Grievances

A formal way to seek redress

CAF members can use the grievance process when a decision, act, or omission related to their conditions of service affects them personally and no other redress process under the National Defence Act applies.

Common topics include pay, benefits, career administration, evaluations, postings, leave, working conditions, and failures to follow an applicable process. Criminal offences, harassment, and misconduct have separate reporting or complaint routes.

Deadline first: the general time limit is 90 days

Current QR&O 7.06 says a grievance must be submitted within 90 days after the day you knew—or ought reasonably to have known—of the decision, act, or omission.

• A Notice of Intent to Grieve (NOI) is encouraged but optional.

• An NOI or informal resolution attempt does not pause or extend the 90-day limit.

• If you submit late, include reasons for the delay. The responsible authority may consider a late grievance if satisfied it is in the interests of justice and must give written reasons if it declines.

Do not assume a conversation, promised review, records request, or other process stops the clock. If a deadline may be close, check the official policy and consider qualified legal advice promptly.

Build a focused grievance

Submission checklist

1. Decision, act, or omission: identify exactly what happened and when you learned of it.

2. Personal effect: explain how it affected your conditions of service.

3. Facts and documents: give a concise timeline and attach relevant records you hold.

4. Authority: cite the policy, order, regulation, or evidence that supports your position.

5. Redress sought: state the practical outcome you want.

6. Professional tone: focus on verifiable facts, process, impact, and remedy.

7. Proof and tracking: keep the final submission, attachments, confirmation, registry information, and every decision.

Ways to get support

• Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS) can provide confidential advice about options and the process.

• A Commanding Officer assigns an assisting member in the grievance process; current policy also addresses requesting or declining assistance.

• The Digital Grievance Submission Form is the standard online route. Current QR&O 7.08 also addresses submission to the Canadian Forces Grievance Authority and what a grievance must include.

Expect delays—but protect the record

The grievance system has faced documented concerns about delay and effectiveness. A realistic plan includes organized records, polite follow-up, copies of every submission, and attention to the next procedural deadline. Delay does not make your concern unimportant; a clear record helps preserve the issue for review and accountability.

Major grievance-system changes took effect on April 1, 2026. Official guidance says grievances submitted before that date continue under the previous framework. Always use the rules that apply to your file.

This page is general information and peer support—not legal advice or representation.

Official sources

• How to submit a grievance

• CAF Grievance Policy

• QR&O Chapter 7: Grievances

• National Defence Act, section 29

• Grievance policies, guidance, and regulations