Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program (CERP)
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
CERP is a Department of National Defence (DND) grant program for which the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) provides administrative support. It provides a one-time financial support to civilian employers of reservists and self-employed reservists, to offset operational costs they incur when reservist employees deploy on full-time operational duty. In addition to issuing grants to employers of reservists and self-employed reservists, CERP provides an opportunity to conduct outreach and bring awareness to the business community and educational institutions about the important role, training and special skills reservists bring to the military and their personal careers outside of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Comments on Funding:
Eligible applicants will receive a lump sum payment, in the form of a grant, following the deployment period of the reservist employee.
The amount payable is 40% of the Yearly Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) divided by 52 weeks, multiplied by the number of weeks deployed. The maximum number of weeks that can be claimed is 78 weeks (18 months) of active military duty including any pre-deployment training, deployment and post-deployment activities that are mandatory and part of the mission.
Calculation of payment = YMPE X 40% X Number of weeks / 52 weeks.
Continuous Intake
Eligibility:
1. Canadian employers (except for the federal government, federal agencies and Crown Corporations) of a reservist employee who is a member of the Primary Reserve or Canadian Rangers.
2. The reservist employee must be deployed for a minimum of 30 days on a Chief of Defense Staff directed operation, as confirmed by his/her Reserve Commanding Officer. The employee must be away from work for a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 18 months; this includes pre-deployment training and post-deployment requirements.
3. The deploying reservist employee has worked for the applicant for a minimum of 30 hours per week, for 13 consecutive weeks (three consecutive months) prior to the leave of absence for active military duty.
4. Self-employed reservists must provide required documentation demonstrating that the business is real, active, and represents the main source of employment/income for a minimum of 13 consecutive weeks (3 consecutive months) prior to the leave of absence for active military duty.
Application Steps:
1. The applicant must complete the Grant Application Package, attach the supporting documents and submit it by e-mail to PDER-CERP@servicecanada.gc.ca
2. Employers may submit an application upon the return of their employee from active military duty and completion of all parts of the mission, including pre-deployment training and post-deployment activities. Employers have up to 12 months following the deployment period of their employee to submit an application to ESDC/ Service Canada.
Documentation Needed:
Checklist and supporting documents:
For employers of reservists: a document that includes the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number (e.g. tax related documents, CRA correspondence, etc.) and copies of the reservist’s pay stubs for the 13 consecutive weeks (3 consecutive months) prior to the leave of absence for active military duty.
For self-employed reservists: a document that includes the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number (e.g. tax related documents, CRA correspondence, etc.) and a copy of the most recent financial statements signed by a certified accountant (which includes the 13 consecutive weeks (3 consecutive months) prior to the leave of absence for active military duty.
Other Things to Note:
Service Canada (SC) is administering this program on behalf of the Department of National Defence (DND).
About the author
Maurice
