Managing Relocations
Over the course of their careers, Canadian Armed Forces personnel serve throughout Canada, and in some cases, around the world, resulting in geographical relocations * for many Canadian military families.
On average, personnel spend approximately three to five years in any given location before being moved or posted to a new job. Postings may occur for a number of reasons including promotions, training opportunities, to fill high-priority vacancies or simply to enhance the member’s diversity of skills and breadth of experience. As a matter of routine, military personnel are asked to identify their posting preferences to their Career Manager, however, individual preferences are balanced against the needs of the organization.
Not all postings involve a geographical move. On larger bases/wings/units there are a number of requirements and demands that may see the member posted to a new position while remaining on the same base/wing/unit. Where a geographical move is required, costs are covered by the Canadian Armed Forces and administered through a separate relocation service in accordance with Canadian Armed Forces compensation and benefits policies.
For a detailed overview of the policies and processes of relocating and other pertinent information, please refer to the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program Directive.
What do we know about relocations in the Canadian Armed Forces?
According to the results of the Relocation Experiences Survey * conducted by Military Family Services:
- 1 in 4 Regular Force members relocate to a new base each year, 1 in 5 relocate to a new province
- Most military families respond to geographical relocation with feelings of happiness and excitement; however, a smaller proportion respond with fear, apprehension, anxiety or sadness
- Even for those who respond positively to the news of an upcoming posting, many indicate that the relocation process places additional stressors on their intimate partner relationships
- There are no differences in physical health, mental health or life satisfaction between spouses who had relocated and those who had not
- Children found the anticipation before a move stressful, but their stress quickly diminished after the move.
- Adolescents struggle with relocations more significantly, both academically and socially
- 50% of families felt their financial situation became worse after their last relocation primarily due to the non-military spouse’s employment, mortgage/rent increases and higher cost of living at the new location
- 2/3rds of families who go on Imposed Restrictions to maintain family stability reported experiencing relationship strain during the posting
What is Imposed Restriction?
Imposed Restriction (IR) means an approved delay in moving dependants, household goods and effects for a specific period of time upon being posted to a new place of duty within Canada. Members can apply for Imposed Restriction status through their chain of command by completing a Request for Imposed Restriction Status Memorandum and the Imposed Restriction Status Questionnaire. For more information please consult Military moves and posting.
What is an OUTCAN posting?
The term OUTCAN refers to “Outside Canada,” therefore, an OUTCAN posting would reference any posting or assignment of DND/CAF personnel outside of Canada. There are a variety of opportunities for Defence team members around the world and while these postings offer some unique and exciting challenges for you and your family, there can also be some unique stressors that can accompany such opportunities. For more information please consult Postings and Assignments Outside of Canada.
What is a compassionate posting?
A compassionate status is assigned when a CAF member’s personal circumstances affect their ability to deploy or perform duties. Usually no more than two years in duration, this status may include a compassionate posting.
A compassionate posting involves a move that may accompany a compassionate status assignment when a member’s personal circumstances impact ability to deploy or duty performance.
A contingency cost move for personal reasons is a move that satisfies personal circumstances while not limiting a member’s ability to deploy or perform duties at the new location.
For more information on compassionate posting, compassionate status, and contingency cost moves for personal reasons, refer to the Defence Administrative Orders and Directives 5003-6, Contingency Cost Moves for Personal Reasons, Compassionate Status, and Compassionate Posting.
What is an isolated posting?
Locations where medical resources for both CAF members and their families are limited are referred to as isolated and semi-isolated locations. These locations, designated by the National Joint Council, can present unique challenges and opportunities. You can find more information at Military moves and posting and Chapter 11 – Isolated Post Instructions.
Relocations resources
Family Information Line
This is a confidential, personal, bilingual and free service offering information, support, referrals, reassurance and crisis management to the military community.
1-800-866-4546 (International 00-800-771-17722)
FIL-LIF@cfmws.com
CFMWS Relocation Services
Postings and relocations can be difficult for the entire family. We are here to help you through all phases of your relocation by proving information, resources and linking you to your local MFRC / MFS service provider.
CFMWS Relocation Guide, Tools and Checklists
We can’t make postings easier, but we can provide you with timelines, tools, checklists and resources to help you plan, to reduce the stress or frustration you’re feeling, and to make the move process more manageable for you and your family.
Military Family Resource Centres (MFRC)
MFRCs are responsible for connecting military families to a wide range of programs and services. If you are facing a posting or relocation and would like further information about what to expect or how to navigate your move, you can contact your local MFRC or MFS Service Provider for guidance and support.
Managing the Stress of Relocations
Estimated time: 25-35 min
Learning objectives
This section helps you identify some of the stressors inherent in relocating to a new location, and strategies to regain control over some of the stressors you may be experiencing.
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