Frequently Asked Questions - ISSUE: Isolated Post Instructions
Q1. The factors used for setting the Environmental Allowance (EA) classification have changed. How come?
A1. In 2005, following a two-year study, the Isolated Posts and Government Housing Committee concluded that the Topography factor was no longer relevant as it was being assessed on the basis of an outdated map.
The conclusions of this study were adopted and the factors used in setting the EA classification are now: Population, Climate and Accessibility.
The points assessed for the Topography factor were re-distributed to the Climate factor, and new ranges for EA have been adopted. All posts have now been reassessed using the above criteria.
The new ranges are (in ascending order):
| Points | Level |
|---|---|
| 0-44 points | Post does not qualify |
| 45-54 | 1 |
| 55-69 | 2 |
| 70-99 | 3 |
| 100-134 | 4 |
| 135 and up | 5 |
Q2. What is the Fixed Rate Northern Leave Travel Assistance (NLTA) based on?
A2. The 100% fixed NLTA benefit is not intended to be a reimbursement of expenses incurred or to be incurred. Rather, it is a value assigned to a benefit for which members and their dependant(s) are not required to travel away from the post or to take "paid leave", i.e. vacation, furlough, compensatory leave, or lieu time off. The value is based on the cost of travel between an isolated post and its point of departure. It is calculated as follows:
- If your isolated post has an airport, the payment will be 100% of the return full economy class airfare between the post and the point of departure (including GST and provincial or territorial sales tax if applicable) as determined by TBS. Fees such as NAV CANADA fuel surcharges, airport improvement fees, travel agent fees, and other miscellaneous fees are excluded from the calculation.
- If your isolated post does not have an airport, the payment will be 100% of the return full economy class airfare between the nearest airport and the point of departure; plus the return lower kilometric rate between the post and the nearest airport.
Q3. I have been reimbursed the 80% non-accountable benefits for travel after Aug 07 and for FY 08/9. Am I eligible for the difference between the non –accountable benefits and the approved FIXED-NLTA?
A3. Absolutely, contact your Admin Support Unit to determine when you will receive the difference.
Q4. Who will determine the Fixed Rate NLTA?
A4. Treasury Board Secretariat will determine the fixed rate NLTA for each isolated post. For locations with an EA classification of 1, 2 or 3 the rate will be determined once each fiscal year and twice each fiscal year for locations with an EA classification of 4 or 5.
Q5. Why a single rate Shelter Cost Differential (SCD) for members occupying private accommodations?
A5. Since unaccompanied members occupying private accommodations incur similar cost for rent as accompanied members occupying the same accommodations it was determined that they should receive the same SCD benefits.
Q6. The EA, LCD, FU&D and SCD Isolation Allowance components are used in the eligible allowances calculation of Maternity and Parental Allowance. Is there any limitations?
A6. Yes, Isolation Allowance components are only eligible for consideration in the calculation of the maternity or parental allowance if the member remains at the post during the period of maternity or parental leave or proceeds on annual leave.
