Attention, travelers and employees! A significant update to the National Joint Council's Travel Directive is here, and it's all about making your travel experiences better. The core issue: ensuring your travel needs are met and understood.
This update is the result of an extensive review process, involving years of collaboration between the Employer and bargaining agents. Through this, agreements were reached to modernize and clarify the Directive, with a focus on your travel-related rights and benefits.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some items were not agreed upon, so they went to interest arbitration. The arbitration award has now resolved these outstanding issues, and we're here to break it down for you.
Changes Awarded Through Arbitration
Headquarters Area
No change to the definition, but this threshold is up for further discussion between the parties.
Dependant Care Allowance
Declaration-Based:
An increase from $35 to $50 per household. A welcome boost for those with dependants!
Receipted - Professional Care:
Where care is provided by professionals, the allowance has jumped from $75 to $100 per day per dependent. A significant improvement, but declarations won't be accepted for this, and a standardized form is on its way.
Incidental Expense Allowance
A nice increase from $17.30 to $25. Every little helps, right?
Future Review of Allowance Indexing
Instead of a set model, the board has left it to the parties to decide on an indexing model that makes sense. An interesting move, leaving room for future flexibility and discussion.
Effective Date (Arbitration Items)
All arbitration-awarded changes take effect on March 28, 2025. Mark your calendars!
Changes Agreed Upon During the Cyclical Review
Changes Throughout the Directive
- Streamlined terminology for private motor vehicles for consistency.
- Updated to include common-law partners.
- Translation errors corrected, ensuring clarity.
- References revised, and duplicate language removed for a cleaner read.
General / Application
- Updated reference to the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.
- Clarified the difference between traveler and employee provisions.
- Commuting to a permanent workplace is not considered government travel.
- Improved clarity on the definition of a temporary workplace.
- Veterans Affairs Canada hospitals are no longer considered government accommodation.
Administration (Part I)
- Management will try to accommodate employees averse to air travel with alternative methods.
- Relocation may be considered instead of long-term travel status.
- Travel status can be extended in emergencies, with reasonable costs reimbursed.
- Environmentally friendly suppliers are now preferred.
- "Workplace Change" is now "Temporary Workplace Change" with a clearer scope.
Insurance (Part II)
- Employee responsibilities regarding vehicle insurance are clarified, as well as when the Employer will reimburse insurance costs.
Travel Modules (Part III)
- Wording updated for consistency across modules.
- Updated guidance on who to consult for travel documents and medical services.
- Clarified what types of water are reimbursable and when.
- Meals: Reimbursement can exceed Appendix amounts in exceptional circumstances with receipts. Meal timing and provisions for shift workers are also clarified.
- Transportation: Rental vehicles can be acquired the day before travel. Authorization for business or executive class air travel is clarified.
- Incidental Expense Allowance: Entitlement is only when the employee stays overnight in accommodation.
Special Travel Circumstances (Part IV)
Now titled "Travel Provisions for Specific Employees," with special transportation needs provisions moved to section 1.5.1.
Emergencies and Illness (Part V)
Employees can adjust their return due to personal illness, accidents, or emergencies at home (think serious illness, natural disasters).
Published on 13 February 2026, this update ensures your travel rights are clear and your needs are met. Any thoughts on these changes? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments!
