Mr. Chair, I've talked to many people on these files and I have heard many comments from various sources. Nowhere in the National Defence Act does it state that the CDS should not have the power to order financial compensation as part of a grievance decision.
The deputy minister of the department already delegates his financial authority to many people within the department. The Chief of the Defence Staff himself was delegated authority from the DM on all kinds of financial aspects: procurement, hospitality, etc. I even have delegated authority for claims liability and for all kinds of financial authority from the deputy minister of the department.
Former Chief Justice Lamer said this could be done within DND and the CF, and I have absolutely nowhere seen anything contradicting this, but it has been eight years since it was supposed to be done. Delegating authority could be done. The National Defence Act does not prevent or prohibit any authority for the CDS to do that.