Government Moves to Recognize Previous Military Service of Public Servants

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 20, 2012) - The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced that the Government has moved ahead with changes to recognize prior years of service of former members of the Canadian Forces who join the Public Service.

"The Government is proud of our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line for their country. Once they leave the Canadian Forces, it is only fair that we take their military service into account should they continue to serve their country in the Public Service of Canada," said Minister Clement.

Following its Economic Action Plan 2012 commitment, the Government has taken administrative steps to recognize prior service in the Canadian Forces for the purposes of calculating vacation entitlement in the Public Service of Canada.

As of April 1, 2012, and going forward, any former service in the Canadian Forces for a continuous period of six months or more, either as a member of the Regular Force or of the Reserve Force while on Class B or C service, will be included in the calculation of vacation leave credits. Eligible former military personnel who have joined organizations for which the Treasury Board is the employer will be asked to identify themselves to their compensation services and provide a record of service with the Canadian Forces in order to benefit from this measure.

"I will also be encouraging other federal government employers to follow suit to ensure former Canadian Forces personnel can be recognized across the federal government," said Minister Clement.

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