Mishall RehmanReservists will now receive a higher pay rate now under a new structure that will match the Regular Force pay “where the demands of service are similar,” announced the federal government this week.
Under the new structure, reservists will receive the same base pay as the Regular Force, instead of the current 85 per cent of Regular Force, plus the elements of the Military Factor that apply to reservists. This is an overall increase of 7.8 per cent.
According to a Department of National Defence press release, this means that “the pay rate for a first-year corporal will increase from $140 to $153 a day. Basic pay for a lieutenant “A” will increase from $147.62 to $161.18 a day.”
The new rate will begin at the end-month pay in August 2019. The rate is retroactive to April 1 of this year.
“This important initiative laid out in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged will ensure that our Reserve Force members are fairly compensated for their service. It is a clear demonstration of how our government and all Canadians value the dedication and sacrifices of all members of our Canadian Armed Forces,” said Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence in a statement.
Since Reservists cannot be posted to different locations or sent away from their families on operations or exercise without their personal consent, separation and posting turbulence is not applied as part of the Military Factor. The Military Factor compensates Canadian Armed Forces members for additional requirements that don’t impact most public servants.
Military Factors elements that will now apply to reservists include personal limitation and liability, overtime, and acting for supervisors.
“Because of the sacrifices that our military personnel make every day, Canada remains among the safest and most secure countries in the world. Whether assisting in the recent spring flood relief efforts in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario, or deployed on a peacekeeping mission halfway around the world, the Reserve Forces are a vital part of the Canadian Armed Forces as a whole, and the new pay structure reflects that,” said LGen. Wayne Eyre, Command, Military Personnel Command.
According to the DND press release, Reservists on Class A and Class B periods of service are paid on a daily rate, based on their rank and time in that rank. Reservists on Class C periods of service, for example, those on deployment, receive the same pay as Regular Force members.
“The Reserve Force is an integral component of the Canadian Armed Forces and restructuring pay is just another way of integrating both components into a total force that can deliver on our defence mandate. As an organization, we are always learning, growing and reviewing our programs and policies to reflect the changes we think are best for CAF, our members and their families. It’s wonderful to see this change because I think it recognizes the operational and professional commitment of the Reserves to the defence of Canada,” said MGen. Rob Roy MacKenzie, Chief of Reserves and Employer Support.
