding new homes.
  3. Flexible Options: Adjusts support based on individual needs.

Who’s Involved?

  • CAF Member: Must understand the rules (CAFRD) and follow guidelines for a smooth move.
  • Director General Military Careers (DGMC): Starts the relocation process by issuing posting instructions.
  • Relocation Coordinators: Guide members through the process and assist with claims.
  • Commanding Officer (CO): Approves special requests, like house-hunting trips.
  • BGRS: Manages the relocation, provides tools, and helps with expenses.
  • Third-Party Service Providers (TPSP): Real estate agents, lawyers, and inspectors who assist with the move.

What Benefits Are Available?

  1. Core Benefits: Covers basic moving costs, like transportation and shipping belongings.
  2. Custom Benefits: Offers extra support, such as accommodations or extra shipping.
  3. Personalized Benefits: Includes grants (e.g., $650 movement grant) and incentives for home sales.

Other key benefits include:

  • House Hunting Trip (HHT): Covers a short trip to find a new home.
  • Temporary Lodging and Meals (ILM&M): Pays for temporary housing during the move.
  • Dual Residence Assistance: Covers costs if the old home hasn’t sold yet.
  • Real Estate Costs: Covers commissions, legal fees, and inspections.
  • Kilometric Allowance: Helps with travel costs if driving to the new location.

How Does BGRS Help?

BGRS provides a web platform to manage the entire relocation process, including:

  • Planning the move and estimating costs.
  • Booking services like movers and travel arrangements.
  • Offering a directory of approved real estate agents and other providers.

Members can also book a planning session with a BGRS agent for extra help.

Tips for a Smooth Move

  • Start Early: Register with BGRS as soon as you get your posting message.
  • Plan Ahead: Schedule your house-hunting trip 2–3 months before your move date.
  • Work with Experts: Use experienced real estate agents and other trusted professionals.
  • Keep Receipts: Save receipts for any costs you want reimbursed.

Final Thoughts

The CAF Relocation Program is designed to support members and their families through the challenges of moving. By understanding the program, planning ahead, and using available resources, you can make your move as smooth as possible.

For more details, visit:

  • bgrsguide.bgrs.ca
  • canada.ca/military-relocation