Canadian Armed Forces members to receive pay increase

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will be getting a pay increase, retroactively covering the past three years. The pay raise is set to kick in March 31st, 2021. Eligible members will receive a general pay increase retroactive to April 1st, 2018.

Those who may be eligible for a lump sum back-payment include Regular or Reserve Force Non-Commissioned Members, General Service Officers and Pilots at the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and Commander and below, as well as Medical and Dental Officers.

This pay increase does not apply to senior officers at the rank of Colonels and Captains (Navy) and above. Their rates are managed separately and at this time, no decision has been made regarding an increase for them.

The compounded increase of 6.1 percent demonstrates Canada’s continued support of CAF members, fairly compensating them for their continued service. The Government of Canada recognizes and appreciates the outstanding contributions and sacrifices made by CAF members and their families in service to our country.

The back payment covers retroactive increases starting April 1, 2018, calculated as follows:

• Effective April 1, 2018, an economic increase of 2.8%
• Effective April 1, 2019, an economic increase of 2.2%
• Effective April 1, 2020, an economic increase of 1.0%

CAF members who released after March 31, 2018, will be eligible for a lump sum back payment and adjustments to their CF Severance Pay based on the new rates effective at release on 31 March 2021.

Former members who have not received the lump sum back payment by the end of April 2021 should contact the Release Benefits Administration via email at Release_Benefits_Administration@forces.gc.ca to inquire about their own specific case.