After five years analyzing hundreds of grievances and managing teams at the Canadian Forces Grievance Authority (CFGA), I've distilled everything I learned—the stuff they don't teach in training—into one comprehensive guide.
Table of Contents
Why I Wrote This Book
When I started as a grievance analyst at CFGA, I quickly realized there was a massive gap between the theoretical training and the practical realities of the job. Sure, we learned about regulations and procedures, but nobody taught us how to:
- Handle that grievor who calls every day and won't accept any answer
- Write a synopsis that won't get torn apart in Federal Court
- Navigate the politics between different departments
- Maintain objectivity when you're reviewing your hundredth harassment grievance
- Actually apply natural justice principles in complex, messy real-world situations
This book fills those gaps. It's the resource I wish I'd had on day one—and the reference guide I relied on by year five.
Who Needs This Book
This book is essential for:
- New Grievance Analysts - Skip the painful learning curve and get up to speed fast
- Experienced Analysts - Refine your skills and learn advanced techniques
- Team Leaders & Managers - Understand what your analysts face daily
- Initial Authority Staff - Learn how to handle grievances at the unit level
- Military Members - Understand the system from the analyst's perspective
- Legal Officers - See how grievances are actually analyzed and decided
What You'll Learn
This isn't another dry policy manual. It's a practical, hands-on guide that transforms complex administrative law concepts into tools you can use immediately. Here's what's covered:
Core Competencies
- The CRAF method for systematically analyzing contentions
- Natural justice and procedural fairness principles (with real examples)
- Writing clear, defensible synopses that stand up to scrutiny
- Crafting decision letters that actually help grievors understand the outcome
- Understanding the balance of probabilities in practice, not just theory
Advanced Skills
- Managing difficult grievors without losing your sanity
- Handling complex files with multiple contentions and massive disclosure packages
- Recognizing and managing your own biases (yes, you have them)
- Navigating the military grievance system from Initial Authority to Federal Court
- Understanding Dunsmuir and other landmark cases that shape our work
The CRAF Method Explained
One of the book's core contributions is the CRAF method—a systematic approach to analyzing grievance contentions that I developed and refined over hundreds of files:
CRAF: Contention, Reasoning, Analysis, Finding
C - Clearly identify the Contention
R - Understand the grievor's Reasoning
A - Conduct thorough Analysis
F - Reach a defensible Finding
This simple framework ensures you never miss critical elements and helps maintain consistency across your files. The book includes detailed examples showing CRAF applied to real grievance scenarios.
Real-World Application
Every concept in this book is illustrated with real-world examples (sanitized for privacy, of course). You'll see:
- Actual synopsis structures that work
- Decision letter templates you can adapt
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Strategies for managing workload and avoiding burnout
- How to handle disclosure requirements without drowning in paperwork
This book transforms complex administrative law concepts into practical tools you can use immediately. Whether you're a new analyst learning the ropes or an experienced professional refining your skills, you'll find invaluable insights on every page.
Beyond the Basics
While the book covers all the fundamentals, it also dives deep into advanced topics that most training glosses over:
Ultra Vires Decisions
Learn to recognize when a decision-maker has exceeded their authority and how to analyze these complex situations properly.
Procedural Fairness in Practice
Move beyond textbook definitions to understand how procedural fairness actually applies in military administrative decisions.
The Psychology of Grievances
Understand why members grieve, how to identify underlying issues, and when a grievance is really about something else entirely.
Managing Bias
We all have biases. This book helps you recognize yours and provides practical strategies for maintaining objectivity.
The AI Revolution in Grievance Analysis
The book concludes with a forward-looking chapter on how artificial intelligence will transform grievance analysis in the coming years. As someone now working at the intersection of AI and administrative processes, I provide insights into:
- How AI can assist with initial file review and issue identification
- Automated precedent searching and analysis
- Consistency checking across similar grievances
- The human elements that AI can't replace
- Preparing for the future of grievance management
Get Your Copy
Stop wasting time. Start analyzing grievances the right way.
The book includes comprehensive appendices with key legislation, regulations, and landmark cases, making it an invaluable desk reference for daily use.
Book Details
- Title: An Airing of Grievances: The Unofficial Guide to Grievance Management in the Canadian Armed Forces
- Author: Jay Tarzwell CD MDS
- Format: Kindle Edition (Paperback coming soon)
- Pages: Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of grievance analysis
- Published: 2025
Additional Resources
This book is part of a comprehensive suite of resources I've developed for the CAF grievance community:
The Grievance Resource Website
Visit grievances.thechatbotgenius.com for:
- Interactive grievance preparation tools
- Updated policy references and guides
- Templates and checklists
- Community resources and support
The CanLII Search Tool
For legal research related to grievances, check out my AI-powered CanLII search tool that converts plain language queries into precise Boolean searches.
About the Author
Jay Tarzwell CD MDS served five years as a grievance analyst at the Canadian Forces Grievance Authority, analyzing hundreds of grievances and managing analyst teams. He now applies his expertise in AI and technology as The Chatbot Genius, developing innovative tools and solutions for complex administrative challenges. Jay holds the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD) and the Special Service Medal (MDS) for his military service.
Connect with Jay at thechatbotgenius.com or explore his other books and resources on AI, technology, and military administration.