FSD 14 - Travelling Expenses for Dependants on Foreign Language Training

Scope

Introduction

Where the deputy head has authorized a course of foreign language training for a spouse or common-law partner and/or dependant(s) who accompany an employee on a posting, additional costs may be incurred as a result of such training. In such cases, the deputy head may authorize, in accordance with this directive, reimbursement to the employee for actual and reasonable travelling, temporary accommodation, living, local transportation and dependant care expenses, incurred on behalf of the spouse or common-law partner and/or dependant(s).

Directive

14.1 Foreign Language Training En Route to Post

14.1.1 Where the deputy head has authorized a course of foreign language training at a location en route to a post for the spouse or common-law partner and/or dependant(s) of an employee who will be residing with the employee at the post, the deputy head may authorize payment of the following expenses, not exceeding those which would be authorized under the relevant provisions of FSD 15 - Relocation, incurred by the spouse or common-law partner and/or dependant(s):

(a) actual and reasonable accommodation and living expenses at the location where language training is taken for the duration of the course;

(b) local transportation expenses at the location where language training is taken by the most practicable and economical means as determined by the deputy head for the duration of the course. This could include public transportation (including taxis), the lower kilometric/mileage rate for use of a private motor vehicle, or car rental, depending on local conditions;

(c) dependant care expenses at the location where language training is taken, or, with the prior approval of the deputy head, at some other location, where these are in excess of any existing dependant care arrangements and where the dependant(s) is/are under 18 years of age. The employee shall be reimbursed actual and reasonable dependant care expenses in accordance with the NJC Travel Directive. Where expenses for dependant care are incurred at a post, the maximum amount may be exceeded on the recommendation of the appropriate foreign service interdepartmental coordinating committee; and

(d) the cost of a weekly ten-minute station-to-station long distance telephone call (at weekend discount rates where available) between the training centre and the place of residence of the separated family member(s) except that, where the separated family member(s) is/are temporarily located in Canada, the cost of a telephone call shall not exceed the cost of one ten-minute station-to-station call at weekend discount rates from the location in Canada to the training centre. Telephone calls shall not be reimbursed where training is at a location in Canada and the employee is receiving assistance for home communications under the NJC Travel Directive.

14.1.2 With respect to paragraph 14.1.2(c), dependant care assistance, shall not be provided when the child's other parent resides in the same location as the child who requires dependant care.

14.2 Foreign Language Training After Arrival at Post

14.2.1 Where the deputy head has authorized a course of foreign language training at a location other than the employee's post for the spouse or common-law partner and/or dependant(s) of an employee who have arrived at a post and who are residing with the employee at the post, the deputy head may authorize payment of the following expenses, not exceeding those which would be authorized under the relevant provisions of FSD 15 - Relocation, incurred by the spouse or common-law partner and/or dependant(s):

(a) actual and reasonable return travelling expenses between the employee's post and the location where language training is taken;

(b) actual and reasonable accommodation and living expenses at the location where language training is taken for the duration of the course;

(c) local transportation expenses at the location where language training is taken by the most practicable and economical means as determined by the deputy head for the duration of the course. This could include public transportation (including taxis), the lower kilometric/mileage rate for use of a private motor vehicle, or car rental, depending on local conditions;

(d) dependant care expenses at the location where language training is taken and/or at the employee's post, where these are in excess of any existing dependant care arrangements and where the dependant(s) is/are under 18 years of age. The employee shall be reimbursed actual and reasonable dependant care expenses in accordance with the NJC Travel Directive. Where expenses for dependant care are incurred at a post, the maximum amount may be exceeded on the recommendation of the appropriate foreign service interdepartmental coordinating committee; and

(e) the cost of a weekly ten-minute station-to-station long distance telephone call (at weekend discount rates where available) between the training centre and the place of residence of the separated family member(s). Telephone calls shall not be reimbursed where training is at a location in Canada and the employee is receiving assistance for home communications under the NJC Travel Directive.

14.2.2 With respect to subsection 14.2.1(d), dependant care, shall not be provided where the child's other parent resides in the same location as the child who requires dependant care.