Effective 1 May 05 the CF has made some significant changes to the Terms of Service (TOS). The term "contract" is misleading as it implies a binding agreement, legally enforceable. So in typical CF style it is not a "contract" it's a Term of Service:
"TOS is an agreement between a member and the CF to provide military service until lawfully released. TOS provides a framework for the training, employment and personnel development requirements of the CF. The TOS consists of two parts, ie; a structure and series of control processes. The policies associated with the TOS define the conditions for converting a member's term of service."
When you enroll you will sign a Term of Service (TOS) called a Variable Initial Engagement (VIE) "the VIE is the new initial engagement for members of the Reg Force. The duration of the VIE normally ranges from a minimum of 3 yrs to a max of 9 years, excluding subsidized training."
Example: You enrol as an infanteer it's estimated that it will take 0-199 training days to bring you to your Operationally Functional Point (OFP), therefore your VIE is for three years. However, say you enrol as a medic, it's estimated that it will take 400+ training days to bring you to OFP so therefore you sign a VIE of 6 yrs. Think of it as we're spending x $$ in training you, providing equipment etc so once you have completed training we still get our "pound of flesh" for the investment made in you.
But what if I decide I hate it…
In accordance with the release policies
Except during an emergency or as prescribed in this Section, a member
may request release at any time during a military career. Such requests
may be approved subject to the conditions prescribed in this section.
" a member who requests voluntary release while undergoing basic military occupational training will not receive approval unless military and personal requirements are compatible. This policy will continue to be enforced. Strong communication is necessary to ensure that potential candidates understand the difference between the restricted release policy, obligatory service and TOS, especially VIE. Once the period of restricted release or obligatory service is completed, a member may request release, even before the expiry of a VIE."
Obligatory service period- Can release however the salary, tuition, books, PPNS allowance will be repaid prorated to how much obligatory service you have left.
Restricted release period- Same as obligatory service however you would have to repay the cost of MOC training.