September 8, 2025
The National Joint Council (NJC) is pleased to announce that the consultations led by the NJC Government Travel Committee have resulted in a new version of the Travel Directive (the Directive). This new version reflects items which have been agreed to at this time. There are unresolved items remaining which are at impasse and the parties are working to resolve these items. The NJC Government Travel Committee is composed of representatives from the Federal Public Service Bargaining Agents, the Employer and departments. The provisions of the Directive form part of the collective agreements of the participating parties under the By-Laws of the NJC. The Executive Committee wishes to thank all members of the Government Travel Committee for their effort and ongoing commitment in this important review.
Implementation Date
The new version of the Travel Directive is effective October 1, 2025.
Information
The full text of the Directive is available on the NJC website: https://www.njc-cnm.gc.ca/directive/d10/en.
Highlights of the changes are presented below.
Questions and Answers will be developed following the resolution of the items at impasse.
It is important to note that many changes were made throughout the Directive to provide greater clarity, to simplify language and to ensure consistency.
Enquiries
Employees should address any questions to their designated departmental travel coordinators (https://www.tbs-sct.canada.ca/ap/list-liste/dtc-cmv-eng.asp) or their bargaining agent.
Highlights of Changes
The following is an overview of the changes made to the Directive during this cyclical review.
Changes Throughout the Directive
- Streamlined the term referring to private motor vehicle (PMV) to ensure consistency
- Updated the reference to “spouse” to include “common-law partner”
- Translation errors have been corrected
- References have been revised and updated
- Duplicate language has been removed
Changes by Section
General
Grievance Procedure:
- Reference to the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board was updated in the Grievance Procedure section.
Application:
- Clarification has been added to indicate that there is a difference in the provisions for travellers and employees.
Definitions:
- Removal of the reference to Veterans Affairs Canada hospitals from the list of government and institutional accommodations in the definition of “government and institutional accommodation”;
- Clarification in the government travel definition that commuting to the permanent/regular workplace does not constitute government travel;
- The definition of temporary workplace was revised to add clarity.
Part I – Administration
1.5 Responsibilities:
- When a traveller has an aversion to air travel, management shall endeavor to schedule work in a way that allows for travel by other means;
- Management may consider relocation as an option rather than long term travel status;
- In emergencies preventing timely return, travel status will be extended, and reasonable costs will be reimbursed when they are not covered by another authority.
1.6 Suppliers, services and products:
- Environmentally friendly suppliers added as preferential suppliers.
1.9 Workplace change (applies within the headquarters area only):
- Title has been changed to Temporary Workplace Change (applies within the headquarters area only);
- Language has been added to clarify that the provisions in this section only apply within the headquarters area;
- Language added to clarify entitlements.
Part II – Insurance
2.2 Vehicle Insurance:
- Language added to clarify that travellers need to ensure they have adequate insurance coverage, and in which circumstances the cost of insurance will be reimbursed by the Employer.
Part III – Travel Modules
Wording updated to be consistent across modules.
Language updated to identify the correct department to consult for travel documents and medical services.
Clarification added to explain what type of water is reimbursable and in which circumstances.
Meals:
- Language added to allow for the reimbursement, based on receipts and in exceptional circumstances, in excess of the amounts provided in Appendix C or D;
- Clarification added around hours and sequence of meals;
- Language added to clarify the reimbursement of meals for shift workers.
Transportation:
- Rental cars can now be acquired the day before travel.
3.1.7 Incidental expense allowance:
- Wording added to indicate that employees need to be staying overnight in accommodation to receive this entitlement.
3.4.11 Transportation:
- Language added to clarify that when business or executive class air travel is unavailable, any available lower fare class shall be authorized.
Part IV – Special Travel Circumstances
Title changed to Travel Provisions for Specific Employees
4.3 Special Transportation Needs:
- This section has been moved to section 1.5.1
Part V – Emergencies, Illnesses, Injuries and Death while in Travel Status
5.2.5:
- Language added to allow for employees to return earlier or later due to personal illness, accident, or emergency situations at home (e.g., serious illness as determined by a physician, fire, flood, ice storm).