Canadian Forces Superannuation Act

The Canadian Forces Superannuation Act (CFS) outlines provisions for members of the regular force to contribute to the Superannuation Account and the Canadian Forces Pension Fund. The law specifies pensionable service, contribution rates, and exceptions to contributions.

Pensionable service is defined as non-elective service, comprising periods of service that would have been entitled under previous Acts, and elective service, which includes periods of full-time service during time of war or otherwise in the Canadian Forces, naval, army, or air forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada. This also encompasses continuous periods of full-time service of three months or more, one-fourth of any period of service liable to be called out for periodic training or duty, and other specific services as determined by regulations.

The CFS requires contributors to contribute to the Superannuation Account or the Canadian Forces Pension Fund at specified rates. However, certain individuals may not be required to contribute under this Act. Exceptions include members who were contributors under Part V of the former Act but did not elect to become contributors under this Act and are still serving in the regular force.

Additionally, the law allows contributors to elect not to count as pensionable service a portion of their period of service exceeding three months. This election must be made within the time prescribed by regulations, and it does not require the contributor to contribute to the Superannuation Account or the Canadian Forces Pension Fund for that portion.

The CFS provides for contributions to be determined by the Treasury Board on joint recommendation of the President of the Treasury Board and the Minister, ensuring fairness in contribution rates. The law further specifies that no person shall make a contribution under this Part in respect of any portion of their annual rate of pay that is in excess of the annual rate fixed by or determined in the manner prescribed by regulations.

Overall, the CFS aims to provide fair contributions for members of the Canadian Forces and to determine pensionable service based on specific criteria, ensuring a stable financial future for contributors.