If you are a civilian employer of reservists or a self-employed reservist, get financial assistance to offset operational costs you incur when reservists deploy on full-time operational duty, both domestically and abroad.

Eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria for the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program (CERP) grant are as follows:

Employers of reservists or self-employed reservists must submit an application for each reservist upon his/her return from active military duty.

Who is eligible

Eligible types of companies for the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program grant include civilian employers of reservists and self-employed reservists who incur operational costs when reservist employees deploy on full-time operational duty.

Civilian employers of reservists
Self-employed reservists

Who is not eligible

Based on the grant context, there is no specific mention of ineligible company types.

Eligible expenses

There are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include:

Operational costs incurred by civilian employers when reservist employees deploy on full-time operational duty
Financial support to offset these operational costs

Eligible projects & activities

There are eligible projects or activities for this grant:

Employers compensated for operational losses during reservists' military deployments
Enhanced relationships with civilian employers
Strengthening capability of internal and external stakeholders to support reservists

Evaluation & selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.

A business case demonstrating the need for funding.
A statement from the employer attesting to the operational impact of the reservist employee's deployment.
Evidence of the reservist employee's deployment orders and duration.
Confirmation of the salary or wage paid to the reservist employee during deployment.

How to apply

Step 1: Read the entire guide before starting the application
- Content: The guide provides important details on the information and supporting documentation required by ESDC to assess your application.
- Implications: Understanding the guide will help in completing the application accurately and efficiently.
Step 2: Submit an application for each reservist upon their return from active military duty
- Content: Employers of reservists or self-employed reservists must submit an application for each reservist returning from active military service.
- Implications: Ensures that the compensation process is initiated for each individual reservist serving on full-time operational duty.
Step 3: Contact PDER-CERP@servicecanada.gc.ca for enquiries
- Content: For any queries related to the grant program, direct them to the provided email address.
- Implications: Clarification can be sought directly from the program administrators regarding the application process or requirements.

Documents and links

Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program

Apply to this program

Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program Overview

The Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program (CERP) offers financial support to civilian employers of reservists and self-employed reservists to offset operational costs during full-time operational duty. The program aims to integrate reservists alongside the Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force, enhance understanding of reservists' roles, and strengthen relationships with employers and communities.

The Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program (CERP) is a grant program provided by the Department of National Defence (DND) and administered by the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The program offers one-time financial support to employers of reservists and self-employed reservists to help cover operational costs when these individuals are deployed on full-time operational duty, as directed by the Chief of Defence Staff, both domestically and abroad.

By providing compensation for operational losses incurred by employers when reservists take time away from work to serve on military operations, CERP aims to strengthen relationships between civilian employers and reservists. The program also focuses on enhancing stakeholders' capability to support reservists and improving reservists' ability to balance work, family, and military commitments.

Through the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program, the Government of Canada aims to raise awareness of the important role played by reservists in the military and their contributions to their personal careers outside of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The program seeks to enable reservists to be more fully integrated alongside the Regular Force and to promote a better understanding of reservists' roles in the military, their workplaces, and their communities.

The expected outcomes of the CERP include compensating employers for operational losses, enhancing relationships with civilian employers, strengthening stakeholders' support for reservists, enabling reservists' availability for military duty, supporting reservists in balancing their commitments, and promoting the work of the Reserve Force among various stakeholders. By improving links to Canadian communities and enhancing the reputation of the CAF and reservists nationwide, the CERP contributes to a more cohesive and supportive environment for reservists and their employers.