Appendix A

Special Risk Premium for Federal Public Servants Assigned to Afghanistan

Background

A provision under Foreign Service Directive58—Post Differential Allowance ( allows the President of the Treasury Board to approve additional assistance as required in the event of extraordinary conditions arising out of active hostilities at a mission. This approval is based on recommendations from the relevant Foreign Service Directive committee, currently known as Interdepartmental Working Group A.

Federal public servants assigned to Afghanistan are facing unprecedented risks and hardship due to active hostilities involving Canada’s military presence as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. To recognise the hardships of these postings, the current measures are now in place.

Policy

Under the Foreign Service Directives, measures are currently in place to recognise the hardships of these postings. They are:

  • the Post Differential Allowance at the highest level for an unaccompanied employee (level V - $11,445),
  • a hostility bonus of up to 50% of the level V Post Differential Allowance with employees posted in Kandahar receiving the higher rate due to the elevated levels of hardship and risks encountered, and
  • a mandatory decompression program that directs employees to leave the post periodically in order to address psychological stresses of the assignment.
  • In addition, each employee is provided with accidental death and dismemberment insurance, with coverage up to $500,000.

However, these provisions do not address the special conditions that exist in Afghanistan. Consequently a temporary special risk premium is being implemented for the period that these conditions persist.

There will be two temporary annual allowances, to be known as the Special Risk Premium, in the amounts of $8,585 and $10,015 for Kabul and Kandahar respectively. The higher rate for Kandaharwas recommended due to the elevated levels of hardship and risks encountered by public servants in that area. The allowance will be pro-rated and paid on a monthly basis. The costs associated with the proposed special risk premium will be absorbed within existing reference levels. This is a tax-free allowance.

As part of governance,the Special Risk Premium is effectiveon the date of approval (January 18, 2008) and will remain in effect as long as the situation warrants. The requirement will be reviewed on a quarterly basis by Interdepartmental Working Group A with written reports from the departments Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Security section. Any recommendation for amendments will be forwarded to the Interdepartmental Working Group A, through the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Labour Relations and Compensation Operations sectorfor consideration and action. Performance measurement will be assessed through the following: number of qualified applicants, time taken to fill vacancies and early terminations.Affected Departments will provide this information to the Interdepartmental Working Group A on a quarterly basis as of April 1, 2008. The Treasury Board Secretariat will work with the Interdepartmental Working Group A to develop acceptable criteria for reporting purposes.Should the unique conditions cease to exist, the Interdepartmental Working Group A will take appropriate action to cease the premium.

Contacts

For more information, please contact the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s Labour Relations and Compensation Operations sector:

  • Ms. Cynthia Nash at 613-946-3714
  • Ms. Kimberley Gowing at 613-952-3256.