Canadian Armed Forces Relocation: A Guide to Moving Household Goods and Effects

Relocating within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) involves specific entitlements and procedures for the movement of household goods and effects (HG&E). This guide outlines the key aspects of these moves, covering scenarios from initial postings to returns from isolated locations, and updates to the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program (CFIRP). Understanding these guidelines is crucial for a smooth transition for CAF members and their families.

Understanding Your Entitlements

The Department of National Defence (DND) provides benefits and funding to support CAF members, their dependants (where applicable), and their household goods during relocation. The Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (CAFRD) details these provisions. Relocation services are managed through Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and monitored centrally by the Central Removal Services (CRS) headquarters in Ottawa-Gatineau.

Move of HG&E from Place of Enrolment

For Regular Force members, the initial posting or series of postings following enrolment typically restricts the movement of HG&E during initial training. Once this restriction is lifted, specific relocation entitlements apply. Members can move HG&E from:

• The location where the HG&E was stored upon enrolment.
• The residence occupied by the member or their dependants on their date of enrolment.
• Any other location in Canada, with reimbursement limited to the cost from the enrolled residence.

The member is entitled to a single shipment from one location to another.

Funding for Moves from Place of Enrolment

Custom Account funding formulas differ for members with and without dependants. These formulas replace the default formula outlined in CAFRD 1.2.04:

Members with Dependants

Custom Account Formula:

• A: Greater of $1,000 or 35% of real estate commission (if sold prior to appraisal) up to a maximum of $5,250.
• B: 35% of transportation costs for the member and dependants.
• C: 35% of the average cost of shipping 454 kg (1,000 lbs) of HG&E per qualifying room.
• D: Total Custom Account Funds (A + B + C)

Members without Dependants

Custom Account Formula:

• A: Greater of $1,000 or 35% of real estate commission (if sold prior to appraisal) up to a maximum of $5,250.
• B: 35% of transportation costs for the member.
• C: 35% of the average cost of shipping 454 kg (1,000 lbs) of HG&E per qualifying room.
• D: Total Custom Account Funds (A + B + C)

Unaccompanied Moves

Members may proceed unaccompanied to a new duty location if permanent accommodations are unavailable. This applies to both members with and without dependants, with a maximum unaccompanied period of six months for those with dependants. The Household Goods Removal Service (HGRS) contract takes precedence in the selection of carriers and rates.

Local Moves on Posting

Local moves (less than 40 km) are authorized when a posting requires occupying or vacating official quarters, as per QR&O 28.01. Entitlements are similar to standard moves, excluding HHT/DIT and TNL.

Moves to and from Isolated Posts

Relocation to or from isolated posts, such as Goose Bay, Newfoundland, or Iqaluit, Nunavut, involves specific modifications to standard entitlements. These include adjustments to HHT, purchase/sale of residence benefits, travel allowances, and HG&E weight limits, particularly for Iqaluit.

Iqaluit Specifics

• No entitlement to an HHT.
• No entitlement to purchase or sale benefits.
• One-way HG&E weight entitlement: 3,100 kg (6,835 lbs) for the member, plus 800 kg (1,764 lbs) for the first dependant, and 350 kg (772 lbs) for each additional dependant.
• Air priority shipment is authorized.

Key Considerations

• The HGRS contract governs the selection of carriers and rates.
• Employees must complete HGRS forms and submit them through their Departmental Regional/National Coordinator to CRS.
• To receive funding, employees must submit a copy of the original bill of lading.

The Canadian Armed Forces Integrated Relocation Program (CFIRP) aims to improve relocation services. As of April 1, 2019, BGRS, CAF’s relocation contractor, handles payments to third-party service providers (TPSP) directly, reducing the financial burden on members. More information on these changes is available online.