SCREENING FAQ’S (updated Dec 2015)
QUESTION COMMENTS
What
ISOLATION ALLOWANCE
allowances will
I be entitled to
when I am
posted to the
North?
When posted to Yellowknife, you are entitled to Isolation Allowance IAW Treasury Board
policy and Compensation and Benefits Instruction Chapter 11. Both Reg Force and Res Force members
who are posted to an isolated location are entitled to this allowance.
Isolation Allowance consists of four components: Environmental Allowance (EA), Living Cost
Differential (LCD), Fuel and Utilities Differential (FUD), and Shelter Cost Differential (SCD).
EA is based upon scoring criteria of the following factors: community population, climate, and
accessibility. ($319/month accompanied, $191/month unaccompanied)
LCD is payable where prices for food and other goods and services are abnormally high in
comparison with the location identified as the major source of supply for a region. The amount of LCD
is related to average Canadian family expenditures through an index level developed and measured by
Statistics Canada ($549/mon accompanied, $330/month unaccompanied)
FUD is payable to assist members to meet abnormally high prices for fuel and utilities. The
amount paid is based on the difference between the National Composite Billing cost for fuel and
utilities plus 20 percent, and the actual cost of fuel and utilities at the isolated post. FUD is not paid
where fuel and utilities are available through government sources (in govt housing). ($614.58/month
accompanied, $368.75/month unaccompanied)
SCD is payable to help members offset the higher shelter charges at certain isolated posts. The
amount paid is based on the difference between the average local rental charge of a standard threebedroom house and the national average for the same standard house at the 12 authorized points of
departure as set out in the Isolated Post Governmental Housing Directive ($590/month on the economy
for accompanied and unaccompanied, $627/month accompanied in govt housing, $376/month
unaccompanied in govt housing).
REFERENCE: CBI Chapter 11
Allowances are based on combinations of rates: whether accompanied or unaccompanied, married
service couple, and in government housing or on the economy. Isolation Allowance rates are IAW the
chart below:
Are there PMQs
in Yellowknife?
In Govt Housing
On Local Economy
Member Accompanied
$1,495.00
$2,072.58
Member Unaccompanied
$897.00
$1,479.75
Married Service Couple
(MSC) w/o dependants
$779.00
$1,067.79
MSC with dependants –
Member accompanied
$907.00
$1,195.79
MSC with dependants –
Member unaccompanied
$779.00
$1,067.79
GOVERNMENT HOUSING IN THE NORTH
Housing in Yellowknife works differently from military bases across Canada in that PWGSC is
the custodian of all Government housing in the North and CFHA leases the housing from PWGSC on
behalf of DND. The rent is in accordance with Base Shelter Values (BSV) but both rent and utilities are
subsidized by CFHA so members do not pay full price for either. Rents vary depending on the square
footage and location of the units but typical prices range from:
a.
1 bedroom unit – BSV - $1,000.00 + Utils – $83.39/month
b.
2 bedroom unit – BSV - $1,130.00 - $1,190.00 + Utils -$123.10 – $162.63/month
c.
3 bedroom (row) – BSV $1,38.00 - $1,675.00 + Utils $206.20 - $237.69/month
d.
3 bedroom (duplex) – BSV $1,660.00 + Utils $223.09 - $225.18/month
e.
3 bedroom (detached) – BSV $1,190.00 -$2050.00 + Utils $214.75 - $233.51/month
f.
4 bedroom (row) – BSV $1,595.00 - $1,710.00 + Utils $256.45 - $266.88/month
g.
4 bedroom (detached) – BSV $1,980.00 - $2,065.00 + Utils 254.36 – $319.00/month
Housing is not in the Canadian Armed Forces’ realm of control and as such CF members may be
subjected to the following:
a.
An annual rent increase to keep in line with local fair market value;
b.
The availability of local contractors to complete repairs on the units result in longer
periods from when the work is requested to when the work is completed;
c.
Limited parking in the row housing units (a single parking space);
d.
Limited storage in units (most have no basements); and
e.
PWGSC will enter the unit, with or without the tenant’s consent, if they deem it
necessary to complete maintenance.
For more information on govt housing, please go through the ASU(N) Orderly Room, located
under Points of Contact at the end of this document.
Is the cost of
living high in
Yellowknife?
The overall cost of living in the North is higher. Some food items are more expensive where others are
lower however the local grocery stores often have specials that will help offset the cost. You should be
aware that produce tends to spoil a lot quicker. Heating oil, propane and electricity are high,
particularly in the winter time however with the long summer days you’ll save in during the summer
time. It is advisable to distribute payments monthly throughout the year to make payments in the winter
more manageable. You may save on fuel for your vehicle, particularly if you live and work in the
downtown core. For a closer look at cost of living check out this link: http://www.numbeo.com/cost-ofliving/city_result.jsp?country=Canada&city=Yellowknife
What are the
weather
conditions like
in Yellowknife?
The
What is the role
of the military
in the north?
What are the
employment
opportunities
for families?
"Joint Task Force (North) will exercise sovereignty and contribute to safety, security and defence
operations in the Canadian North."
Due to high turn-over rates and a transient community, Yellowknife is a land of opportunity when it
comes to employment opportunities. It is not uncommon for spouses to apply and gain employment in
a field they are not trained or qualified for. Employers often provide all the training needed.
You may want to contact the MFRC for tips on seeking employment in Yellowknife as there are some
unique issues specific to the area that you should be aware of prior to your job search.
As of 1 June 2015, minimum wage will be $12.50, and many employers, such as Tim Horton’s and
McDonalds, pay above this. What a great opportunity for teenagers to make extra money while they are
living in the North.
Although there is a good Francophone community in Yellowknife, employment for those who speak
very little English is hard to secure.
REFERENCE: Family Force Website
Will I be able to
get childcare in
Yellowknife for
my children?
Child care is difficult, although not impossible, to obtain for children under the age of 2 years. It is
even more difficult for children under 12 months of age. Although there are a few day cares, child care
is typically offered through day home providers. Child care costs range from $800 to $1200 per child.
For an updated licensed child care list please contact the MFRC.
After school care, which is a YWCA program, is also difficult to secure as space is limited depending
on the school your child attends. Early registration required.
The local going rate for babysitters is $10 per hour although if you’re lucky you may find a sitter who
charges less. The MFRC has an internal babysitter list available to military families.
Will my family
have access to
medical and
dental care?
You will be able to secure a family doctor however due to the turnover in staffing it is not very likely
that you will keep the same doctor throughout your posting. This should not impact the quality of care
you receive. Same day clinic appointments are available most days of the week. If you have a
particular issue that requires on-going specialist appointments you will want to research the level of
care you are likely to receive locally.
The Northwest Territories waives the 3 month wait period for health coverage however the application
process may take time therefore it is in your best interest to ensure that your current coverage doesn’t
lapse.
There are three dental offices in Yellowknife. Two of them offer orthodontic appointments however be
sure to explain the nature of the work needed as each clinic specializes in specific issues/techniques.
REFERENCE: Family Force Website
What
recreational
activities will be
available to me
and my family?
What can the
Military Family
Resource Centre
offer to me and
my family?
If you’re looking for an active and exciting community, Yellowknife is for you! There’s so much to do
both indoors and out all year long. There are several festivals to enjoy as well as activities scheduled
most weekends. The fishing, from shore or on a boat, is fantastic! There are also plenty of
opportunities to learn Northern crafts and culture. Interested in finding out more? Contact
director.mfrc@northwestel.net to add your name to our local weekend activity distribution list.
The North of 60 Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) offers community integration services,
mental health services, and information & referral services.
We will help you adapt to your new community as well as assist you, and your family, with your
transition.
We have a qualified counsellor available to provide services to individuals (military or family), couples
and teens. We also offer a number of education sessions on a variety of mental and general health
topics.
Obtaining information from Yellowknife community service providers is difficult at times however our
Information and Referral Coordinator has established relationships within the community and can find
the information you are looking for.
Through PSP, military members are able to sign out a wide-range of recreational equipment such as
boats, kayaks, paddle boards, skis, bikes, etc. Please contact our PSP coordinator to find out more.
Will I be
entitled to LTS
when I move to
Yellowknife
We have a friendly team that can assist you with your unique individual or family needs.
If you are considering Long Term Storage (LTS), I draw your attention to page 10 of the welcome
guide regarding applying for LTS. Draft a memo with your request through your CoC to DCBA. In
particular, your request must be specific regarding the type and size of accommodation that you have
secured in Yellowknife. Historically, DCBA has only approved extraordinary requests for LTS for
members who have secured accommodations in either government housing or rented on the economy.
As LTS is not guaranteed – even for renters, I encourage you to consider your options when selecting
your home during your House Hunting Trip. Should you feel that you require LTS and are denied,
please ensure to advise the CoC of your Losing Unit.
If you have submitted LTS requests, please inform J1 just so that JTFN is kept in the loop.
What is the
Education
system like in
Yellowknife
POINTS OF
CONTACT
Yellowknife has a Catholic school board and public school system as well as a French school. You can
access information on the each of the schools and their programs on the internet. The Alberta school
system is used in the NWT.
 JTFN J1 – MWO Cecil Boutilier 867-873-0700 ext 6099
Cecil.boutilier@forces.gc.ca
 MFRC Director – Rose Jasmine 867-873-0700 ext 6998
info.northof60.mfrc@northwestel.net
 PSP Coordinator – Tina Schauerte 867-873-0700 ext 6868
Tine.schaueret@forces.gc.ca
 ASU(N) OR – WO Sonia Lizotte 867-873-0700 ext 6871
Sonia.lizotte@forces.gc.ca

2015 Posting Handbook (first link under ‘About Yellowknife’)