HMCS Algonquin Pre-Deployment Briefing

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HMCS Algonquin Pre-Deployment Briefing

• Pt 1: Commanding Officer

• Pt 2: Pay & Benefits

• Pt 3: Medical

• Pt 4: Legal

• Pt 5: Postal

• Pt 6: Military Family Resource Centre

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Operation PACIFIC AMISTAD

Part 1: Briefing from the Commanding Officer

What this operation is about and where it will take the HMCS Algonquin

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OP PACIFIC AMISTAD

• “Canada’s government has made it clear that re-engagement in the Americas is a critical international priority for our country...Canada is committed to playing a bigger role in the Americas and to doing so for the long term.” Prime Minister Stephen Harper, July 17, 2007

• “Canada is committed to playing a bigger role in the Americas – a role that reflects best practices as well as our identity, our tradition of order and community values – and the simple reality that we’re all in this together as members of the western hemisphere.” Prime Minister Stephen Harper, July 19, 2007

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Canada’s Foreign Policy Approach

• The Americas are a foreign policy priority for Canada

• Democratic governance: to strengthen democratic institutions, practices and principles that deliver freedom, human rights and the rule of law;

• Prosperity: to build dynamic and growing economies, and promote responsible investment and open markets that will create new opportunities and jobs;

• Security: to enhance regional stability and security by addressing the threats of drugs, organized crime, health pandemics and natural disasters. 4

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A word of warning…

Algonquin is an HR ship at 10 days notice, forward deployed

ESQUIMALT, BC

PEARL HARBOR, HIMANZANILLO, MX

CALLAO (LIMA), PE

VALPARAISO, CL

PUERTO QUETZAL, GT

SAN DIEGO, CA

Pearl Harbor, HI RIMPAC 2010

Leave Opportunity

Manzanillo, Mexico

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JIATF(S)

• Joint Interagency Task Force (South)

• US-led coalition of nations

• To stop the flow of drugs

Callao (Lima), PeruLeave Opportunity

Valparaiso, Chile

Leave Opportunity

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Exercise TEAMWORK SOUTH

Participants:

•Chile

•Canada

•UK

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International Fleet Review

• 18 September

• Valparaiso, Chile

• Celebrating Chile’s 200th Anniversary

• Hosted by President of Chile

• Brief port visit after exercise and before IFR

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

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San Diego, California

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Homecoming

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RIMPAC/SOUTHPLOY

Pay & Benefits

Part 2: Briefing on Pay and BenefitsPlus information on Leave

Travel Allowance

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Pay & Benefits

• Standard benefits apply– Sea Duty Allowance– Foreign Port Incidentals ($4.00 USD/Day)– Telephone Benefits (10 min/3 days – Mini

M)– Leave Travel Allowance

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Leave Travel Allowance(LTA)

• Assist in reuniting service member and next-of-kin. Travel costs only. Not TD

• Must be deployed for more than 60 days

• For Victoria - calculated based road distance between Victoria BC and St. John’s NFLD

• Approx. value: $2,100 (Depends on port)

• Use it or lose it – No cash value

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LTA Calculation

• Based on the road distance between Victoria or St.John’s NFLD (whichever is farther) and the member’s NOK location

• Distance (less 800 km) is multiplied by 30% of the DFAIT kilometric rate applicable to the country where the LTA originates

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LTA Calculation

• Example: Mbr returns from Valparaiso, Chile to Victoria– Distance: Victoria to St John’s: 7,198 km X

2– Less: 800 km (prescribed in regulations)– LTA Benefit: 12,796 km X $0.162 =

$2,072.95

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LTA Calculation

• Example: Mbr returns from Valparaiso, Chile to Toronto– Distance: Victoria to Toronto: 4,129 km X 2– Less: 800 km (prescribed in regulations)– LTA Benefit: 6,658 km X $0.162 =

$1,078.60

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LTA Values(Assumes member returns to

Victoria)

Location DFAIT Rate @30%

LTA Entitlement (Based on Return to

Victoria)Hawaii 0.45 0.135 $1,727.46Mexico 0.46 0.138 $1,765.85Peru 0.55 0.165 $2,111.34Chile 0.54 0.162 $2,072.95

Guatemala 0.52 0.156 $1,996.18

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LTA Variations

• Traditional LTA

• Reverse LTA

• 3rd Party Location LTA

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LTA Variations

• Traditional LTA– Member returns to Canada and is reunited

with next-of-kin.

• Reverse LTA– Next-of-kin joins member in a foreign port

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LTA Variations

• 3rd Party Location– Member pays to fly next-of-kin to a 3rd

location and LTA is applied to fly the member to the same location to be reunited with the next-of-kin.

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LTA vs HLTA

• Is not the same as Home Leave Travel Allowance (HLTA)

• RIMPAC/SOUTHPLOY is not a CEFCOM deployment to a special duty area

• No cash-value. Post combat reintegration allowance (PCRA) is an HLTA substitute that gives cash in the event that for operational reasons a member cannot take HLTA while deployed on a CEFCOM mission.

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LTA Summary

• Assist in reuniting service member and next-of-kin. Travel costs only. Not TD

• Must be deployed for more than 60 days• For Victoria - calculated based road

distance between Victoria BC and St. John’s NFLD

• Approx. value: $2,100 (Depends on port)• Use it or lose it – No cash value

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SOUTH PLOYMedical Brief

WO John McDougall CCPA

Physician Assistant

HMCS ALGONQUIN

Part 3: Briefing on Medical

The Health Care Plan, Immunizations

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Public Health Service Care Plan

• This is designed to help pay for specialist care not covered by the province

• Questions please call the Administrator of the program at Sun life 1-888-757-7427

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Dental Care

• Most dentists will accept your claim paperwork after the work is done

• They will happily bill you for anything not covered by the plan

• Please see your hand out for web addresses and for the mailing address for submitting claims

• Questions? Great West Life 1-800-957-9777

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Health Care on Ship

• Two highly trained, experienced health care providers

• Physician Assistant• Medical Technician• Medical Officer on Supply Ship• Local Facilities

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Immunizations

• No special requirements for this deployment

• All immunizations will be updated

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International Travel

• See you family physician before travelling

• Recommend Hep A/B, Tetanus, Diphtheria as a minimum

• Avoid Ice Cubes, local water• Wash it, peel it, boil it or forget it• Hand washing

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Personal Legal Issues

Part 4: Briefing on

Legal IssuesPower of Attorney,

Wills

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Power of Attorney

Allows a person (the donor) to appoint someone 19 years of age or older (BC) to be their representative (the attorney), for the purposes of financial transactions or business arrangements on his or her behalf

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Power of Attorney

• The financial or business arrangements could include:– Insurance for car or home– Bank loans– Mortgage payments– Buying or selling property, including cars and

houses– Pay issues

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Duties of the Donor

• Give clear instructions, help the attorney understand what the donor wants done

• Make sure it will be accepted by the institutions where it would be used

• Complete any other documents that the attorney cannot do (i.e. statutory declarations)

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Duties of the Attorney

• Must act in good faith• Follow the instructions of the donor• Perform transactions with due skill and

care• Cannot delegate the power of attorney• Must respect the title (ownership) of the

donor’s property and money• Must keep proper accounts

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The Power is in the Document

• SAFEGUARD THE ORIGINAL POA

• DON’T TAKE IT WITH YOU ON DEPLOYMENT

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Termination of POA

• Terminating events

• Enduring POA

• Revocation by the Attorney

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WILLS

What is a Will?

The written statement by which a person instructs how his or her estate should be distributed after death

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Why You Need a Will

• From the death of a person dying intestate until administration is granted … the personal estate and effects of the deceased person are vested in the court…. s.3 Estate Administration Act

• If one dies “Intestate” then province uses formula to distribute estate

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Wills

• Basic CF Will is adequate for:

First marriageSingle membersSimple FinancesNo children

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Wills• Suggest you get a Will from a Lawyer if:

– Second or subsequent marriage– Home owner– RRSPs, trust funds, stocks etc.– Children– Wish to have several persons as beneficiaries

Will Kits May or May Not be Valid

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Need to Re-Do Your Will?

• You should re-do your Will when:– Newly married (previous will is invalidated by

marriage)– Children are born– Change of circumstances

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SDB Beneficiary

• Review SDB Beneficiary form – changes in circumstances (ie marriage) will not automatically change SDB beneficiary

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Travel Authorization Letter

• Is proof that you consent to your child traveling with a spouse or another person.

• May be required to cross US or other borders with children.

• Can be signed by any commissioned officer.

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POSTAL BRIEFING

FOR PERSONNEL DEPLOYED ON 0PERATIONS

AIR LAND OR SEA

Part 5: Briefing on Sending Mail

How to get a package to a deployed member

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TWO WAYS TO SEND YOUR MAIL:

Canadian Forces (CF) morale mail service

Canada Post

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CF MORALE MAIL DROP OFF POINTS

MFRC Signal Hill and Lampson Mon to Fri 08:30 to 16:30 hrs

CPAC Mon to Thur 07:30 to 21:00 hrs Fri 07:30 to 18:00 hrsSat 08:30 to 17:00 hrs

FMO Office and Naden Mail RoomMon to Thurs 08:30 to 15:00 hrsFri 08:30 to 12:00 hrs

Note: Wrapping paper, tape and addresses

are available at Fleet Mail Office (FMO) and Naden Mail Room only.

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CF MORALE MAIL SERVICE(CONTINUED)

No special services available with this service; i.e. insurance, registered mail, etc…

The only way to claim for damaged mail is through AJAG with proof of content, i.e Original receipt of the item.

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WEIGHT AND SIZE FOR MAIL THROUGH CF MORALE MAIL SERVICE

The maximum weight for parcels is 20 Kgs BY ORDER OF OS LOG SERVICES NDHQ OTTAWA

Oversize and overweight parcels will not be accepted.

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Example

40 CM

Max: 20Kgs

80 CM40 CM

THERE IS A MAXIMUM SIZE FOR MORALE MAIL PARCEL SEE EXAMPLE OF BOX SIZE AT EACH DROP OFF POINTS.

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Aye Missew123 My StVictoria BC V9A 7N2

Tel-765-4567

Smith A.Pte 123 (Mess #)HMCS ALGONQUINPO BOX 17000 STN FORCESVICTORIA BC V9A 7N2

THE CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS FOR DEPLOYED PERSONNEL.

Contents:ChipsNewspapersBooks

Sender’s address

AddresseeDescription of contents

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MAIL SENT THROUGH CANADA POST

Processed at any Postal outlet.Postage is required on all items, letters and parcels. ****Pending Government legislation.

This option offers special services,insurance, registered mail, etc All items which are time sensitive ie:Xpresspost ,Priority courier etc, are effective only until it arrives at FMO Ops

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Canada Post will continue providing free delivery of letter mail to

deployed troops through 2010. The following addresses are the only

ones Canada Post will recognize for free letter mail.

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HMCS AlgonquinMember’s Name

PO Box 17000 STN Forces Victoria BC V9A 7N2

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John Doe123 My StVictoria BC V9A 7N2(250)555-6767

Bloggins B.PO1 123 (Mess #)HMCS ALGONQUINPO Box 17000 STN FORCESVICTORIA BC V9A 7N2

MAIL GOING THROUGH CANADA POST

Return address

Addressee

Canada Post Custom Declaration is MANDATORY ! MAKE SURE YOU TELL THE POSTAL EMPLOYEE.

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CANADA POST CUSTOMS DECLARATION

Sender:Same as on parcel

Destination:Same ason parcel

Description of contents$20.00*NCV

Sign here

x

*NCV = No Commercial Value

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PROHIBITED ITEMS

Cigarettes and tobacco products; Compressed gases (aerosols); Corrosive liquids/solids (bleach, acids, ammonia);Batteries; pornographic material;Explosives;Alcoholic beverages;Drugs and narcotics (including prescription drugs);Supplementary restrictions according to host country.NOTE: Batteries are permitted if in original sealed packaging.

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Note: This is not a complete list. If in doubtContact FMO.

ALL PARCELS WILL BE SCREENED

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CF MAIL ROUTINGS

Mail will be sent via CMTT.

Timings are unpredictable

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YOU CAN CONTACT FMO AND MFRC

FMO (250) 363-2176

MFRC (250) 363-2640

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IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT

REMEMBER TO PUT A LIST OF CONTENTS ON YOUR PARCEL AND DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN AT THE BOTTOM OF CUSTOMS FORM.

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Sandra PinardDeployment Coordinator

Part 6: Briefing on the MFRC

Activities and services for family members

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Your Community, Your Resource Centre

“offering programs and services unique to the military lifestyle. ”

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Key to Successful Deployments

Research shows that families that are well prepared, know where to turn in case of emergencies and have strong support systems deal most successfully with deployments.

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The MFRC’s Top 3 Tips

1. Plan well - Ensure your family knows how to contact us

2. Learn about the available resources

3. Get connected

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Plan and Prepare

• Financial, Legal and Household

• Use the checklists provided

• Pick up a MFRC Magnet

• Single members – give the MFRC contact info to your loved ones.

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Know what resources are available

• Check out the HMCS ALGONQUIN Deployment Handbook• Check out the MFRC website :

www.esquimaltmfrc.com

www.esquimaltmfrc.com

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Get Connected• Join the ALGONQUIN Firma Family Network• Your Network Volunteers: Roxanne & Angela

algonquin.family@shawcable.com• Attend the weekly Drop In Coffee Sessions• Find out about fun activities – connect with others like

yourself.

“Helping another is always the best way to help yourself”

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Upcoming Activities• Hawaii Information Night (TBD)• ALGONQUIN Meet and Greet: June 23• Father’s Day BBQ: June 19 (Goldstream)• Drop In Coffee Sessions (every Wednesday)• Canada Day Celebration: July 1• Back to School Shopping: August 18• ½ Way Party: August 20• Welcome Home Banner Making October 13

Join the ALGONQUIN Family Network to receive emails and updates on activities and information from the ship.

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Sunday Sessions

Dates: June 27, July 25, August 29, September 26

12noon – 1:00pm : Potluck1pm – 2pm : Family Network Meeting2pm – 3pm : CO’s Presentation3pm – 4pm : Adult Workshop (different topics each

month)

Video Teleconferencing (VTC) throughout the day.

Free Childcare begins at 12:30pm, please register in advance.

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Get your Military Family Identification Card

(MFID)• Military Member must be present to sign the

card (all MFRC locations can process cards)

• Cards for Married or Common Law Partners

• Children 13 and older

• Contains Member’s SN, gives you access to the Dockyard and Base Services and the MIL Discount Program

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Top Four service requests by loved ones of Deployed

Members

1. Free Mail drop off

2. Staying in Touch Calls (anywhere)

3. Networking Opportunities

4. Respite Child Care

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Single Members

We haven’t forgotten you!

Services Provided

• Staying in Touch calls for parents – where ever they may be

• Newcomer activities

• Postal services and VTC

• Pet care and car storage advice during deployment

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ContactEsquimalt MFRC

24-hours a day / seven days a week

(250) 363-2640Or toll-free anywhere in Canada

1-800-353-3329

mfrc@shawcable.com

www.esquimaltmfrc.com

The Esquimalt MFRC is also on Facebook and Twitter!!

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3 MFRC Locations

CPAC Signal Hill Lampson

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Location 1: CPAC

Colwood Pacific Activity Centre

2610 Rosebank Road

Close to Belmont Park, open evenings/Saturdays

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Location 2: Lampson

670 Lampson Street

Shared with Base Language Training

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Location 3: Signal Hill

1505 Esquimalt Road

Close to Dockyard Gate, Fleet Club

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www.esquimaltmfrc.com