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Cyclical Review - Details of Changes - Foreign Service Directives - April 1st, 2025

March 14, 2025

Details of Changes - 2025 Cyclical Review of the Foreign Service Directives

The following is a detailed listing of all changes made to the Foreign Service Directives (FSD) effective April 1, 2025.  There are four (4) parts to this as follows: 

  • Part 1 – New Provisions
  • Part 2 – Deleted Directives
  • Part 3 – Changes made throughout the FSD
  • Part 4 – Changes by FSD

Part 1 – New Provisions

The following new provisions have been added:

  • General Section – Payment of expenses in exceptional circumstances – Provisions were added for the deputy head to consider payment of expenses in exceptional circumstances which may not be specifically identified in the FSD but which meet the intent and respect the principles of the FSD.
  • FSD 15 – Flexible Relocation Expenses Fund - New subsections 15.1.8 to 15.1.11 - A flexible relocation expenses fund may be created in accordance with the new Appendix G of FSD 15 – Relocation where an employee opts not to use or limit the use of one or more of the following provisions: storage of household effects, shipment of household effects, storage or shipment of a vehicle, and business class travel if applicable. The intent of the flexible fund is to support the employee’s relocation to the new place of duty by allowing other relocation expenses which are not otherwise payable under the FSD or for which amounts may not be sufficient for an employee’s personal situation. Admissible relocation expenses are specified in subsection 15.1.10.
  • FSD 49 – FSD Travel Bank - Amounts relating to the following travel allowances may now be provided at the commencement of the assignment, and ongoing as applicable, in a FSD Travel Bank: FSD 50 – Post Travel Assistance, FSD 51 – Family Reunion and FSD 56.11 – Post Specific Allowance. Employees must use FSD 50 and FSD 51 allowances for the intended purpose and certify the use of these allowances as applicable. Once certified, subsequent allowances will be issued.
  • FSD 58.5.1(e) – Additional Allowance due to Extraordinary Conditions - A new provision was added providing the authority, in case of an emergency, to a deputy head to establish or adjust a temporary post rating level in an extreme situation due to unexpected active hostilities or natural disaster, without the recommendation of the appropriate interdepartmental foreign service coordinating committee, where the Interdepartmental Hardship Post Committee cannot immediately assign a temporary post rating level. The rating level would require a full review by the Interdepartmental Hardship Post Committee within three months of the temporary post rating level being established. 

Part 2 – Deleted Directives

The following three (3) directives were deleted:

  • FSD 28 – Safe Storage Expense Benefit During a Temporary Absence from Post was deleted and the provisions were integrated into a new section 25.15 of FSD 25 – Shelter.
  • FSD 40 – Provincial Health Care Premiums – Dependants in Canada was deleted and the provisions were integrated into FSD 18 – Special Family Separation Configuration.
  • FSD 45 – Foreign Service Travel Credit Bank and Foreign Service Leave Credit Bank was deleted as all credits have been paid to employees as a result of the transitional provisions which had been agreed upon during the 2019 cyclical review.

Part 3 – Changes Throughout the FSD

  • References to the Guide to NJC Rates and Allowances were added throughout the FSD where there is a methodology followed to establish a rate or allowance.
  • Some references were corrected throughout the FSD.
  • References were standardized throughout the FSD to identify individuals with a physical disability.
  • Health Canada’s role was clarified throughout the FSD.

Part 4 – Changes by FSD

General

  • General Section – Payment of expenses in exceptional circumstances – Provisions were added for the deputy head to consider payment of expenses in exceptional circumstances which may not be specifically identified in the FSD but which meet the intent and respect the principles of the FSD.

FSD 2 – Definitions

  • New definitions were added for the following terms:
    • Accommodation
    • Actively marketed
    • Actual and reasonable expenses
    • Dependent adult child
    • Unaccompanied basis.
  • The following definitions were adjusted as follows:
    • "Dependant" subparagraph (b)(i) relating to a child was amended to add "or will reside" at the post;
    • "Dependant" paragraph (c) any other individual was amended with the following three changes:
      • reference to "subject to the definition of "spouse or common-law partner" was removed;
      • "or will reside" was added; and
      • references were added to the reporting requirements under FSD 70.5.
    • "Employee-couple" was amended with the following two changes:
      • Criteria (a) was clarified by adding employees "of the Government of Canada";
      • Clarification was added that for the purpose of the Directives which may apply to career foreign service employees while in Canada, FSD 16 – Assistance for a Principal Residence and FSD 33 – Lycée in Canada, the definition refers to two career foreign service employees who are not on assignment abroad.
    • "Headquarters" was amended to clarify what happens when an employee becomes or ceases to be a career foreign service employee while on an assignment abroad;
    • "Living expenses" was amended to clarify the parking provisions;
    • "Place of duty" was amended to clarify that the provisions and the application of the FSD may differ as specified in FSD 15.26.5 when an employee relocates to or from a location which is not the place of duty; and
    • "Post" was amended to state that at least one mission is situated at a post.
  • The definition for "self-contained accommodation" was deleted as it is included in the new definition for "accommodation".
  • Appendix A was revised as follows:
    • Reference was added to the definition of "spouse or common-law partner" in FSD 2 – Definitions;
    • Reference was added to clearly state that the form is a request to designate an individual as a common-law partner for the purposes of the FSD and for the relevant allowances as well as the benefits; and
    • Information was added to clarify what the required documentation must demonstrate.
  • Appendix B was amended to clarify that the period of a break in the cohabitation period does not count towards the required 12-month period of cohabitation.

FSD 3 – Application

  • Language was added to paragraph 3.2.5(c), relating to other arrangements for the application of the FSD, to simplify and generalize the provision.
  • Language was added to paragraph 3.3.1(a) relating to the application of the FSD to an employee-couple to specify that an employee-couple only pays one shelter share as specified in FSD 25.10 – Shelter Share.
  • A new subsection 3.7.4 was added to clarify that the provisions of subsections 3.71 and 3.7.2 – Cancellation or Change to Assignment could apply where a posting is cancelled or changed as a result of a dependant being refused entry by the host country.
  • New language was added to section 3.12 – New Assignment at the Same Post to clarify what FSD provisions apply or may be affected.
  • A new section 3.13 – Application of the FSD Provisions for an Employee or Dependant with a Disability or Special Needs was added to provide a list of FSD provisions which may apply for an employee or a dependant with a disability or special needs.

FSD 8 - Short-Term Assignments

  • Subsection 8.1.8 of FSD 8 – Short-Term Assignment was deleted as it was a transitional provision and is no longer required.

FSD 10 – Posting Loan

  • The minimum amount for repayment of a posting loan was increased from $500 to $1,500 in subsection 10.7.1 relating to early repayment.
  • The reference to post-dated cheques was removed in paragraph 10.8.4(b) and language was modernized to reference making necessary financial arrangements.

FSD 15 – Relocation

FSD 15.1 to 15.2 – Application 

  • Reference was added in subsection 15.1.7 – Application to section 3.7 – Cancellation or Change to Assignment.
  • A new flex fund was created through subsections 15.1.8, 15.1.9, 15.1.10, and 15.1.11.  A new Appendix G outlines the amounts which can contribute to the flex fund.
  • Language was added to Appendix C – Incidental Relocation Expense Allowance to reference a representative list of relocation expenses covered by this allowance. 

FSD 15.3. to 15.12 – Relocation Travel 

  • Language was added to subsections 15.3.2 and 15.3.3 – Relocation Travel – General to clarify how the relocation travel allowance is established when an employee chooses different modes of transportation to relocate to or from post and to clarify how recovery will occur if the employee does not follow the mode of travel as established for the relocation travel allowance. 
  • New language was added as subsection 15.3.8 – Relocation Travel – General to clarify that provisions may be applied for travel to the last place of duty in Canada in lieu of the headquarters city when an employee is cross-posted and travels through Canada where the deputy head is satisfied of the need for the travel. 
  • Subsection 15.4.3 was deleted because FSD 45 – Foreign Service Travel Credit Bank and Foreign Service Leave Credit Bank no longer applies and was deleted.
  • New language was added at paragraph 15.5.1(e) – Additional Relocation Expenses to include provisions for the translation of official documents as required by officials.  
  • A new subsection 15.5.2 – Additional Relocation Expenses was added to include provisions which cover the expenses relating to passports and related expenses for dependants, notwithstanding the fact that relocation is not imminent. 
  • A new subsection 15.6.4 – Travel by Air was added to clarify a reporting requirement as outlined in FSD 70.5 that the official routing for relocation travel, including stopovers, must be submitted to the NJC FSD Committee. 
  • A new subsection 15.7.4 – Travel by Private Motor Vehicle - was added to clarify what happens when the new place of duty is less than 650 kilometres, or the last day of travel is for less than 650 kilometres. 

FSD 15.13 to 15.17 – Shipment and Storage of Household Effects 

  • The term "incidental" storage in paragraph 15.13.1(a) was changed to "temporary" to ensure consistent understanding.
  • Language was added to paragraph 15.13.4(b) to specify situations where the deputy head will ship effects to the headquarters city when an employee is cross-posted. 
  • New subsection 15.13.13 was added to clarify that effects shipped from post must be delivered as early as possible and that an employee can request later delivery at their own expense. Further clarification was added to state that a PMV in storage must be removed from storage within 14 days of arriving and that an employee can request later delivery at their own expense. 
  • The reference to a $200 maximum payable for any item which is included in a group when completing the inventory was removed from subsection 15.17.2. 
  • The value of unique or antique items requiring a current appraisal report was increased from $1,000 to $1,500 in paragraph 15.17.3(d).  
  • The value of a personally crafted item requiring an appraisal report was increased from $200 to $300 in paragraph 15.17.3(f). 

FSD 15.19 – Damage and/or Loss Claims of Household Effects 

  • Subsection 15.19.7 was amended to replace "independent claims adjuster/appraiser" by "separate service provider" to ensure consistent understanding. 

FSD 15.20 to 15.25 – Other Types of Relocation Expenses 

  • Subsection 15.20.8 was amended to refer to the provisions of FSD 56.11.5 – Post Specific Allowance to cover expenses for another person to accompany them on a house hunting trip or consider using funds received while at post via FSD 56.11.1 to cover expenses for another person to accompany them on a house hunting trip in Canada. 
  • Subsection 15.23.1 relating to living expenses in temporary accommodation was amended to include situations where shipments have mold damage, and an employee cannot remain in the accommodation. 
  • Language was adjusted in subparagraphs 15.23.4(a)(iii), (b)(iii) and (c)(iii) to clarify that an amount for meals not to exceed 75% of the full meal allowance was included. A reference to a new note 5 in Appendix E was also added. 

FSD 15.26 to 15.32 – Relocation in Specific Circumstances 

  • New subsection 15.26.5 clarifies that where an employee has confirmed in writing that they will be retiring following the end of the assignment, notwithstanding approved leave, the relocation of the effects to a location other than headquarters can be approved, up to the cost of a relocation to the employee’s headquarters city. 
  • New subsection 15.26.6 outlines the relocation provisions of FSD 15 which apply when an employee relocates to or from a location which is not the place of duty. 
  • New subsection 15.26.7 outlines the relocation provisions of FSD 15 which do not apply when an employee relocates to or from a location which is not the place of duty. 
  • New subsection 15.30.3 clarifies that when a spouse or common-law partner relocates to the headquarters city and establishes a principal residence, a portion of the household effects in long term storage may be delivered. 

Appendices to FSD 15 – Relocation 

  • Appendix C – Incidental Relocation Expense Allowance – Section 15.21 - A representative list of expenses, which is not all inclusive, was added. 
  • Appendix E – Temporary Accommodation – Sections 15.23, 15.24 and 15.25 - A new note 5 was added to explain the "up to 75% of the full daily meal allowance". 
  • A new Appendix G - Flexible Relocation Expenses Fund Formula - Was added to outline the amounts provided for the Flexible Relocation Expenses Fund. 

FSD 16 – Assistance for a Principal Residence 

  • Two new definitions were added in FSD 16 – Principal Residence: 
    • "At the Time of Relocation" to clearly define the timeframe for employees to dispose of their principal residence in Canada; and  
    • "Short-Notice" to clearly define a timeframe for what is considered short-notice regarding a relocation.
  • Two changes were made to paragraph 16.8.5(a) for reimbursable expenses: 
    • The maximum amount for a house inspection was removed from the Directive and added to a new Appendix A of FSD 16. The amount increased from $300 to $500 to align with the NJC Relocation Directive. The amount in Appendix A will be amended as required when the amount changes under the NJC Relocation Directive; 
    • Language was added to clarify that more than one house inspection may be reimbursed where, as a result of an inspection, an offer is revoked.
  • Paragraph 16.8.5(b) was amended to clarify that fees for up to two appraisals can be reimbursed. 
  • Section 16.12 was amended to clarify that the amounts and rates which can be claimed for mortgage related expenses are specified in a new Appendix B of FSD 16 – Assistance for a Principal Residence.
  • Old appendices A, B, C, D and E were deleted as they were outdated. 
  • A new Appendix A was created to specify the maximum amount which can be reimbursed for a house inspection under paragraph 16.8.5(a) as noted above. 
  • A new Appendix B was created to specify amounts and rates which apply for mortgage related expenses under section 16.12 as noted above.

FSD 17 – Assistance for Spouses

  • The provisions of paragraph 17.2.1(a) pertaining to the claiming of an allowance to assist in finding employment following a relocation were expanded from within one year of the relocation to three years.
  • Subsection 17.2.5 pertaining to the extension of the provisions of section 17.2 was deleted, given the expansion of the provisions of subsection 17.2.1.
  • The provisions of subsection 17.3.1 regarding the reimbursement for retraining for professional certification were expanded from one year prior to departure from Canada to within three years and the period of when retraining must have commenced was expanded from 12 months to 24 months.

FSD 18 – Special Family Separation Assistance

  • Risk of discrimination was added as an additional reason for a spouse or common-law partner to not accompany an employee on an assignment in paragraph 18.2.2(b).
  • In the English version of the FSDs, in paragraph 18.7.1(a) and section 18.7.2, the term "escort" was replaced by "accompany" in reference to travel for a parent to accompany a child from post to Canada under FSD 35 – Education Travel.
  • In the English version of the FSDs, in paragraph 18.7.2(b), the reference to "child on an unaccompanied basis" was changed to "child unaccompanied" in reference to airlines not accepting a child unaccompanied.
  • The provisions of the former FSD 40 – Provincial Health Insurance Premiums were added in new section 18.9 of FSD 18.

FSD 25 – Shelter 

  • Language was added in subsection 25.1.2 to indicate that the deputy head will generally be guided by the guidelines outlined in subsection 25.1.2 when determining the suitability of Crown-held and privately leased accommodation. 
  • Language was added as new subsection 25.1.6 to address situations where two employees at the same post share joint custody of one or more dependants, allowing for the employee who is not receiving benefits for the dependants to opt for electing a household size to recognize the dependants residing at the post full-time. 
  • Language was added to subsection 25.2.2 to stipulate that the Occupancy Agreement includes details on liability regarding damage and loss of property. 
  • Subsections 25.2.4 and 25.3.7 were amended to remove the reference to employee responsibility to take out insurance on household effects owned or leased by the Crown. 
  • Language in paragraph 25.3.4(a) was amended to refer to an employee or dependant with a disability. 
  • Subsection 25.5.3 was amended to increase the anticipated cost of repairs or maintenance needing prior approval from $200 to $500. 
  • The provisions of FSD 28 – Safe Storage Expense Benefit During a Temporary Absence from Post were incorporated into new subsection 25.15 using the same title. 
  • Section 25.15 – Accommodation Deficiency Adjustment was renumbered to 25.16. 
  • Section 25.16 – Local Move was renumbered to 25.17. 
  • Appendix D was amended to clarify that the assignment of accommodation abroad is related to salary, rather than rate of pay. 
  • Language was added to Appendix D to specify that where a major appliance is absent or not in working order, the corrective action will be carried out as quickly as possible. 

FSD 28 – Safe Storage Expense Benefit 

  • The provisions of FSD 28 regarding the safe storage expense benefit during a temporary absence from post were simplified and consolidated into new FSD 25.15 – Safe Storage Expense Benefit During a Temporary Absence from Post. 
  • FSD 28 was deleted. 

FSD 30 – Post Transportation and Related Expenses 

  • Language was added at the end of subsection 30.7.1 on education transportation to specify that the Directive also applies for the education transportation of a dependent child with disabilities who needs accessible transportation. 
  • Language was added to subsection 30.7.2 to clarify that the education transportation expenses can be approved for each trip and for round trips, as applicable, for a person who must accompany a child as outlined in the subsection.
  • New paragraph 30.7.3(d) was added to clarify that these provisions apply to a dependent child with disabilities who has specific needs and requires accessible transportation.
  • New subsection 30.7.6 was added to include accessible transportation. 

FSD 32 – Daycare Assistance 

  • Language was adjusted in section 32.3 – Daycare Allowance to reflect the revised methodology which was agreed to outside of cyclical review. 

FSD 33 – Education Assistance at a Lycée in Canada 

  • The language to paragraph 33.1.2(b) was amended to clarify that all three criteria do not have to be met. 
  • The language in paragraph 33.1.2(c) was amended to simplify the language relating to the situation where children are enrolled in a lycée prior to an employee being offered an initial assignment abroad. 
  • A new subsection 33.1.4 was added to clarify that only one employee of an employee-couple may claim under FSD 33 and that the limitation specified in section 33.2 – Duration applies to the child. 

FSD 34 – Education Allowances 

  • Throughout FSD 34, the term "dependent child" was standardized. 
  • The definition of "Admissible education expenses" under subparagraph (b)(vii) was amended to include lunch monitoring. 
  • Language was added to subsection 34.2.4 to allow for tutoring to be covered when a dependant is required to change school during an assignment due to safety issues at the first school and there is a change in the language of instruction. 
  • A new subsection 34.5.3 was added to specify that where a request for an allowance for a field trip has not been authorized under subsection 34.1.4, the expenses incurred may be used to certify the use of FSD 50 – Post Travel Assistance. 
  • Subsection 34.6.6 relating to postsecondary shelter assistance was deleted because it was a transitional provision, and it no longer applies. 
  • A new section 34.10 – Allowance for Special Needs was added to provide an authority for an allowance for special needs.

FSD 35 – Education Travel 

  • The word "escort" was revised to "accompany" throughout FSD 35. 
  • A new subsection 35.4.7 was added to recognize specific situations where the parent cannot travel with the student on education travel and allow the parent to travel separately within five calendar days of the student’s departure from post. 

FSD 38 – Preventive Medical Services Expenses

  • The Directive was revised to reflect Health Canada’s role throughout the Directive.
  • The title of section 38.2 was changed to "Preventative Medical Examinations" to better reflect the intent.
  • The title of section 38.4 was changed to "Preventive Medical Expenses" to better reflect the intent.

FSD 39 – Health Care Expenses

  • The Directive was revised to reflect Health Canada’s role throughout the Directive.
  • Language in subsection 39.1.6 was amended to include coverage for anesthesia services.
  • New subsection 39.1.10 was added to include that in certain situations when co-payment for vaccination is charged to the employee, it can be reimbursed under the provisions of FSD 39.

FSD 40 – Provincial Health Insurance Premiums – Dependants Resident in Canada

  • The provisions of this directive were integrated into FSD 18 and FSD 40 was deleted.

FSD 41 – Health Care Travel

  • The Directive was revised to reflect Health Canada’s role throughout the Directive.
  • New language was added to the introduction to include that in certain situations the provisions of FSD 15 – Relocation may apply to an employee or dependant that has travelled away from the post under the provisions of FSD 41, recognizing that the employee or dependant may not return to post.
  • Language in paragraph 41.1.6(b) was amended to add a managerial discretion to allow a child to accompany the parent requiring health care travel.
  • A new subsection 41.1.10 was added to include a provision where an acute or emergency condition requires follow-up treatments, the provisions of FSD 41 can be applied, subject to subsection 41.1.2.
  • Reference was added in paragraph 41.2.1(b) to refer to the definition of "accommodation" in FSD 2 - Definitions.
  • The provisions of section 41.6 – Health Care Travel Allowance to Attend the Birth of a Child were moved to a new section 51.14 of FSD 51 – Family Reunion and section 41.6 was deleted.
  • The current section 41.7 – Medical Report was renumbered to 41.6.
  • The contact information for the Public Service Occupational Health Program in new subsection 41.6.2 was updated.
  • A new section 41.7 – Managerial Discretion was added to include that managerial discretion can be exercised in certain situations.

FSD 42 – Medical and/or Dental Expense Advance

  • The introduction was amended to clarify the intent of the Directive and state that an advance can be provided when the admissible medical or dental expense is over $500.

FSD 45 – Foreign Service Travel Credit Bank and Foreign Service Leave Credit Bank

  • This directive was deleted as transitional provisions in the 2019 FSD liquidated all remaining credits. The Directive is no longer needed.

FSD 49 – FSD Travel Bank

  • A new directive was created to specify the conditions which apply for an FSD Travel Bank where the amounts relating to FSD 50 – Post Travel Allowance, FSD 51 – Family Reunion and FSD 56.11 – Post Specific Allowance, as applicable, are provided through the Travel Bank to employees for their use while on assignment abroad. This will significantly reduce the administrative requirements relating to requesting these allowances.

FSD 50 – Post Travel Assistance

  • In the English version of the FSDs, throughout this directive, the term "issuance" replaced the term "issue" as required.
  • Language was adjusted in subsection 50.1.2 to remove the requirement to submit a travel plan when requesting post travel assistance and the remaining language was simplified.
  • A new subsection 50.1.6 was added to clarify that when a field trip is not approved under FSD 34 – Education Allowance, the allowance authorized under subsection 50.1.1 may be used in certain circumstances.
  • The language in subsection 50.8.1 – Change in Family Size was adjusted to address circumstances under which an allowance can be issued when a dependant arrives at post during the assignment.
  • A new provision was added at subsection 50.11.3 to provide authority in exceptional circumstances for the allowance to be used at post. Such situations could include a pandemic or other exceptional circumstances.
  • Subsection 50.11.3 was renumbered to subsection 50.11.4.
  • New subsection 50.11.5 was added to provide authority to provide an additional amount when an employee or dependants incur additional expenses due to exceptional circumstances such as a quarantine requirement because of a public health measure.
  • Subsection 50.11.4 was renumbered to subsection 50.11.6.

FSD 51 – Family Reunion

  • The language from subsection 51.2.6 was moved to subsection 51.10.3 – Custody Arrangement as it related to the application of the provisions of section 51.10.
  • The language from subsection 51.2.7 was moved to subsection 51.10.4 – Custody Arrangement as it related to the application of the provisions of section 51.10.
  • Clarification was added in paragraph 51.3.1(c) – Family Reunion Travel Allowance by adding "pieces" of baggage.
  • Clarification was added in paragraph 51.3.2(a) – Family Reunion Travel Allowance to indicate that travel arrangements for family reunion travel should be made "at least" 4 to 6 weeks in advance of travel.
  • New subsection 51.3.3 was added to indicate that a minimum amount of time is not required between trips for family reunions and that if the dependant’s status changes during a 12-month period, the deputy head can recover funds.
  • The title for section 51.7 was changed from "Child Travelling to Post – Child Not in School" to "Child Travelling to Post – Not a Dependent Student".
  • Throughout section 51.8 – Child with Special Needs, clarification was added to confirm the application of the provision for dependent adult children.
  • The language in section 51.9 – Family Reunion for Unaccompanied Employees was adjusted to reflect the situation where an employee accepts an assignment on an unaccompanied basis as defined in FSD 2 – Definitions.
  • Given the movement of subsections 51.2.6 and 51.2.7 to subsections 51.10.3 and 51.10.4 respectively, subsections 51.10.3 to 51.10.8 were renumbered accordingly.
  • The language of new subsections 51.10.6 and 51.10.10 was amended to clarify the intent for round trips.
  • In the English version of the FSDs, the vocabulary in subsection 51.14.1 was corrected from "issue" to "issuance".
  • The provisions under section 41.6 – Attending the Birth of a Child were integrated into a new section 51.14.
  • Provisions were added in new subsection 51.14.2 for adoption, including surrogacy.
  • Provisions were added in new subsection 51.14.3 to include accommodation and meals for a period not to exceed five days when the location of travel is the headquarters city or last place of duty.
  • New subsection 51.14.4 was added to explain that FSD 50 – Post Travel Allowance and FSD 56.11 – Post Specific Allowance may be used for travel of other dependants residing at post.
  • New subsection 50.11.15 was added to allow authority to provide an additional amount when an employee or dependants incur additional expenses due to exceptional circumstances such as a quarantine requirement because of a public health measure.
  • Section 51.14 – Reporting was renumbered to section 51.16.

FSD 54 – Compassionate Travel

  • The definition of "dependent child" was adjusted to include reference to "dependent adult child" as defined in FSD 2 – Definitions.
  • Reference was added to "dependent adult child" in the following subsections: 54.3.1, 54.4.1, and 54.12.1.
  • New subsection 54.16.2 was added to allow authority to provide an additional amount when an employee or dependants incur additional expenses due to exceptional circumstances such as a quarantine requirement because of a public health measure.

FSD 56 – Foreign Service Incentive Allowances

  • Language was added to subsection 56.8.1 to clarify that "dependant" is defined in FSD 2.
  • Subsection 56.9.1 was amended to resume the foreign service premium following the temporary absence of a dependant on the first day following the return of the dependant to the post in lieu of the residence. This is to take into account situations where the dependant may be subject to a quarantine period during a public health situation.
  • New subsection 56.9.2 was added to clarify that when the dependant is absent from the post for a continuous period of more than 25 compensation days and must quarantine at a location other than the post, the Foreign Service Premium will resume on the first compensation day following the commencement of the quarantine period rather than the return to the employee’s post.

FSD 58 – Post Differential Allowance

  • The language in paragraphs 58.4.3(a) and (b) was reworded to better explain the periods of time on one or more assignments in Canada and an assignment to posts with a hardship level for the eligibility to the bonus payment under FSD 58.4.
  • The language in subsection 58.5.1 was amended to include the possibility of implementing more than one measure in the event of extraordinary conditions arising out of active hostilities and/or natural disasters at a post.
  • A new paragraph 58.5.1(e) was added to provide an additional authority to the deputy head to establish or adjust a temporary post rating level without the recommendation of the interdepartmental coordinating committee, with a requirement for review within three months and a reporting requirement.
  • Paragraph 58.5.1(e) was renumbered to 58.5.1(f).
  • New subsection 58.6.4 was added to clarify that when an employee or a dependant is absent from the post for a continuous period of more than 25 compensation days and must quarantine at a location other than the post, the Post Differential Allowance will resume on the first compensation day following the commencement of the quarantine period rather than the return to the employee’s post.
  • Section 58.7 – Transitional Provisions was deleted as the transitional period has lapsed.

FSD 64 – Emergency Evacuation

  • Subsection 64.1.1 – Application was adjusted to specify that the authority for emergency evacuation is the deputy head. The senior officer at post may authorize an emergency evacuation only when there is insufficient time or inadequate communications. 
  • Language was added to paragraph 64.2.1(b) – Travelling and Living Expenses to include the types of accommodation for which payment may be authorized in case of an emergency evacuation. 
  • Language was added to subsection 64.3.1 – Additional Expenses to clarify that where the deputy head has authorized an emergency evacuation, the deputy head may approve reimbursement for related costs. 
  • Language was added to subsection 64.5.1 – Accountable Advance for Purchase of Essential Household Effects to clarify that authorization is considered on a case-by-case basis. Further clarification was added in subsection 64.5.1 to specify that subsection 64.10.2 – Compensation for Loss/Damage refers both to compensation and recovery of advances. 
  • Language was added to subsection 64.7.1 – Safeguarding of Employees’ Household Effects to clarify that the provisions may be applied for employees who are evacuated as well as those who remain at post. 
  • References to "automobile" throughout subsection 64.12 – Private Motor Vehicle were changed to "private motor vehicle" (PMV). 
  • Language of subsection 64.12.4 was adjusted to specify that the advance for a PMV is based on the estimated purchase price of the PMV, rather than the Crown’s purchase price of the PMV, given that the advance is issued before the PMV is purchased. 
  • A new subsection 64.12.7 was added to clarify that the provisions of section 64.12 can apply to a motorcycle when that is the employee’s only PMV at post.  

FSD 66 – Death Abroad of an Employee or Dependant 

  • New language was added as subsection 66.1.4 - Application, outlining the various FSD provisions which may be impacted, invoked or revoked when there is a death abroad of an employee or a dependant.

FSD 70 – Allowances and Reporting Requirements

  • References to FSD 45 were deleted throughout FSD 70 as follows: paragraph 70.1.3(c), sections 70.3.2, 70.3.3, and paragraph 70.4.1(a).
  • Revised language was added to subsection 70.2.1 – Travel Allowances – Issuance of Allowances to reference the new FSD 49 - FSD Travel Bank and its application to FSD 50 – Post Travel Assistance, FSD 51 – Family Reunion (except the provisions of FSD 51.14) and FSD 56.11 – Post Specific Allowance, as applicable.
  • Subsection 70.2.2 was adjusted to clarify allowances under FSD 35 – Education Travel, FSD 51.14 – Attending the Birth of a Child, FSD 54 – Compassionate Travel and FSD 58.5.1(d) - Respite Travel Assistance are to be issued as close to the proposed date of travel as possible.
  • Subsection 70.2.3 was adjusted to specify that employees must submit a travel plan for travel under subsection 70.2.2 recognizing that travel plans may change.
  • Subsection 70.2.4 which referred to changes in family size for FSD 50 – Post Travel Assistance was deleted to align with the changes in subsection 50.8.1 above.
  • Subsection 70.3.2 which referred to FSD 45 travel credits was deleted to align with the deletion of FSD 45.
  • References in subsection 70.3.3 to FSD 45 were deleted.
  • Subsection 70.4.1(a) was deleted as it referenced FSD 45 which has been deleted. Subsections 70.4.1(b) and(c) were renumbered to (a) and (b) respectively.
  • Subsection 70.4.1(b)(ii) referring to section 41.6 was deleted as these provisions were added under the new section 51.14 – Attending the Birth of a Child.
  • Respite Travel Assistance was added to the list of travel allowances for which the full amount must be certified under subsection 70.4.1(b).
  • New language was added in subsection 70.4.3 to clarify what amount must be reimbursed when an employee does not certify the percentage identified in subsection 70.4.1.