Best of 2017 #10 CAF Personnel to receive pay increase

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members will receive a pay increase of over six per cent and around 5 per cent increase to some environmental and special allowances, announced the Department of National Defence today.

CAF members will be paid at these new rates starting June 30, 2017.

The pay and allowance increase is retroactive dating to April 1, 2014 and members will receive a lump sum amount covering this time frame.

“Canadian Armed Forces members proudly serve their country despite the many dangers, hardships and sacrifices made by troops and their families. Canadians recognize their need for competitive compensation, outstanding training and modern equipment,” said Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan.

According to the calculations, CAF members will receive four 1.25 per cent increases in pay and allowances effective April 1 for the past four fiscal years and will receive one 1.2 per cent Military Factor pay increase effective April 1, 2016.

Allowances that are increased include all Environmental Allowances, Special Operations Assaulter Allowance, Submarine Crewing Allowance, Stress Allowance for Test Participants, and Special Allowance Canadian Forces Station Alert.

The Military Factor pay is compensation for conditions particularly unique to the military lifestyle including separation from families and any disruption caused by postings.

Non-Commissioned Members, General Service Officers and pilots at the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and Commander and below, and all Medical and Dental Officers are eligible for the pay raise.

The pay for Colonels and Captains (Navy) and above, and all Legal Officers are managed separately.

Former military members who left the CAF after March 31, 2014 will also receive a retroactive payment and adjustment to their retirement benefits.

It’s been four years since CAF pay rates were last increased.

“This is great news for our people who work hard defending Canadian interests at home and abroad. This is an important recognition of their sacrifice and dedication and will improve the quality of life for the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families,” said Gen. Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff.