From the Canadian Forces Ombudsman

Before Receiving Your Posting Instruction

For relocation benefits, if the information in this document differs from that contained in the official policy approved by the Treasury Board, the Treasury Board will prevail.

Please note that this document does not cover all options available to you as a Canadian Armed Forces member or family member. It aims to provide accessible information for you and your spouse/partner to make informed choices. The goal of this document is provide information on moves involving Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI) Chapter 208 and the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program (CFIRP) Directive. Note that this document focuses on postings. Should you be looking for information on moves to Intended Place of Residence, you can access it at Canadian Forces Relocation Program (CFIRP) Directive – Chapter 14.

Where there is an asterisk (*) you should discuss your applicable relocation or household goods and effects (HG&E) options with your service provider BGRS for CFIRP moves or your orderly room staff for CBI Chapter 208 moves before making a decision or any financial commitment. Users should be aware that information offered by non-Government of Canada sites are not subject to the Official Languages Act. As a result, this information may be available only in the language(s) used by the sites in question. The Office of the Ombudsman does not ensure the accuracy, currency or reliability of the content of those sites. Users wishing to rely upon this information should consult directly with the source of the information.

Get ready: update your budget

The SISIP (Service Income Security Insurance Plan) budget sheet is an excellent starting point. If necessary, consider accessing financial counseling with a SISIP financial advisor by making an appointment via the Internet or by calling 1-800-267-6681. If you are already struggling financially because of the challenges of serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, your family can also get additional help through Support Our Troops.

Consider getting a CF One card. It is available for you and each member of your family, and provides access to the Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Program. Although you do not need to join during your relocation, this official rebate program for the military community may help you reduce some of the costs associated with your daily expenses.

Be sure to include gains or losses related to Environmental Allowances in your budget. The rates for some of these allowances may vary considerably from one place of duty to another. For example, the Post Living Differential (PLD) Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI) 205.45 allowance may not be available where you plan to reside at your new place of duty. Be sure to check with your unit / base orderly room.

Be aware of the impact of tax rates on your income when you move to another province.

If your posting involves a move

Under CFIRP

Learn about the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program (CF IRP) Directive. The CFIRP has been in effect since April 1, 2009 and the latest changes became effective on April 19, 2018 (CANFORGEN 126/18). This directive describes Treasury Board policy on the relocation of dependents and household goods and effects (HG&E) of members of the Canadian Armed Forces. If you have questions while reading the CFIRP Directive, be sure to take note of them. You will have time to discuss these questions with your BGRS Relocation Services provider (formerly Brookfield Global Relocation Services) and CFIRP Coordinator after receiving your posting instruction.

Under CBI Chapter 208

If you are being posted under the Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI) Chapter 208, address your orderly room staff.

Military Foreign Service Instructions

If you are moving outside of Canada (OUTCAN), you can find information specific to postings Outside Canada or “OUTCAN”. This website presents information about operations, education and training, employment, and the Canadian Armed Forces community. More information is available to you if you are moving to Europe or to the United States. You can also review our Office’s Helpful Information article to learn about your Children’s Education outside Canada and the related screening process.

Preparing for a change of residence

Explore the state of the real estate market, and compare the prices of houses or rental housing between your current location and your new place of duty. See the document entitled Housing Market Information. Other websites such as Canadian Real Estate Magazine also provide information on this topic. CFB Borden Information

If you are considering buying a house:

• keep in mind that some financial institutions will consider you to be a single income family if your spouse / partner does not have proof of employment at the new place of duty;
• compare house prices on the Canadian Real Estate Association’s website because the state of the market may give you an indication of a potential home gain or loss if you sell your home;
• use the Homebuying Tools – Calculators made available by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; and
• be aware that Canadian Defence Community Banking (CDCB) offers exclusive mortgage rates for military members, including portable mortgages and the possibility of a mortgage break without penalty, if you are relocated under the Integrated Relocation Program

If you are considering renting a home:

• compare the price of rent across Canada;
• check the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) site which is an excellent source of information on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords as well as on rental practices across the country; and
• find out about province and territory specific information for tenants.

Learn more about services and resources available to families at the new location

Whether you have children or not, Military Family Resource Centers (MFRCs) are available to everyone. Inform your parents that they too can access support from Military Family Services (MFS).

Find out about the services offered by the Military Family Services Program through the cafconnection.ca website. Find the Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) at your new location to get more information about schools, special needs, childcare, and jobs in the local community.

Here are some of their services and other links that might be helpful:

About children: 

Know that some Military Family Resource Centers (MFRCs) offer activities to better prepare children for a possible move. As an example, the Valcartier MFRC offers the children’s workshop: What? We are moving again! 5 to 11 years old. Some websites also offer helpful ideas on how to make a move easier for your children or what to do if your child is upset about your relocation.

Find out about the support available for Child Education Management in Canada and abroad. As examples, you can consult:

• the interactive map with information on the provincial/territorial regulations for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten enrollment in Canada;
• the Directory of Education in Canada;
• the interactive map of Canadian graduation requirements for provincial/territorial Ministries of Education and Requirements for a Secondary School Diploma in every province and territory in Canada;
• the Children’s Education outside Canada article for screening process information if you are planning for an OUTCAN posting; and
• help for preparing a School Transition Portfolio for your child.

Please note that the Support Our Troops assistance program will also help you and your family face the challenges of military service.

About Spousal Employment:

Find information about Professional Accreditation from provincial or territorial agencies. You may also find job opportunities under Help for Employment page or the Employment Opportunities at Bases / Wings page. As well, you can review our Office’s Helpful Information article on Military Spousal/Partner Employment for more information and resources. Additionally, be sure to note that spouses of military personnel may not qualify for regular employment insurance during postings outside Canada and the United States. You can find more information about employment insurance and workers and residents outside Canada here. As well, you can review our Office’s Helpful Information article on Employment Insurance available to Military Families.

About medical care:

Review access to medical care for military families and Military Families’ Access to Health Care to find out if health care services are available at your new location.

Other useful links for military spouses/partners, parents and other family members:

Invite your loved ones to learn about the military life by consulting the following link: A Family Guide to the Military Experience.

Join MyVoice, a forum open to all military families. Your feedback can help improve programs and services for you and your family.

Use the Family Information Line (1-800-866-4546) available 24/7 to access resources to support your family with finances, logistics and special needs counseling.

Military Family Services also provides information and assistance on their available resources and services via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube