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Section II – Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

The following analysis outlines how the Board allocates and manages resources to achieve the expected results identified under its two Program Activities and to contribute to its strategic outcome.

Strategic Outcome

Findings and recommendations of the Canadian Forces Grievance Board are implemented and lead to improvements in the conditions of service for members of the Canadian Forces.

Program Activities by Strategic Outcome


Program Activity: Review of Canadian Forces grievances referred by the Chief of the Defence Staff
Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ thousands)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
28 3,499 28 3,505 28 3,505
 
Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
Fair, impartial and transparent F&Rs. % of survey responses from grievors satisfied with the fairness, impartiality and transparency of the Board's F&Rs. 75% agreement
F&Rs delivered expeditiously % of CFGB's grievance process timeline standards met. Established standards are being met 75% of the time.

Program Activity Summary: The Board conducts fair, transparent and timely reviews of grievances referred to it. The Board ensures that its F&Rs in each case are written in such a way that they are clearly understood by both the grievor and the CDS. While reviewing individual grievances, the Board sometimes makes findings with respect to a policy or a regulation may affect more than one member. In these cases, the Board makes the CDS aware that a broader problem or issue may exist through issuing a systemic recommendation. Awareness of trends or broader issues are useful to CF senior leadership, decision-makers and policy administrators in correcting past and current practices, preventing problems and making informed decisions.

Planning Highlights: In order to achieve the expected results, the Board plans to undertake the following activities:

  • New "principled approach".

    Under the current model, not every grievor has the opportunity to have an external review of their grievance since regulations stipulate that only certain categories of grievances are referred to the Board.

    Discussions are underway with the CF to introduce a model where grievances would be referred to the Board on a "principled approach", in which the Board would review all grievances in those cases where the CF are unable to find a resolution acceptable to all parties. In such cases the Board would provide the benefit of an independent opinion before the CDS renders a decision. The CDS has supported this "principled approach" initiative in his 2008 Annual Report on the Canadian Forces Grievance System.

    The CF and the Board have begun a trial of this approach which will be evaluated by 2011-12. Amendments to the NDA and regulations may be required to fully implement this initiative.

  • Systemic recommendations.

    In reviewing individual grievances, the Board sometimes makes findings with respect to a policy or a regulation affecting more than one member. In these cases, the Board makes the CDS aware that a broader problem may exist through a systemic recommendation. The Board intends to track each systemic recommendation until the CDS makes a decision on the recommendation. Where the CDS makes a decision to act on a systemic recommendation, the Board will monitor progress until the decision is fully implemented.

  • Outreach to stakeholders.

    The Board will provide important information which offers a precedential value and aids to the senior leadership and administrators within the CF in decision-making. As well, the Board will continue outreach activities to share valuable information gleaned from the grievance review process through the publication of summaries of the F&Rs in each case and systemic recommendations.

Benefits to Canadians: The Board's unique position as an independent and external organization to the Department of National Defence (DND) and the CF adds adjudicative fairness to the CF grievance system in support of government values of equity, transparency and fairness. The expectation of fair treatment in respect of a complaint contributes to the morale and esprit de corps of CF members.

The Board endeavours to work with the CF to provide a timely and relevant grievance process which contributes to the effectiveness of the administration of the CF.

Program Activity: Internal Services
Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ thousands)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
18 3,142 18 3,146 18 3,146

Program Activity Summary: Internal services support a common government-wide approach to planning, designing, budgeting, reporting and communicating. As a small agency, the Board is required to report on 3 sub-activities levels; Governance and Management Support; Resource Management Services; and Asset Management Services.

Planning Highlights: In order to achieve the expected results, the Board plans to undertake the following activities:

  • Continue efforts to ensure a diverse, representative, capable workplace and workforce to deliver on the Board's mandate;

  • Evaluate the impact of the implementation of new approach to grievance referral on the organisational structure and align the Board's resources accordingly;

  • Complete the Board's 5 year program evaluation and respond to recommendations;

  • Enhance the development and implementation of learning and information management strategies;

  • Continue the implementation of the Board's 5 year Values and Ethics plan; and

  • Review the operational readiness capacity of the Board.