The federal government is expanding its return-to-office rules for public servants later this year.
Letters sent to federal workers say executives must be in the office five days a week by May 4, 2026. Other employees will be required to work onsite at least four days a week starting July 6, 2026. The change applies to core public service departments, while separate agencies are encouraged to follow the same approach.
Current hybrid rules require most public servants to be in the office three days a week, and executives four days a week.
The government says working together in person is important for teamwork, collaboration, and delivering services to Canadians. It also says it will consult unions and ensure enough office space is available.
Unions are strongly criticizing the move. The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) says the government has not explained why the change is needed, especially as thousands of public servants face possible layoffs. PIPSC is calling for the mandate to be paused and for evidence to be released to support it.
The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) warns the decision could lead to labour conflict, especially as new contract talks begin this year. The union says many workers want the option to continue working remotely.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe supports the move, saying more federal workers downtown will help local businesses, even though he acknowledges many employees are unhappy about returning to the office more often.
