The absence and deployment service offers to families of military personnel who are absent (for a course, temporary duty, a mission abroad or an imposed restriction) various services to support them throughout their absence.

Emotional support and personalized assistance:

• Individual support;
• Support from an intervention specialist;
• Courtesy calls;
• Comfort calls during the deployment and upon return;
• Support related to the absence or the return of a military member;
• Access to services from social workers and specialized educators (in person or via teleconference).
• Support in preparing for an absence as well as for the return from absence (by appointment).

Resources and practical tools:

• Pre-absence kit;
• Tools and books about deployment.

Services for families:

• Parcel delivery via our MFRC services points (Saint-Hubert, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu or Sherbrooke);
• Last resort Child care services;
• Opportunity to receive a free period of respite per week at the daycare (am or pm), subject to availability.

* Please note that these services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. *

Deployment form

During a period of absence — whether for training, a restriction, or a deployment — you may designate up to three people from your support network to receive assistance from the MFRC. Please note: this support for extended family and close friends (other than the spouse and children) ends once you return.

Completing the Absence/Deployment Form 2050 is an important step to inform and raise the military member’s awareness of the services and support available to their loved ones during their absence. With their authorization, the MFRC will then contact the family to present the available services and offer comfort calls.

To protect our staff as well as members of the Armed Forces, we have implemented a new procedure for submitting forms, which is now done online.

Please follow the steps below so that we can receive your deployment form:

1. Download the form by clicking the Download button below.
2. Fill in all required sections and make sure to check all necessary boxes.
3. Once the form is completed, please send it to us by email at info.crfm@forces.gc.ca
   Make sure to send the form encrypted to ensure the security of your information.

Absence checklist
Have you thought of everything before the departure? Download our pre-deployment checklist to make sure you don’t forget a thing!

Emergency childcare planning booklet
The MFRC’s Care Plan is a practical tool designed to help military families prepare for unexpected situations. It allows you to identify a trusted caregiver, gather essential information about your children, and plan the necessary resources to ensure your household runs smoothly, even during a period of absence.

Overseas parcel sending
Additional information about parcel sending: https://cfmws.ca/support-services/deployment/parcel-service?_gl=1*dk0gkh*_gcl_au*Njk4NjE2NTAxLjE3NDc5MTc1Nzc.*_ga*NzQwOTc5MDUzLjE3NDAwNjQzNzU.*_ga_8MLVZWVR7N*czE3NTAyNTE4OTUkbzIkZzEkdDE3NTAyNzAyNjMkajYwJGwwJGgw&
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/contact-us/write-troops/instructions-for-mailing-overseas.html

*Please note that parcel delivery is free when done through one of our service points during opening hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). However, fees will apply if you use a regular postal counter directly. *

*Also, remember to check the “Latest Updates” section for the dates of free parcel shipping with Canada Post (during the holiday season).*

Emotionnal cycle of deployment (and absence)
The emotional cycle of absence describes the different stages families go through when a loved one departs and returns. From preparing for the departure to reintegration, each stage brings its own emotions and adjustments. Understanding this cycle helps normalize what you feel and find healthy ways to cope.
https://cfmws.ca/support-services/deployment/emotional-cycle-of-deployment?_gl=1*qj14e9*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NTYzMDY4MzQuQ2p3S0NBancyYnJGQmhCT0Vpd0FWSlg1R0psRzhWWThoQVQ2ekFrNWNHSURlMk1aVk9zSDFfR29lRmNXbF9KS0ZEWEdfZHNCNldIV2hCb0M2dk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*NzgyMDY3MjU4LjE3NTM3OTc4NzQ.*_ga*NjU1ODY3NjQwLjE3NTM3OTc4NzU.*_ga_8MLVZWVR7N*czE3NTgzMTA3MjMkbzYkZzAkdDE3NTgzMTA3MjMkajYwJGwwJGgw

Your relationship during an absence
Preparing your relationship for an absence can ease the separation and strengthen your bond. Discover our practical tips to stay connected and support your family during this time.
https://cfmws.ca/support-services/health-wellness/healthyrelationships/tip-sheets/getting-ready-for-an-absence-as-a-couple?_gl=1*1si4z3g*_gcl_au*Njk4NjE2NTAxLjE3NDc5MTc1Nzc.*_ga*NzQwOTc5MDUzLjE3NDAwNjQzNzU.*_ga_8MLVZWVR7N*czE3NTAyNTE4OTUkbzIkZzEkdDE3NTAyNjIzNjEkajYwJGwwJGgw

Family life reintegration
Reintegration after a deployment can be a challenging time for the whole family. This SBMFC page offers practical advice to ease the transition home, whether for couples, children, or single-parent families. You’ll find strategies to manage changes in routine, strengthen family bonds, and address emotional challenges with patience and understanding.
https://cfmws.ca/support-services/deployment/reintegration?_gl=1*1v7hxrc*_gcl_au*Njk4NjE2NTAxLjE3NDc5MTc1Nzc.*_ga*NzQwOTc5MDUzLjE3NDAwNjQzNzU.*_ga_8MLVZWVR7N*czE3NTAyNTE4OTUkbzIkZzEkdDE3NTAyNTI1ODkkajYwJGwwJGgw

Information about deployment
The “Participation in a Deployment” page from SBMFC provides practical resources to support families during a military member’s absence. It highlights services such as assistance with returning home on leave, BeaverFit training facilities, amenities, a fitness program, BEMM equipment support, entertainment tours, and tips for staying connected throughout the deployment.
https://cfmws.ca/support-services/deployment/deployed?_gl=1*h8bxfx*_gcl_au*Njk4NjE2NTAxLjE3NDc5MTc1Nzc.*_ga*NzQwOTc5MDUzLjE3NDAwNjQzNzU.*_ga_8MLVZWVR7N*czE3NTAyNTE4OTUkbzIkZzEkdDE3NTAyNTIxMDIkajYwJGwwJGgw

24/7 emergency and intervention lines
Family Information Line (military families): 1-800-866-4546
Crisis Centre (suicide, crisis): 9-8-8
Parent Line (advice for parents): 1-800-361-5085
S.O.S. Domestic Violence: 1-800-363-9010 or sos@violenceconjugale.ca

For further information, please contactour absence sector:
Saint-Hubert: 450-462-8777, ext. 663-6818
Saint-Jean: 450-358-7099, ext. 668-2911
SvcPersInfoAbsenceCRFM@forces.gc.ca