Everything you need to know about the Canadian military relocation program

Each year, over 60,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces are relocated to a different posting across the country or internationally. If you have experienced a military relocation in the past, you know the process is not easy, especially in cases when you’re given very little time to complete the move.

There are numerous things to consider, including selling your house fast or terminating a lease, finding a new home at your new post, transferring the children to a new school, and so on. Moreover, moving house – especially on such short notice – can take a financial toll on you.

Recognizing the challenges members of the Armed Forces face in relocating, the government has undertaken significant reforms in the Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Program.

Working with Brookfield Global Relocation Services (BGRS), their global relocation partner for over two decades, the CAF has instituted changes to the relocation program to ease the logistical and financial challenges military personnel face in transitioning from one permanent workplace to another. The reforms aim to minimize any detrimental effect relocation may have on the CAF member and their dependants, as well as on the operations and processes of the CAF in general.

Benefits you can expect under the Relocation Directive

A relocating member of the military is entitled to several benefits under the Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (CAFRD). This includes funding to cover the expenses associated with moving their families and household goods and effects, as well as support in logistics, transportation, and housing needs.

Who is entitled to these benefits?

You and your dependants may be eligible for the CAFRD benefits if you’re one of the following:

• A regular member of the Canadian Armed Forces whose new permanent workplace is at least 40 kilometres by road distance from your present posting and whose new home is at least 40 kilometres from your new workplace
• Your move has been approved by the Director of Compensation and Benefits Administration (DCBA)
• A member of the Reserve Force whose relocation has been approved by the DCBA and whose new permanent workplace is at least 40 kilometres from your present workplace and whose new home is at least 40 kilometres from your new workplace
• A Reserve Force member making an authorized Return Move from your last posting

For other eligibility requirements, see this website.

What relocation benefits can eligible members enjoy?

The CAFRD relocation benefits have three package components:

• Core benefits – This is a non-fixed amount covering all reasonable expenses associated with the relocation.
• Custom benefits – This is an enhancement to the core benefits package, allowing the relocating member to choose other benefits to meet their personal needs, including accommodation, transportation, and shipment of goods and essentials.
• Personalized benefits – This covers non-essential expenses attributable to the relocation, and comprises a movement grant amounting to $650 and a real estate incentive not greater than $12,000.

Housing assistance

In a military relocation, finding and moving to a new home within a short period of time are two of the most crucial steps you have to deal with. In addition, if you own property in your current post, you will most likely want to sell or dispose of that before you move. If you’re renting your current home, you will need to terminate the lease on short notice.

Recognizing how challenging and costly these processes can be, the CAFRD includes specific benefits that can ease a member’s relocating burden. The directive provides funds and logistical support for activities related to these processes, including :

• Standard House Hunting Trip (HHT)You and your spouse can make a trip to your new place of duty to secure your accommodation and initiate arrangements for a door-to-door move. The trip may include a stay for five days and five nights at the new location, plus two days for travel. You may be reimbursed for your meals and lodging during the trip, as well as for Dependant Care Assistance if this is needed while you and your spouse are on an HHT.
• Interim Lodgings, Meals, and Miscellaneous (ILM&M)This includes expenses that may be incurred for temporary lodging and accommodations while you’re in the process of moving your household goods and effects. In addition to commercial or non-commercial lodging, the package includes meal expenses and an allowance for miscellaneous expenses.
• Shipment of Household Goods and Effects (HGE)This benefit covers the door-to-door shipment of your household goods and effects to your new permanent address. The goods included in this coverage are defined as coming from qualifying rooms as listed on Section 1.2.05 of the directive.
  The $650 Movement Grant

  This non-accountable grant is given to eligible members moving their HG&E to their new workplace. It is a tax-free grant that serves to reimburse any expenses not specifically itemized in the Relocation Directive.

• Rent, Sale, and Purchase This benefit is funded through your core account, and covers the following expenses associated with selling, buying, or renting a house.

  Covered home selling or lease disposal expenses include:

  • Real estate commission
  • Legal fees
  • Rent liabilities
  • Professional cleaning services
  • Appraisal fees

  Covered home buying or leasing expenses include:

  • Rental agency fees for two days
  • Validation of credit to secure the new rental
  • Structural inspection of the home
  • Legal fees
• Temporary Dual Residence Assistance (TDRA)
  If you have not yet sold or disposed of your present home but have to move to your new permanent residence, you may be entitled to the TDRA benefit, which covers:
  • Interest payments on your present home’s first mortgage
  • School and property taxes
  • Utility bills
  • Property insurance
  • Maintenance services for your present home
  • Rent of a mobile home pad

The relocation experience

One of the most significant improvements in the new Relocation Directive was the creation of an online portal designed to make the process more convenient and give you faster and more efficient access to needed funds.

Brookfield Global Relocation Services is the lead agency tasked with putting the system together and facilitating the needs of relocating CAF members. Through the BGRS platform, you can complete the relocation process online from any location.

What is Brookfield Global Relocation Services?

BGRS provides company and employee relocation and real estate services to a wide range of organizations and businesses in Canada and other countries. Part of the worldwide relocation expert Relo Group, Inc., BGRS provides mobility solutions and relocation services to various Canadian government agencies through their Federal Government Integrated Relocation Program. The Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are among the top beneficiaries of this program.

For more than 20 years, the group has assisted the CAF in relocating members to around 28 military bases in various locations worldwide. Each year, BGRS facilitates around 14,000 relocations for the CAF.

Getting started

As soon as you receive your new posting authorization, register and create an account on the BGRS website.

Using the platform, book your first planning session with a BGRS representative, who will assist you in navigating the website and understanding the benefits you can receive under the CAFRD. Since the planning session is only for 30 minutes, it’s best to prepare any questions in advance so the BGRS agent can address them during the meeting.

See this website for a step-by-step guide to registering and creating an account in the BGRS system.

BGRS services

Brookfield Global Relocation Services is responsible for facilitating your transfer and providing you with the information you need about the relocation process and the funding available to you.

In line with this, BGRS provides the following services:

• Generating personalized tasks for you
• Estimating the funding you will need
• Creating a Move Budget for your relocation
• Advancing your requested funds
• Reviewing your expenses and receipts
• Assisting with your travel arrangements through the Hogg Robinson Group
• Maintain individual members’ records, including conversations with BGRS representatives

How to access your funding

If you need cash to fund a relocating need, these are the steps to take:

• Make sure your bank information is included in your BGRS online profile.
• Request an advance or reimbursement via the platform.
• BGRS will review and approve the request.
• Wait approximately 7 days for the funds to be transferred to your bank account via Electronic Fund Transfer.

Selling your home and buying a new property in your new posting

Whether you’re a civilian or a member of the CAF, two of the most crucial elements of relocating are selling your present home and finding a new property to move into. In a military relocation, time is certainly of the essence and this is why it’s very important to work with a REALTOR® who’s experienced in the process.

Your agent must also be a local expert who knows the real estate market inside and out, and can help you dispose of your property while looking after your best interests.

Consider these essential relocation tips for a smooth transition:

1. Find the right REALTOR®It’s best to work with two real estate agents – a listing agent to sell your present home and a buying agent to help you find a new home at your new location.

   As part of the relocation program for the federal government, Brookfield Global Relocation Services maintains a directory of third party service providers, which relocating members and employees can search when they need a particular service. The directory includes a list of real estate professionals that you can contact on your own.

   Choosing a REALTOR® to work with is your own decision – BGRS takes a hands off policy when it comes to members’ selection of third party providers. The advantage of choosing a real estate agent listed in the BGRS directory is that you’re assured of their integrity. These parties are accredited professionals and are committed to adhere to the BGRS Code of Ethics. Furthermore, they’re likely to be experienced in CAF relocations.

   However, choosing a REALTOR® from the list should not be done by random. Keep these pointers in mind when making your selection:

   • Ask friends and family for referrals
   • Work with an agent who specializes in your area and has experience on the type of home you want to sell or buy
   • Check prospective agents’ credentials and track records, including their sales volumes
   • Go through client reviews and take the time to talk to a REALTOR®’s previous clients to get a feel of how it is to work with them
   • Interview potential candidates and ask them how they plan to market your home or help you find a new one
2. Plan a house hunting trip with your buying agentAs previously mentioned, relocating CAF members may be entitled to a House Hunting Trip fund so they can travel to their new permanent workplace and find a home before their Change of Strength (COS) date, or the date of their move.

   Ideally, you should plan for an HHT two to three months before your COS date. The coverage of the HHT funding is for five to seven days, so it’s imperative to maximize the time to look at different homes and negotiate with the seller. You will also need at least one day to have a professional inspection done on the property you choose.

   Working with the right REALTOR® in your new location can help you achieve all that, so make sure to work with a real estate agent who has considerable experience in military relocations and in facilitating HHTs.

3. Arrange for an inspection of the new home’s water system and air qualityIn some parts of Canada, this type of inspection is required in acquiring a mortgage. While you may have to pay for the inspection costs out of your own pocket, you may reimburse the amount with Brookfield Global Relocation Services.
4. Start the process of selling your home before going on an HHTYour goal is to sell your home fast, and the right real estate agent can help you achieve that. Closing a sale or accepting an offer before going house hunting is ideal as this puts you in a better position to make an offer for a new home. The selling process in Canada can take anywhere from six weeks to 60 days or more, so it’s best to work with a REALTOR® to have your home listed as early as possible.

   Even before you receive a written notice about your relocation, you can start preparing your home for the sale to make it more attractive to potential buyers. If you have a written message, you may also put your home on the market even before contacting a BGRS representative.

   If you’re unable to sell your home but have purchased a new one, check if you’re eligible for Temporary Dual Residence Assistance. This funding is available to relocating members whose homes remain unsold but are vacant and are actively marketed.

Work with a top real estate company in Kingston, ON for your military relocation needs

Are you relocating to or from Kingston, ON? The Krishan Nathan Group can help make the transition smooth and seamless for you. A BGRS accredited real estate firm, The Krishan Nathan Group has a wealth of experience in assisting CAF members find the perfect home or sell their existing property in Kingston and the neighboring communities.

Led by Krishan Nathan, a leading Kingston REALTOR® and one of Royal LePage’s top 1% REALTORS® in Canada, The Krishan Nathan Group is composed of highly experienced and dedicated real estate professionals who know the ins and outs of military relocation. They have the expertise to make the transition to your new home as enjoyable and wrinkle-free as possible.

Get in touch with the team today at 613.507.3711 or send an email to info.ngroup.ca.