Message from the Ombudsman (May 28, 2013)

Ombudsman Releases Special Report Outlining Delays in the Processing of Adjudications and Initial Authority Grievances

Since 2010, the Office of the Ombudsman has received a number of complaints from concerned Canadian Forces members who have experienced lengthy delays related to the settlement of financial claims related to postings. Today, our office released A Report Outlining the Delays in the Processing of Adjudications and Initial Authority Grievances by the Director General Compensation & Benefits, which contains 11 recommendations aimed at improving the timeliness in processing claims and grievances. 
 

Our investigation focused on two main areas: delays in the adjudication of financial claims associated with door-to-door relocations (postings) and delays in the handling of related grievances. My staff found that Canadian Forces members were waiting months – and in some cases, years – for decisions with respect to their adjudication requests and longer still if they chose to grieve the decision. 
 

I am pleased to report that our findings are supported by both the Minister of National Defence and the Chief of the Defence Staff.  We look forward to the implementation of our recommendations, as well as a continued partnership with the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all of Canada’s men and women in uniform. 
 

Pierre Daigle
Ombudsman
 

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