Military Moving in Canada: Posted to or from Montreal
Understanding a Military Posting to Montreal
Montreal and the surrounding area are home to several Canadian Armed Forces installations, including the Garrison Montreal (Longue-Pointe), CFB Saint-Jean (the primary recruit training facility), and various reserve units. If you've received a posting message for the Montreal area, you're moving to one of Canada's most vibrant cities — but military moves come with their own unique set of rules and procedures.
Your move will be managed through the Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (CAFRD) and coordinated by Brookfield Global Relocation Services (BGRS). Understanding this system is essential: BGRS handles the administrative side, approves your move entitlements, and reimburses eligible expenses. Start the process as soon as you receive your posting message — the earlier you engage with BGRS, the smoother everything goes.
Navigating BGRS Claims and Entitlements
CAFRD entitlements typically cover: transportation of household goods and personal effects, temporary accommodation before and after the move, house-hunting trips (HHT), real estate and legal fees if you're selling/buying a home, and various incidental allowances. The specifics depend on your rank, family status, and whether you're moving from on-base quarters or a private residence.
Key tips for a smooth BGRS experience: document everything with photos and receipts, keep a detailed moving journal with dates and costs, file claims promptly (there are strict deadlines), and don't throw away any receipts until your file is fully closed. Many military families recommend keeping a dedicated folder — physical and digital — for all posting-related documents.
Your moving company must be on the BGRS approved carrier list for the move to be fully covered. At Up & Out, we work with BGRS-coordinated moves and understand the documentation and billing requirements that military relocations demand.
Housing Options for Military Families in Montreal
Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) operates residential housing units near Garrison Montreal and CFB Saint-Jean. Availability varies and waitlists are common, so apply immediately upon receiving your posting. Off-base housing is abundant in the Montreal area, with family-friendly options in Longueuil, Brossard, and Saint-Hubert near Garrison Montreal, or in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Iberville near CFB Saint-Jean.
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For families with school-age children, the South Shore offers both English and French school options. The Eastern Townships School Board (English) and various CSSDM commissions scolaires (French) serve the area. Private schools like Chambly Academy are also popular with military families.
Family Support During a Military Move
The Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) in Montreal is your best friend during a posting. They offer moving support, bilingual services, childcare referrals, employment assistance for spouses, and social connections for families new to the area. Contact them before you arrive — they can help with everything from finding a family doctor to connecting your kids with local sports leagues.
For spouses facing a career disruption, Montreal's job market is strong in healthcare, tech, education, and government. The MFRC employment services team can help with resume adaptation, job search strategies, and connecting with employers who value military family experience.
