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• NPP ANNUAL REPORT 2011/2012: We have kicked off our development towards the publication of the 2011-2012 Non-Public Property Annual Report. You are invited to provide us with the highlights of your group’s achievements in the past year and to promote your key objectives for the coming year. The focus of this particular publication is Non-Public Property activities so it should avoid mention of publicly funded programs unless the success of these is facilitated by NPP. Photos and videos from the field are always welcome and encouraged.
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• THE NEW DEAL: In recent months, a realty asset policy has been developed for NPP infrastructure, including NPP / Public infrastructure that is currently under review with various NDHQ stakeholders. Once it clears the staff “churn”, the policy elements will be presented to the CDS for endorsement with promulgation intended for April 2012. Concurrently, policy development for Specialty Interest Activities is underway using a similar developmental framework. A national review of CF golf commenced within the last few weeks and it is anticipated that a CF Golf policy will be promulgated by April 2013.
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• GOVERNMENT STRATEGIC REVIEW: Like all other Defence programs and activities, the public funds made available for personnel and family support services are being assessed through the Government’s Strategic Review Process. It is expected to impact on the services delivered by our personnel.
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• NON-PUBLIC PROPERTY (NPP) CERTIFICATION COURSES UPDATE: Further to our Spring announcement, much work has progressed on the two NPP certification on-line courses: “The Fundamentals of NPP” and “The NPP Financial Delegated Authorities and Contracting”. CFPFSS field tested “The Fundamentals of NPP” course in August with new Base/Wing Commanders as part of a first phase of Non-Public Property education of CF leaders, receiving positive feedback overall. These courses, together with several other CFPFSS initiatives, are designed to ensure that all personnel entrusted with the management of NPP are provided with the training required to effectively discharge their responsibilities. Both courses will be launched in both official languages via the DWAN and the internet through the ADM (Fin CS) eCourse site by the end of November 2011. All personnel, for whom these are a mandatory prerequisite to be granted or to retain delegated signing authority for NPF funds, will have until October 2012 to complete the certification. Other staff that deal with NPP matters and Morale and Welfare Programs, but that do not have delegated signing authority, will also be encouraged to undertake the training for their own professional development and to enhance their awareness of NPP. The launch of these courses is a major step forward in preparing commanders and staff to better assume their NPP responsibilities.
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• COMBINATIONS OF OPERATIONS: In October 2011, the Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund was formally consolidated with the rest of the Non-Public Assistance Funds (MFF, Soldier On Fund and Hospital Comforts Fund) under the Associate DGPFSS department. CFPAF, MFF, Soldier On Fund and Hospital Comforts Fund have all been established to address specific requirements. For more information please visit www.SupportingOurTroops.ca.
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• SHOULDER TO SHOULDER PROGRAM: The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced the official launch of Shoulder to Shoulder - a multi-faceted program that provides sustained integrated and compassionate support to families of fallen CF members. Under the new initiative, families will be provided with coordinated administrative, peer and professional support, as well as the tools and assistance needed to navigate and master a complex administrative system. For more information about Shoulder to Shoulder and the organizations leading the initiatives, please refer to the following link: http://www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/DMFS/index.asp
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• SEARS OPERATION WISH: For the sixth year in a row, Sears Canada Inc. is working in concert with Personnel and Family Support Services for a special holiday season initiative, called Sears Operation Wish, to salute Canadian military personnel serving away from home and their families during the Holiday season. New this year, Sears invited military families who have recently experienced their loved one return home from a combat mission, to share their homecoming footage and stories with the Canadian public, posted on Sears Canada’s Facebook page, and accessible through www.sears.ca/operationwish. Sears Canada Inc. also announced a “Military Family Shopping Day” on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, offering Canadian Troops and their families the Sears employee discount this holiday season.
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• OP SANTA: Through Operation Santa Claus, members of the CFPFSS team have been providing Christmas cheer to deployed personnel since 1998. This popular program is well known among deployed Canadian Forces members. During the mission in Afghanistan, close to 4500 packages were delivered each year. This year approximately 2600 packages will be delivered, including 300 packages on board ships.
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• SHOPPING AT CANEX: Every year, CANEX revenues are returned to the Canadian Forces community through grants and contributions to Base/Wing funds. Last year, shopping at CANEX generated almost $3.1 million that were used to support local social, recreational, support services and amenities. You are encouraged to remind members that by shopping at CANEX, funds are re-invested into your own communal account.
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• CF APPRECIATION PROGRAM: Since the CF Appreciation Program was launched earlier this year, it has been tremendously successful in providing the one million members of our Canadian Forces community with access to valuable discounts on a wide variety of goods and services. The Program continues to grow daily as new Industry Partners are added to the inventory. At this time, the program team is focused on identifying new Industry Partners that have more of a national presence or appeal. For that reason, Base/Wing/Unit support is instrumental in identifying local businesses and services that may wish to join the program and in advising former members and their families residing in the local area of their complete eligibility towards this program’s benefits.
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• THE CANADIAN DEFENCE COMMUNITY BANKING (CDCB): The program celebrates 3 years of first rate service provided by BMO Bank of Montreal. Thanks to this unique partnership, CDCB offers discounted banking plans, competitive mortgage rates, special benefits such as the Integrated Relocation Program mortgage offer and the BMO Support Our Troops MasterCard that directly benefit Canadian Forces morale and welfare programs and our communities. New this year, CDCB members aged 55+ are eligible for the no monthly fee Senior Plan. Visit www.cdcb.ca.
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