May 1, 2010
1. I understand four (4) principles are included in the directive. Can you tell me what they are and what they mean?
"Trust, Flexibility, Respect and Transparency". These four (4) principles are defined and developed in the Directive and are the cornerstone that shall guide the parties in establishing fair and reasonable commuting assistance practices across the public service.
(Reference: Principles)
2. I understand that some worksites qualify for commuting assistance. When is commuting assistance authorized?
The Deputy Head will authorize commuting assistance only when:
(a) adequate public transportation is not available between a suitable residential community and the worksite; and
(b) no suitable residential community is located within a road distance of 16 kilometres from the worksite using the most direct, safe, and practical route.
(Reference: Part I – Implementation, section 1 – Criteria)
3. Are there any other circumstances where commuting assistance may be authorized?
Yes, the Treasury Board Secretariat may, on the recommendation of the National Joint Council, authorize commuting assistance in exceptional circumstances. The National Joint Council considers requests from deputy heads or bargaining agents. Examples of such circumstances are listed in subsection 6.3.
4. What is a suitable residential community?
A suitable residential community is a location where, taking the vacancy rate into account, excluding vacant lots, the majority of employees could reside, adequate utilities and educational and commercial facilities are available, and road routes to the worksite are the most direct, safe, and practical.
(Reference: Definitions section and Appendix C)
5. How is a suitable residential community determined?
A community is deemed to be a suitable residential community upon the mutual consent of the deputy head(s) and the affected bargaining agents, or if the majority of the employees reside within 16 kilometres of the worksite using the most direct, safe and practical road route. An "affected bargaining agent" is a bargaining agent who has members in a worksite. See Appendix C for a non-exclusive list of criteria for suitable residential communities.
(Reference: Part 1 – Implementation, section 1 – Criteria, subsections 1.2 (a) and (b) and Appendix C)
6. Having read the directive, I believe I may be entitled to commuting assistance. However, my worksite is not listed in Appendix B. Does this mean that I am not entitled to receive commuting assistance?
Appendix B is a non-exclusive list and is updated as needed. As such, it may not capture all worksites where commuting assistance is currently authorized or could be authorized. You should contact your Bargaining Agent and/or your Designated Departmental Commuting Assistance Coordinator for advice.
7. Are there different types of commuting assistance?
Yes, commuting assistance may be provided by the use of Crown-owned vehicles, charter services, taxi pools, subsidized regular commercial transportation fares or the use of privately owned vehicles. The Directive requires that the most practical and economical type of commuting assistance be chosen.
(Reference: Section 4 – Types of Assistance)
8. My department provides a transportation service to my worksite. Am I required to pay a contribution towards the cost of this service?
Yes, when a vehicle service is provided between the designated suitable residential community and the worksite, the employee contribution for each one-way trip is $1.75 (if no local public transportation system exists) or an amount equal to the regular fare of the local public transportation system, whichever is less.
(Reference: Subsection 4.1 – Employer Provided, paragraph 4.1.3)
9. I reside in a designated suitable residential community in Alberta, which is 50 kilometres (return) from my workplace and I have been authorized to use my private motor vehicle to travel to my worksite. Which kilometric rate applies and how will my reimbursement be calculated?
The Lower Kilometric rate that is prescribed in Appendix "A" of the directive will be used.
The amount of commuting assistance to which you are entitled for each working day you report to work will be calculated as follows:
Multiply 0.14 cents X (50 km – 32 km) = $2.52
(Reference: Subsection 4.2 – Private Motor Vehicle, paragraphs 4.2.1, 4.2.2 (a) and Appendix A)
10. I reside in an area in New Brunswick which is not designated as a suitable residential community 65 kilometres (return) from my worksite and I have been authorized to use my private motor vehicle to travel to my worksite. The farthest designated suitable residential community is 80 kilometres (return) from my worksite. Which kilometric rate applies and how will my reimbursement be calculated?
The Lower Kilometric rate that is prescribed in appendix "A" of the directive will be used.
The amount of commuting assistance to which you are entitled for each working day you report to work will be the lesser of:
Multiply 0.15 cents X (65 km – 32 km) = $4.95
and
Multiply 0.15 cents X (80 km – 32 km) = $7.20
(Reference: Subsection 4.2 – Private Motor Vehicle, paragraphs 4.2.1, 4.2.2 (b) and Appendix A)
11. Can I claim commuting assistance from an alternate location?
Commuting assistance is authorized from a designated suitable residential community or your residence (return) to the qualified worksite, whichever is less. Commuting assistance is not provided from a temporary residence.
(Reference: Subsection 4.2 – Private Motor Vehicle, paragraph 4.2.2)
12. What happens when there is more than one department at a worksite being considered for commuting assistance?
The deputy heads, following consultation with the affected bargaining agents, will collectively determine how to implement the directive and what type of commuting assistance to authorize.
(Reference: Subsection 3.1 – More than one Department)