Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members face significant inequities due to their limited or non-existent grievance rights concerning compensation and benefits, concludes Gregory A. Lick, the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman, in his final report released today.
The report, titled “Getting Redress Right: An investigation into the inequities CAF members face when they have limited or no grievance rights,” reveals that the CAF’s restricted authority in these matters under the Treasury Board’s directives makes the military grievance process ineffective.
The investigation highlights that unlike their civilian counterparts, CAF members cannot access a grievance process to determine if they were treated within the intent or “spirit” of the directives, leading to disparities in benefits and prolonged resolution times. This situation adversely affects morale and trust within the CAF.
Lick urges the Minister of National Defence to work with relevant authorities to align CAF decision-making with Treasury Board policies and to consult with the Treasury Board and the National Joint Council as they implement the CAF Grievance Transformation initiatives.
“Our recommendations complement ongoing initiatives within the CAF and could help rectify the inequity CAF members face,” said Lick. “By implementing our recommendations, the CAF can address concerns with the military grievance process, increase the welfare of members, put in place a more efficient process, and contribute to restoring trust in the CAF.”
The report makes seven recommendations aimed at resolving compensation and benefits issues for CAF members. The full report is available on the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman’s website.