Your Community, Your Resource Centre

“offering programs and services unique to the military lifestyle. ”

We support those who are important to you

The MFRC proudly honours the diversity of “families”

Key to Successful DeploymentsResearch shows that families that are well prepared, know where to turn in case of emergencies and have strong support systems deal most successfully with deployments.

A few tips from our families:• Put contact and emergency information on your

fridge• Include the MFRC 24/7 number (fridge magnet)• For the partner at home, consider unlocking the

cell phone and putting emergency contact information on the phone

• If you live alone leave your key with someone you trust, give your landlord the MFRC 24/7 number…we will find you!

• What about your pets?

The MFRC’s Top 3 Tips

1. Plan well - Ensure your family knows how to contact us

2. Learn about the available resources3. Get connected

Plan and Prepare• General checklists as well as

specific ones for Single Members and Parents of Military Members

• Pick up a MFRC Magnet

• Download the “Everything Binder”

• Make sure eligible family members have their MFID

• Fill out your Family information form

Know what resources are available• Subs Family Network• MFRC Submarines Deployment

Handbook• MFRC Resource and Information tables• MFRC website: www.esquimaltmfrc.com

Get Connected• Join the Subs Family Network

– Network volunteers: Jeni and Kiaya

subs.family@shawcable.com• Weekly Away Café Sessions• Monthly “Brown bag” dinners

– Monday Apr 24, May 15, Jun 19, July 17, Aug 21

“Helping another is always the best way to help yourself”

Upcoming Activities

• Preparing for Deployment Workshops (R2MR): – (CPAC) Monday March 20 6:30-8:30pm

• Community Connections: (CPAC) Mar 29, Apr 5, 12, 26 6:30-8:30pm

• Monthly Community Dinner (St Peter & St Paul) by donation Mar 22, Apr 19 6-8pm

• Subs Community Brown bag dinner (CPAC) Apr 20 5:30-8pm

Join the Subs Family Network to receive emails and updates on activities and information from the boat.

Children’s Workbooks / WorkshopsComplete the “Pre-Deployment activities with your children.Two options for offering your child support throughout the Deployment

- Onsite Children’s Workshops- At Home Children’s Workbooks with virtual

support for the “at home” parent via the web.

Top Four Service requests by loved ones of Deployed Members

1. Free Mail drop off2. Staying in Touch Service3. Networking Opportunities4. Respite Childcare (including Saturdays)

Don’t forget to get your Military Family ID Card before your member deploys

Single MembersYou are part of a family too!

Services Provided• SIT service for loved ones – wherever they may

be• Postal services• Information services such as; pet care, car

storage, etc.

Be sure to give our contact information to your loved ones.

Contact

Esquimalt MFRC24-hours a day / seven days a week

(250) 363-2640Or toll-free anywhere in Canada

1-800-353-3329mfrc@shawcable.com

www.esquimaltmfrc.com

The Esquimalt MFRC is on Facebook and Twitter!!

15

DEPLOYMENTPOSTAL BRIEFING

March 14th 2017

Deployment Mail

TWO WAYS TO SEND YOUR MAIL:

Canadian Forces (CF) morale mail service

Canada Post

CF MORALE MAIL SERVICE

Free Service

Drop off at the local MFRC or Fleet / Naden Mail Offices

No special services available withCF Morale Mail (i.e. parcel tracking or express post)

WEIGHT AND SIZE FOR PARCELS

The maximum weight for parcels is 20kgs

Oversize and overweight parcels will not be accepted.

Example

MAXIMUM SIZE FOR MORALE MAIL PARCEL

Shoebox size

Aye Missew123 My StVictoria BC V9A 7N2Tel-765-4567

Smith A.Pte 123 (Mess #)HMCS CHICOUTIMIPO BOX 17000 STN FORCESVICTORIA BC V9A 7N2

CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS FOR HMCS CHICOUTIMI PERSONNEL

Contents:ChipsNewspapersBooks

Sender’s address

AddresseeDescription of contents

MAIL SENT VIA CANADA POSTProcess at any Canada Post outlet

Postage is required on all parcels

Special services including insurance, Registered Mail, Xpresspost, Priority, etc are only in effect until it reaches FMO

Proof of delivery to a Military Post Office

Currently free letter mail

John Doe123 My StVictoria BC V9A 7N2

Bloggins B.PO1 123 (Mess #)HMCS CHICOUTIMIPO Box 17000 STN FORCESVICTORIA BC V9A 7N2

MAIL GOING THROUGH CANADA POST

Return address

Addressee

Canada Post Custom Declaration is MANDATORY!

CANADA POST CUSTOMS DECLARATION

Sender:Same as on parcel

Destination:Same ason parcel

Description of contents$20.00*NCV

Sign here

x

*NCV = No Commercial Value

IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT

ON THE CUSTOMS FORM REMEMBER TO FILL OUT THE LIST OF

CONTENTS AND DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN AT

THE BOTTOM

• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products

• Corrosive liquids/solids, flammable liquids/solids

• Pornographic material

• Knives

• Drugs and narcotics (including prescription drugs)

• Compressed Gases (aerosols)

• Perishable items

Supplementary restrictions according to host country

PLEASE NOTE:

Note: Batteries are permitted only if they are in their original sealed package

27

ALL PARCELS WILL BE SCREENED

CF MAIL ROUTINGSMail will be sent via CMTT

Timings are unpredictable

CF MORALE MAIL DROP OFF POINTS Signal Hill MFRC

CPAC MFRC

Fleet Mail Office Naden Mail Room

A list of out of area locations is available at all drop off locations

Note: Wrapping paper and tape are available at all drop off locations.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

FMO (250) 363-2176

MFRC (250)363-2640

• AJAG Legal Assistance• Power of Attorney (POA)• Wills• SDB Beneficiary Form• Travel Authorization Letter

Discussion Points

• Front Office: 250-363-4260

• Duty Phone in case of emergency: 250-363-4253

AJAG Contact Info

• Legal Officers may provide assistance to CF members in case of urgent / operational necessity

• Personal Legal Assistance not intended to replace civilian legal services available downtown

Spectrum of ServicesRef: CFAO 56-5

Allows a person to appoint someone 19 years of age or older to be their representative (the attorney), for the purposes of financial transactions or business arrangements on his/her behalf

Power of Attorney (POA)

• Someone you trust.• Not someone who has financial problems.• Not someone you don’t get along with, like an

estranged spouse.

There are potential consequences resulting from picking the wrong attorney

Your attorney must be:

• The financial or business arrangements that can be conducted with a POA include:– Insurance for car or home– Bank loans– Mortgage payments– Buying or selling property, including cars and houses– Pay issues

Power of Attorney

• Do you need a Power of Attorney?– Some banks have their own “in-house” power of attorney

forms so check with your bank first;– Online banking– Does not apply to joint assets / accounts

Note: a POA does not give the attorney the power to make health care or child care decisions

Power of Attorney

What is a Will?

The written statement by which a person instructs how his or her estate should be distributed after death

WILLS

• From the death of a person dying intestate until administration is granted … the personal estate and effects of the deceased person are vested in the court…. s.3 Estate Administration Act

• If one dies “Intestate” then province uses formula to distribute estate

Why You Need a Will

Wills

• Basic CF Will is adequate for:

First marriageSingle membersSimple financesNo children

• Suggest you get a Will from a Civilian Lawyer if:– Second or subsequent marriage– Home owner– RRSPs, trust funds, stocks etc.– Children– Wish to have several persons as beneficiaries

Will Kits May or May Not be Valid

Wills

• You should re-do or revisit your Will if:– Children are born– Death (of executor or beneficiary)– Change of life circumstances– You move to another province– You get divorced (or your marriage-like

relationship ends)

Need to Re-Do Your Will?

• Review SDB Beneficiary form – changes in circumstances (i.e. marriage) will not automatically change SDB beneficiary

Supplementary Death Benefit (SDB) Beneficiary

• Can be signed by any Reg Force Commissioned Officer

• Example letter available for download from the AJAG webpage

• Is proof that you consent to your child traveling with a spouse or another person

• May assist you when crossing border to US or other borders with children

Travel Authorization Letter

Leave Travel Assistance(LTA)

HMCS CHICOUTIMI

ReferenceWhat is the reference for LTA?

– It is the Compensation and Benefit Instruction for the CAF. CBI 209.50

Purpose of LTA• The purpose of LTA is to reimburse CAF members for some

expenses paid while on leave to meet a family member.

• Any members sailing with CHICOUTIMI will be entitled to claim LTA.

Definitions • Family member (hierarchy for LTA)

– Dependant (as defined in CBI 208.997) is a member’s spouse or common-law partner.

– In respect of a member who has no dependant, a member’s child, including a stepchild, legal ward, adopted child, or child adopted under a Canadian Aboriginal Custom Adoption Practice.

Definitions – Family Member (cont’d)

• In respect of a member who has no dependant and no child, the member’s parent, including a person who stood, prior to the member’s enrolment, in the place of the member’s father or mother.

• In respect of a member who has no dependant, no child and no parent, the member’s brother, stepbrother, sister or stepsister.

Definitions (cont’d)• Place of DutyA place of duty as defined in CBI 208.80(3)

Place of duty means the place at which an officer or non-commissioned member usually performs their normal military duties and includes any place in the surrounding geographical area that is determined to be part thereof by the Chief of the Defence Staff or such other officer as the Chief of the Defence Staff may designate.

The place where a member is performing a duty (TD)

Definitions (cont’d)• Principal ResidenceIn respect of a member with a dependant, a principal residence

as defined in CBI 208.997 (Separation Expense); • (a) is located:

– (i) at the place to which the member’s HG&E were last moved at public expense;

– (ii) at the place of the member’s HG&E on the date the member enrolled in the Regular Force unless the member has subsequently moved at public expense; or

In respect of a member without a dependant, a residential property that a family member occupies for more then 183 days in a continuous 365 day period.

Definitions (cont’d)

Service CoupleTwo members both of whom are the spouse or common-law

partner of the other and one of whom is:A member of the Regular Force; orA member of the Reserve Force who is both on Class B or C

Reserve Service and authorized to move household goods and effects at public expense for the purposes of that Class B or C Reserve Service.

Definitions (cont’d)

Commercial Carrier Is any commercial airplane carrier, train or bus carrier.

Bus must be at least a provincial line, not a local metro transit system.

Spouse (note)In relation to the member, does not include a spouse who is

living separate and apart, within the meaning of the Divorce Act, from the member.

Who is Eligible to LTA?

• A member of the Regular Force; or

• A member of the Reserve Force who is both on Class B or C Reserve Service and authorized to move household goods and effects at public expense for the purposes of that Class B or C Reserve Service.

Conditions for LTA (cont’d)

• Member has a family member.

• During leave, either the member travels to see a family member, or a family member travels to see the member (Reverse LTA).

• The member provides proof of travel to an authorized destination.

• The member is not entitled to a payment under MFSI (Military Foreign Service Instructions) Section 21.

Conditions for LTA (cont’d)

• Only in respect of a member with a dependant, the member is for 60 continuous days, either entitled to SE under CBI 208.997 (Separation Expense) or absent for service reasons from their place of duty.

How Many Persons & How Many Trips?

LTA is authorized in respect of the travel expenses of only one person.

LTA is authorized once every fiscal year and travelling that spans two fiscal years is deemed to have occurred in the fiscal year in which the travel commenced. A fiscal year runs from 01 Apr XX – 31 Mar XX.

• Example: LTA commences 22 Mar 16 ends 4 Apr 16. The LTA is deemed to have occurred in FY 15/16 (last year) and the member is also entitled to an LTA during FY 16/17 (this year)

Authorized DestinationsIn respect of a member with a dependant, LTA is authorized for travel:

• By the member to their principal residence, to a spouse’s or common-law partners' place of duty, or to a third location where a dependant is; or

• By a dependant to the member’s place of duty or to a third location where the member is. (Reverse LTA)

Authorized Destinations – (cont’d)In respect of a member without a dependent:

• By the member to a principal residence or to a third location where a family member is; or

• By a Family member to the member’s place of duty or to a third location where the member is. (Reverse LTA)

Amount – Traveling from outside CANUS

CHICOUTIMI members will be travelling from outside CANUS, and IAW para (9) of ref, the monetary entitlement will be the lesser of:

• The actual cost of return travel by commercial carrier from the member’s place of duty to the principal residence; and

• The amount of 13092 km x OLKR (Ontario low kilometric rate)• Example: Current OLKR is 18.5 cents; using the calculation

above (13092 km x OLKR), it would be 13092 x 0.185= $2422.02;

• Meaning the maximum any member would be entitled to claim for LTA would be $2422.02.

What Do You Need to Initialize the Claim?Authorized Leave Pass

Flight itinerary/quote if flying

Verification of Entitlement by completing and signing the form

Verification of Entitlement for LTA

Refs: CBI 209.50

SN: ___________ Last Name: ___________ First Name:_____________ Unit:______________ COS/Posted since:_____________ TD/Attached Posted since: _______________ 1. Have you taken an LTA during this Fiscal year (1 Apr 14 to 31 March 15)?

Yes / No 2. Do you have a Spouse/Common Law partner and/or children?

Ref: CBI 209.50(2)

Yes / No IF YES Do they live with you? Yes / No

3. Are you separated from your family member for service reasons such as

TD/Course/Attach Posting/Posting?

Yes / No 4. Who are you going to visit during your LTA? Full Name ___________________________________ Relationship (specify: dependant (spouse), child, parent, sibling): ___________________________________ Full Address _____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

5. Will YOUR marital status or family situation change during your LTA (For

reasons such as marriage, birth of a child, etc…)

YES / NO

6. I am requesting an advance of ________________. I recognize that in the event that my flight is less than the requested advance that recovery action may be taken against my pay for the difference.

What Do You Need to Finalize the Claim

Valid Leave Pass – Did you get it stamped by the RCMP / Police or Canada Post to prove you were there?

• Yes, bring it in when you finalize your claim.

• No. You will need to bring in a bank statement or credit card statement showing that you were in the area during your leave. It is the Pay Office discretion as to what is accepted as proof/verification of travel.

• For Reverse LTA, you need to bring in your valid Leave Pass (may be for weekend leave only)

What Do You Need to Finalize the Claim? (cont’d)

If you traveled by commercial transportation

• If you bought directly from WestJet or Air Canada, you need to bring the itinerary and proof of purchase. If you went through a third party, you must bring proof that you paid for the ticket.

Example: You purchase your ticket through Expedia, you will need to bring your credit card statement showing you

paid for the ticket and the flight itinerary.

What Do You Need to Finalize the Claim?(cont’d)

For Reverse LTA, you must bring in the arrival boarding passes for the family member who visited you.

If you traveled by PMV, receipts along the way and at the destination will be required. Proof that you drove to your authorized location is at the Pay office discretion. Keep your receipts!

FAQ

• I am a single member and my parents are deceased. Can I elect my friend for the purpose of LTA?

• No. The definition of family member identifies the individuals that a member can meet while on LTA and does not include non-family members.

• Ref CBI 209.50(2) definition of family member.

FAQ (cont’d)• Does the member need to use one day of annual leave for this

benefit?

• No, however the member must have an authorized leave pass (CF 100) with some form of paid leave. Paid leave can be any of the following; annual, accumulated, accrued, sick, special, short or weekend.

• Refs: CBI 209.50(3) and Canadian Forces Leave Policy Manual

FAQ (cont’d)

Can I be reimbursed expenses to fly my children to my place of duty if the cost does not exceed the kilometric entitlement via PMV to location?

• No. LTA is authorized in respect of the travel expenses of only one person.

• Ref: CBI 209.50(4)

FAQ (cont’d)• My mother passed away and my father remarried after my

enrolment. He has since passed away. Am I entitled to be reimbursed LTA expense to visit my stepmother?

• No, your stepmother did not stand in as a parent prior to your enrolment and therefore does not meet the definition of family member

• Ref: CBI 209.50(2) Definition of family member.

FAQ (cont’d)• My father and mother are divorced. After my enrolment, my

father remarried and has recently passed away, and I have not spoken to my mother since the divorce. Can I use my LTA to visit my Stepmother?

• No, as the construct for family member still includes your mother, there is no entitlement for reimbursement of LTA benefits to visit your stepmother.

• Ref: CBI 209.50(2) Definition of family member.

FAQ (cont’d)• Can my spouse meet me at my TD or attached posting

location?

• Yes. A member can utilize reverse LTA for the spouse to travel to the member’s temporary place of duty, provided there is no service or operational restrictions and has been away for 60 continuous days.

• Ref: CBI 209.50(6)(a)

FAQ (cont’d)I am a single Regular Force member away on TD for more than

60 days, am I entitled to LTA?

• Yes. A single Regular Force member has an annual entitlement and it does not matter when it is utilized during the leave year. However, entitlement cannot exceed the maximum reimbursement from the normal place of duty.

• Refs: CBI 209.50(3) and CBI 209.50(5)

FAQ (cont’d)• I am a married member and have been away from my normal

place of duty for 35 days of a 90 day tasking. Am I entitled to LTA benefits?

• No, a member must be absent from their place of duty for 60 continuous days for service reasons or no entitlement exists.

• Ref: CBI 209.50 (3)(f)

FAQ (cont’d)• I am a married service member and tasked away from my

normal place of duty for over 60 continuous days. Am I entitled to LTA benefits?

• Yes, a member with a dependant who is tasked away from their place of duty for 60 continuous days is entitled to receive LTA benefits.

• Ref: CBI 209.50(3)(f)

FAQ (cont’d)My ex-spouse and I each have a child living with us. Can I use

LTA to visit my child living with my ex-spouse?

• No, a member with dependant(s) normally resident at the place of duty has no entitlement to an annual LTA.

FAQ (cont’d)• I’m divorced but my ex-spouse has full custody of our child.

Can I use LTA to visit my Child?

• Yes if you are a member who has no dependant, you are entitled to LTA benefits to visit your child. In this case, the child does not normally reside with the member and is therefore not considered a dependant for LTA, as defined at reference.

• Ref: CBI 209.50 (2) and CBI 209.50(3)

FAQ (cont’d)• How many times can I use the LTA Benefit in any given year?

• LTA is authorized once every fiscal year. If the travel spans over two fiscal years the travel is deemed to have occurred in the year when the travel commenced.

• Ref: CBI 209.50(5)

FAQ (cont’d)

• While at the LTA location, can I be reimbursed for a rental car instead of using a taxi?

• No. There is no provision under the current LTA construct – effective 01 Feb 11 – to reimburse a rental vehicle, taxi or any other form of local transportation to and from the commercial carrier.

• Refs: CBI 209.50(7)

FAQ (cont’d)• If I drive from my residence to the airport and leave my car to

fly can I be reimbursed for long term parking?

• No. There is no provision under the current LTA construct – effective 01 Feb 11 – to reimburse parking for the purposes of LTA.

• Refs: CBI 209.50(7)

• If, while at home on my LTA, my flight delayed overnight due to unforeseen weather conditions will this effect my entitlement to LTA?

•No, you will still be able to claim your LTA.

FAQ (cont’d)

• I’m going on LTA / Reverse LTA. I will be changing my status (i.e. having a baby or getting married during my LTA), am I still entitled?

• No, there is no entitlement.

• My parents are divorced and they don’t live in the same area. Can I go see both of them on my LTA?

• You are entitled to go either to your mother’s or father’s location, but not both on your LTA.

LTA – Points To Remember

• Important information to determine the relationship of the family member to the member.

• Proof of travel is required (leave pass stamped, receipts, boarding passes, etc).

• Paid leave must be taken.

• Only reimburse expenses related to travel via commercial carrier or PMV. No taxi, rental car, kilometric distance from home to airport etc.

LTA – Points To Remember (cont’d)• Only the OLKR is to be used for kilometric amounts.

• For a member with dependants, the member must be away for 60 continuous days in order to be entitled to an LTA per FY.

You may travel to your destination via commercial airway, then return PMV. However, you can only claim one mode of transportation. You claim your flight, not your PMV or vice versa.

If in doubt about anything, please contact the pay office, they would be happy to help you.

Areas of Assistance

• The chaplain may be of assistance to you and your family in order to:– Offer pastoral care and counselling for

members and their families– Assist with referrals for social worker or

Mental Health– Family counselling referrals– Religious/Spiritual Care

CHAPLAIN BRIEFCHAPLAIN BRIEF

Chain of Command

• The chaplain has unfettered access to the CO, XO, and COX’N.

– This means that the CO, XO, and COX’N maintain an open door policy for the chaplain.

– The chaplain will, however, attempt to resolve issues at the most appropriate level within the chain of command.

Chaplain Assistance

• Regular Business Hours (0800 hrs–1600 hrs)• Phone: 250-363-4030• Fleet Chaplains are in Building D70. • Coverage: All of CANFLTPAC• Reason: Any Pastoral Need• Access: CF Personnel or Family Members

Emergency Duty Chaplain

• Phone: 250-363-2640 • Time: After-hours, 365 days a year• Coverage: All of CANFLTPAC• Reason: Any pastoral emergency• Access: CF personnel or family members