HMCS VANCOUVER Briefing June 2011

HMCS VANCOUVER Pre-Deployment Briefing

• Pt 1: Commanding Officer

• Pt 2: Legal• Pt 3: Military Family Resource Centre

• Pt 4: Medical

• Pt 5: Postal

• Pt 6: Pay & Benefits

OP Unified Protector / Op Mobile

Situation Brief

Commodore Peter EllisCOMMANDER CANADIAN FLEET

PACIFIC

Part 1: Briefing from the Commanding Officer What this operation is about and where it will take the HMCS VANCOUVER

This briefing is intended to inform you about

the mission and related items

Arab Spring

The Arab Spring is a revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protests that have been taking place in the Arab world since December 2010.

Many demonstrations have met violent responses from authorities, as well as from pro-government militias and counter-demonstrators.

International InterventionOn 26 February the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1970 which:

• expressed concern at the evolving Libyan situation;• demanded an end to the violence; and• requested Libyan officials ensure the safety of the

civilian population.

• CHA sailed on 2 March under this UNSCR

International InterventionOn 17 March the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1973 which further reiterated:

• the need to end the violence;• the need for the international community to

intervene to protect the lives of the innocent; and• the need to enforce an arms embargo and no fly

zone around Libya.

• CHA is working under this UNSCR

Canadian Tasks

HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN has conducted patrols north of Libya in order to help to enforce the arms embargo. They have also boarded vessels, provided intelligence to NATO and provided support for minesweeping vessels.

CP-140A Aurora Maritime Patrol aircraft have provided surveillance

More than 100 sorties flown by Canadian Pilots; CF-18’s have conducted extensive ground attack missions

Potential Tasks for VANCOUVER

Surveillance

Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), including boarding operations to enforce the Arms Embargo

Assistance to Humanitarian relief efforts

Disaster Relief or Non-Combatant EvacuationsOther tasks which may arise

VANCOUVER’s Readiness

VANCOUVER is a High Readiness Unit, achieved over the course of a demanding program that began with work-ups (WUPs) in 2010 and will culminate during Mission WUPs in July.

The ship has achieved many significant training and readiness milestones, and is well prepared and fully supported to excel at the task at hand.

LibyaEgypt

Algeria

Tunisia

Sudan

Saudi Arabia

Yemen

IraqIran

Turkey

IsraelSyria

Oman

France

Italy

GreeceSpain

HMCS VANCOUVER

Lt(N) Ivan Elieff

Office of the Assistant Judge Advocate General (Pacific Region)

Personal Legal Issues

Part 2: Briefing on

Legal IssuesPower of Attorney,

Wills

Discussion Points

• Power of Attorney (POA)

• Incapacity planning FYI

• Wills

• Supplementary Death Benefit (SDB) Beneficiary Form

• Travel Authorization Letter

Power of Attorney (POA)

Allows a person (the donor) to appoint someone 19 years of age or older (BC) to be their representative (the attorney), for the purposes of financial transactions or business arrangements on his/her behalf

Power of Attorney

• General

• Limited

• Enduring

Power of Attorney

• financial or business arrangements dome by your attorney could include:– Insurance for car or home– Bank loans– Mortgage payments– Buying or selling property, including cars

and houses– Pay issues

Power of Attorney

• Who to chose as your attorney?– Someone you trust– Someone willing to do it– Financially responsible

• choosing poorly = potential serious consequences

Duties of the Donor

• Give clear instructions, help the attorney understand what the donor wants done

• Make sure it will be accepted by the institutions where it would be used

• Complete any other documents that the attorney cannot do (i.e. statutory declarations)

Duties of the Attorney

• Must act in good faith• Follow the instructions of the donor• Perform transactions with due skill and

care• Cannot delegate the power of attorney• Must respect the title (ownership) of the

donor’s property and money• Must keep proper accounts/records

The Power is in the Document

• SAFEGUARD THE ORIGINAL POA

• DON’T TAKE IT WITH YOU ON DEPLOYMENT

Termination of POA

• Terminating events

• Enduring POA

• Revocation by the Donor

Amendments to BC legislation

• September 1, 2011• Grandfathered current valid POAs• New duty to act imposed on attorneys• New formal requirements for docs after

01Sep11• Many more changes - See a lawyer

Incapacity Planning Issues FYI

• Personal care planning– e.g. Health Care Representation

Agreement

• Committeeship

• See a lawyer

WILLS

What is a Will?

The formal written statement by which a person instructs how his or her estate should be distributed after death

Why You Need a Will

• From the death of a person dying intestate until administration is granted … the personal estate and effects of the deceased person are vested in the court…. s.3 Estate Administration Act

• If one dies “Intestate” then province uses formula to distribute estate

Wills

• Basic CF Will is adequate for:

●First marriage●Single members●Simple finances●No children

Wills

• Suggest you get a Will from a Civilian Lawyer if:– Second or subsequent marriage– Home owner– RRSPs, trust funds, stocks etc.– Children– Wish to have several persons as beneficiaries

Will Kits May or May Not be Valid

Need to Re-Do Your Will?

• You should re-do your Will when:– Newly married (previous will is invalidated by

marriage)

• You should at least revisit, if not re-do, when– Children are born– Change of life circumstances

Supplementary Death Benefit (SDB) Beneficiary

• Review SDB Beneficiary form – changes in circumstances (i.e. marriage) will not automatically change SDB beneficiary

Travel Authorization Letter

• Is proof that you consent to your child traveling with a spouse or another person

• May be required to cross US or other borders with children

• Can be signed by any commissioned officer

Sandra PinardDeployment Coordinator

Part 3: Briefing on the MFRC

Activities and services for family members

Your Community, Your Resource Centre

“offering programs and services unique to the military lifestyle. ”

Key to Successful Deployments

Research shows that families that are well prepared, know where to turn in case of emergencies and have strong support systems deal most successfully with deployments.

The MFRC’s Top 3 Tips

1. Plan well - Ensure your family knows how to contact us

2. Learn about the available resources3. Get connected

Plan and Prepare

• Financial, Legal and Household

• Use the checklists provided

• Pick up a MFRC Magnet

• Single members – give the MFRC contact info to your loved ones.

Know what resources are available

• Check out the HMCS VANCOUVER Handbook

• Check out the Information Tables• Find out about Upcoming Activities• Check out the MFRC website :

www.esquimaltmfrc.com

www.esquimaltmfrc.com

Get Connected

• Join the VANCOUVER Family Network• Your Network volunteers: Shaena and

Claire vancouver.family@shawcable.com• Attend the weekly Drop In Coffee Sessions• Find out about fun activities – connect with

others like yourself.

“Helping another is always the best way to help yourself”

Upcoming Activities

• HMCS VANCOUVER Meet and Greet – 27 Jul (CPAC)

• Drop In Coffee Sessions (every Wed & switch between Esq and Colwood)

Join the VANCOUVER Family Network to receive emails and updates on activities and information from the ship.

Upcoming Activities cont.

• Formation Fun Day: Jul 16 (Naden)• Deployment Dinners: July 20, Aug 31,

Sept 28, Oct 26, Nov 23• Back to School Shopping: August 17• West Coast Welcome: Sept 10

VANCOUVER Sunday Sessions

12:00 – 1:00pm Lunch1:00 – 2:00pm CO’s Presentation2:00 – 3:00pm Network Planning Session3:00 – 4:00 Adult Workshop

Free on-site childcare from 12:30pm – 4:30pm

Get your Military Family Identification Card

(MFID)• Military Member must be present to sign

the card• Cards for Married or Common Law• Children 13 and older• Contains Member’s SN, gives you access

to the Base and services, and the MIL Discount Program

Top 4 Service requests by loved ones of Deployed Members

1. Free Mail drop off2. Staying in Touch Calls (anywhere)3. Networking Opportunities4. Respite Child Care

Single Members

We haven’t forgotten you!

Services Provided• SIT calls for parents – where ever they may

be• Newcomer activities• Postal services and VTC• Pet care and car storage advice during

deployment

Contact

Esquimalt MFRC24-hours a day / seven days a

week

(250) 363-2640Or toll-free anywhere in Canada

1-800-353-3329mfrc@shawcable.com

www.esquimaltmfrc.com

The Esquimalt MFRC is on Facebook and Twitter!!

Esquimalt MFRC Locations

• Signal Hill – (just up the hill from the Canteen Road Parking Lot)

• Lampson – (Lampson St School in the same building as the Base Language School)

• Colwood Pacific Activity Centre (CPAC) – open evenings and Saturdays.

Medical Aspects

Part 4: Briefing on Medical

The Health Care Plan, Immunizations

This Brief Classified

UNCLASSIFIED

Overview

• Staff & their experience

• Sickbay and its capabilities

• Deployment concerns– Ports, Immunizations– Medical evacuation

Staff & their experience

Sickbay Staff:• 1x Physician Assistant (WO Sean

Davoren)• 1x Medical Technician (LS Nicole Spivey)

In addition:• Casualty Clearers (~20 members of

Logistic Dept)• Everyone on board qualified in basic first-

aid.

Sickbay and its capabilities• Acute Care / Critical Care

• Evacuate those people whose illness or injuries are more serious

• Long-term Medications

• Medical Resupply

• Preventive Health & Hygiene

Deployment concerns

• Port Visits

• Immunizations

Deployment concerns

• Medical evacuation• From sea-shore• From land-land (Europe-home)

POSTAL BRIEFING

FOR PERSONNEL DEPLOYED ON 0PERATIONS

AIR LAND OR SEA

Part 5: Briefing on Sending Mail

How to get a package to a deployed member

TWO WAYS TO SEND YOUR MAIL:

Canadian Forces (CF) morale mail service

Canada Post

CF MORALE MAIL DROP OFF POINTS

MFRC Signal Hill and Lampson Mon to Fri 08:30 to 16:30 hrs

CPAC Mon to Thur 07:30 to 21:00 hrs Fri 07:30 to 18:00 hrsSat 08:30 to 17:00 hrs

FMO Office and Naden Mail RoomMon to Thurs 08:30 to 15:00 hrsFri 08:30 to 12:00 hrs Note: Wrapping paper, tape and addressesare available at Fleet Mail Office (FMO) and Naden Mail Room only.

CF MORALE MAIL SERVICE(CONTINUED)

No special services available with this service; i.e. insurance, registered mail, etc…

The only way to claim for damaged mail is through AJAG with proof of content, i.e Original receipt of the item.

WEIGHT AND SIZE FOR MAIL THROUGH CF MORALE MAIL SERVICE

The maximum weight for parcels is 20 Kgs BY ORDER OF OS LOG SERVICES NDHQ OTTAWA

Oversize and overweight parcels will not be accepted.

Example

40 CM

Max: 20Kgs

80 CM40 CM

THERE IS A MAXIMUM SIZE FOR MORALE MAIL PARCEL SEE EXAMPLE OF BOX SIZE AT EACH DROP OFF POINTS.

Aye Missew123 My StVictoria BC V9A 7N2

Tel-765-4567

Smith A.Pte 123 (Mess #)HMCS ALGONQUINPO BOX 17000 STN FORCESVICTORIA BC V9A 7N2

THE CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS FOR DEPLOYED PERSONNEL.

Contents:ChipsNewspapersBooks

Sender’s address

AddresseeDescription of contents

MAIL SENT THROUGH CANADA POST

Processed at any Postal outlet.

Postage is required on all items, letters and parcels. ****Pending Government legislation.

This option offers special services,insurance, registered mail, etc All items which are time sensitive ie:Xpresspost ,Priority courier etc, are effective only until it arrives at FMO Ops

Canada Post will continue providing free delivery of letter mail to

deployed troops through 2011. The following addresses are the only

ones Canada Post will recognize for free letter mail.

HMCS OTTAWAMember’s Name

PO Box 17000 STN Forces Victoria BC V9A 7N2

John Doe123 My StVictoria BC V9A 7N2(250)555-6767

Bloggins B.PO1 123 (Mess #)HMCS ALGONQUINPO Box 17000 STN FORCESVICTORIA BC V9A 7N2

MAIL GOING THROUGH CANADA POST

Return address

Addressee

Canada Post Custom Declaration is MANDATORY ! MAKE SURE YOU TELL THE POSTAL EMPLOYEE.

CANADA POST CUSTOMS DECLARATION

Sender:Same as on parcel

Destination:Same ason parcel

Description of contents$20.00*NCV

Sign here

x

*NCV = No Commercial Value

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Cigarettes and tobacco products; Compressed gases (aerosols); Corrosive liquids/solids (bleach, acids, ammonia);Batteries; pornographic material;Explosives;Alcoholic beverages;Drugs and narcotics (including prescription drugs);Supplementary restrictions according to host country.NOTE: Batteries are permitted if in original sealed packaging.

Note: This is not a complete list. If in doubtContact FMO.

ALL PARCELS WILL BE SCREENED

CF MAIL ROUTINGS

Mail will be sent via CMTT.

Timings are unpredictable

YOU CAN CONTACT FMO AND MFRC

FMO (250) 363-2176

MFRC (250) 363-2640

Duty free exempt on parcels from theatre; $60.00 per family member.

Duty free exempt on parcels is as follows. Ex:

Cpl Smith sends a parcel to his family whichconsists of 3 gifts for his wife and 2 children…

3 person family x $60.00 = $180.00 duty free

So if the parcels’ gifts total $230.00 in value,the addressee might be liable to pay duty onthe difference: $230.00 - $180.00= $50.00

FOR PERSONNEL SENDING MAIL BACK TO CANADA

PLEASE SEE YOUR TRUSTY MET TECH ON BOARD THE

SHIP. THEY WILL GIVE YOU THE PRICES AND CUSTOM FORM

YOU WILL NEED.

IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT

REMEMBER TO PUT A LIST OF CONTENTS ON YOUR PARCEL AND DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN AT THE BOTTOM OF CUSTOMS FORM.

Benefits & Allowances

Part 2: Briefing on Benefits & Allowances

Plus information on Leave Travel Allowance

Benefits and Allowances

• Prior to departure• Under OPCOM CMS (before theatre)• OPCOM CEFCOM (OP MOBILE) • Under OPCOM CMS (after theatre)• Once alongside in Esquimalt

PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

Family Care Assistance

• Financial support for childcare services for SERVICE COUPLES (both deployed) or SINGLE PARENTS who have dependants less than 18 yrs of age

TB regulations:• Max $35/day with declaration• Max $75/day with receipt • For amount spent after what you normally

pay• NON-TAXABLE

PMV Storage

PMV Storage: • Commercial facility: actual reasonable

costs• Not claimable for non-commercial • On the return, up to $200 for

roadworthiness test once out of storage, before taxes. Receipts before taxes. Receipts required.required.

• One vehicleOne vehicle

Custodial Expenses

• For single members or married service couples where both are away for service reasons

• can not claim if in SQs• $275/mth (with receipts) can be paid to

ensure the security of vacant residence (extra insurance costs, lawn mowing, minor maintenance, snow removal, etc)

• Commercial service only

CMS Operational Command

Normal Sailing under CMS Command

Benefits under OPCOM CMS

• Normal Pay, PLD, Sea Duty Allowance

• 10 Minute Phone Calls Every 3 Days

• Foreign Service Compassionate Travel Allowance

OPCOM CEFCOM OP MOBILE

Once CEFCOM takes command, they will tell the CO whether the ship is

inside or outside the MARITIME EXCLUSION ZONE

LibyaEgypt

Algeria

Tunisia

Sudan

Saudi Arabia

Yemen

IraqIran

Turkey

IsraelSyria

Oman

France

Italy

GreeceSpain

OPCOM CEFCOM out of zone

• OPS Foreign Service Premium (min $745/month – non taxable)

• Hardship Allowance Level 3 (Provisional) (min $482/month–non taxable)

• Hardship Allowance Bonus (for qualified members)

• Risk Allowance Level 1 (Provisional) (min $161/month – non taxable)

• 15 Minute Phone Calls Every 3 Days• Home Leave Travel Assistance• Foreign Service Compassionate Travel

Allowance

OPCOM CEFCOM in the zone

• OPS Foreign Service Premium (min $745/month – non taxable)

• Hardship Allowance Level 4 ($642/month–non taxable)• Hardship Allowance Bonus (for qualified

members)• Risk Allowance Level 3 ($482/month – non taxable)• 15 Minute Phone Calls Every 3 Days• Home Leave Travel Assistance• Foreign Service Compassionate Travel

Allowance

OPCOM CEFCOM in the zone

• While in the box and receiving Risk Allowance level 3, regular pay and allowances are also not taxed

• Maximum amount subject to tax relief is up to what a CPO1 (level C IPC 4) earns per month, currently $8135

OPS FSP (non taxable)

Points LEVEL Amount

0 to 6 1A $745 7 to 12 1B $811

13 to 18 1C $87819 to 24 1D $94425 to 30 2A $1011 31 to 36 B $1051

etc,

Hardship Allowance

• The intent of the Hardship Allowance (HA) is to compensate for the living conditions existing at a specific post.

• Replaces Sea Duty Allowance as they both compensate for the same thing.

• If a member would loose money by going on HA, can elect to retain SDA instead (consider taxes and HA Bonus)

Hardship Allowance Levels

Taxable and non Taxable (Cdn $)Taxable and non Taxable (Cdn $)

IIIIII $482.00$482.00IVIV $642.00$642.00

Hardship Allowance Bonus

7 - 12 points 20 %

13 - 18 points 30%

19 - 24 points 40%

25 – 30 points 50%

31 – 36 points 60%

i.e. 7 mths op experience @ HA 3 = $88.20 (20% x $482)i.e. 7 mths op experience @ HA 3 = $88.20 (20% x $482)

Risk Allowance

• The intent of the Risk Allowance (RA) is to compensate for the risks associated with a specific post.

Risk allowance(non taxable)

LEVEL AMOUNT

I $161

III $482

OP MOBILE In-Theatre Benefits

(0-6) (0-6) (7-12) (7-12)

OPS FSP Points OPS FSP Points 745.00 811.00745.00 811.00

HARDSHIP - LEVEL 4 HARDSHIP - LEVEL 4 642.00642.00 642.00 642.00

HA Bonus HA Bonus (7-12 = 20%)(7-12 = 20%) 0 133.200 133.20

RISK - LEVEL 3 482.00 482.00RISK - LEVEL 3 482.00 482.00

TOTALTOTAL 1,869.00 2,068.20 1,869.00 2,068.20

Mission Leave

• Annual leave is not taken during tour

• Mission Leave is 2.5 days per month

• To be used in conjunction with your HLTA

• Travel days are not included in leave

• If leave is denied for operational reasons, special leave may be granted on return.

HLTA • When proceeding on authorized special

leave, reimbursement for transportation expenses for the return journey between member’s post and:

– the member’s home

– the member’s previous place of duty

• A reverse HLTA where the NOK comes to you

• If the CO authorizes a Third Location HLTA, then the benefit is an allowance, not a reimbursement

After OPCOM CEFCOM

Back to normal sailing

Benefits after OP MOBILE

• Normal Pay, PLD, Sea Duty Allowance

• 10 Minute Phone Calls Every 3 Days

• Foreign Service Compassionate Travel Allowance

ONCE ALONGSIDE IN ESQUIMALT

On return home

• Disembarkation Leave (7 days)

• SLTA as applicable

• Convert Unused Mission Leave to Special Leave (if applicable)

Special Leave in lieu of Mission leaveFor days on OP MOBILE:

12166-180

11151-165

10136-150

9121-135

8106-120

791-105

676-90

561-75

446-60

331-45

216-30

11-15

Special Leave in lieu of Mission leave

• Reckoned in working days• Normally consecutive• Must have served at least 30 days in

AOO

Post Combat Reintegration Allowance (PCRA)

No PCRA as this mission is not deemed a combat operation.