Grievances

GRIEVANCES ARE YOUR VOICE!

As a CAF member you may grieve a decision, act or omission you have been aggrieved by within the CAF (S 29 NDA).

Important Reality Notice – Grievance Delays

The CAF grievance system is widely recognized as slow, inconsistent, and often ineffective in delivering timely decisions. This has been cemented in personal experience. (CBC Article)

I am aware of these shortcomings aware of cases where grievances have remained unresolved for nearly two decades (https://roryfowlerlaw.com/incompetence-intransigence-in-grievance-adjudication-part-i/).

Members should understand that submitting a grievance does not guarantee a timely resolution, meaningful relief, or any resolution at all. However, the existence of systemic delay does not negate the importance of grieving administrative wrongs. In many cases, the grievance process remains the only formal mechanism available to document issues, preserve rights, and challenge improper decisions.

This platform does not suggest that the grievance system functions effectively or efficiently. CAP exists to help members navigate the system as it actually operates, not as it is described in policy or briefings. While individual grievances may stall or fail to resolve, the consistent use of the grievance system is one of the few ways systemic administrative failures are made visible. When issues are formally recorded rather than quietly absorbed, patterns emerge that cannot be ignored or dismissed.

What Is a Grievance?

A grievance is a formal mechanism that allows a CAF member to challenge a decision, act, or omission that they believe has adversely affected them. It is one of the few processes available to members to seek review, correction, or redress when administrative decisions are unfair, incorrect, inconsistent, or improperly applied.

Grievances are not limited to major career-ending decisions. They can apply to any matter that negatively affects a member, including pay, postings, evaluations, leave, administrative action, procedural fairness issues, and failures to follow policy.

A grievance is not about punishment or retaliation — it is about challenging a decision or process and placing the issue formally on the record.

Notice of Intent (NOI)

A Notice of Intent (NOI) is not a mandatory step in the grievance process. Members are not required to submit an NOI before filing a grievance, and choosing not to do so does not prejudice their right to grieve. Importantly, submitting an NOI does not pause, extend, or otherwise alter the prescribed grievance timelines.

Members should also be aware of the practical limitations of an NOI. An NOI is only meaningful where the Commanding Officer (CO) has the actual authority to grant the relief being sought. If the issue involves policy established above the unit level, decisions made by higher authority, or matters outside the CO’s power to change, an NOI may be procedurally ineffective. In such cases, reliance on an NOI or other informal resolution efforts may create a false sense of protection while grievance timelines continue to run.

Members are therefore cautioned against delaying the submission of a grievance based on informal processes where decision-making authority does not exist. While informal resolution may be appropriate in limited circumstances, it should not be relied upon as a safeguard against statutory timelines.

Why Submit a Grievance?

Many members avoid submitting grievances because they believe:

• the issue is “too small”

• nothing will change

• it will make things worse

• it isn’t worth the effort

In reality, grievances serve several important purposes:

• They formally document issues that might otherwise be ignored

• They create an official record when informal resolution fails

• They can correct errors before damage becomes permanent

• They preserve timelines and rights

• They expose systemic or repeated administrative failures

Even when a grievance does not result in immediate relief, it can still matter — especially where patterns, precedent, or future decisions are involved.

If an issue affects you, it is not too minor to grieve. When in doubt GRIEVE!

Timelines – Why They Matter

CAF grievances are subject to strict timelines. If a grievance is submitted late, it may be rejected without consideration of its merits.

When timelines generally begin

Grievance timelines typically begin when:

• you are notified of a decision, or

• you reasonably become aware of a decision, act, error, or omission that affects you.

Informal discussions, verbal assurances, or statements such as “we’ll look into it” do not pause or stop grievance timelines unless this is explicitly confirmed in writing.

The 90-day rule

CAF grievances must generally be submitted within 90 days of the act, error, or omission being grieved.

In many circumstances, the 90-day period may begin when a member becomes aware of the issue rather than when it initially occurred. Timelines may also be considered where a member was actively seeking information necessary to understand the situation, such as awaiting records through an Access to Information or Privacy (ATIP) request.

Extensions and assessment

Timelines and any requests for extensions are assessed on a case-by-case basis, based on the specific facts and circumstances. Members should refer to official grievance guidance for how timelines are applied in practice.

Key takeaway

Submitting a grievance within the applicable timeline helps preserve a member’s ability to have the grievance reviewed, even if informal discussions or resolution efforts are ongoing.

Why You Should Grieve Even “Small” Issues

Small administrative issues often become big ones when left unchallenged.

Examples include:

• incorrect pay or allowances

• inaccurate personnel records

• flawed evaluations

• procedural shortcuts

• informal decisions that later become formal consequences

Grieving early:

• prevents issues from being normalized

• preserves evidence while it still exists

• establishes a record of concern

• protects you if the issue escalates later

• holds the organization and superiors accountable

A grievance does not have to be aggressive or hostile. It can be factual, professional, and focused on correction.

How to Submit a Grievance/ NOI

Before submitting a grievance or Notice of Intent (NOI), it is recommended that members review the official CAF grievance information to understand how the grievance system operates and what types of matters may be grieved.

Members may also wish to familiarize themselves with any relevant policies, directives, or legislation connected to their concern. CAF grievances are assessed against applicable authorities such as policies, Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAODs), and the National Defence Act. Understanding the policy framework can help clarify how a decision was made and what process applies.

The most common way to submit a grievance is through the Digital Grievance Submission system available on the official CAF website. This system allows members to submit their grievance and attach supporting documentation.

When submitting a grievance, members are typically asked to:

• identify the decision or action being grieved,

• explain why they believe it affected them,

• and include any relevant documents or information they wish to rely on.

Grievances are reviewed and analyzed based on the information provided and the applicable policies and authorities.