The Quebec government has unveiled a significant restructuring plan for its public service, involving substantial job cuts and a new mandate for hybrid work. The announcement, made on December 3, 2025, signals a major shift in the province's approach to its workforce.
Major Workforce Reduction Announced
The plan calls for the elimination of approximately 5,000 positions within the provincial government. This move represents one of the most substantial workforce reductions in recent years for Quebec's public sector. The decision comes amid broader discussions about government efficiency and fiscal management.
Treasury Board Chair France-Elaine Duranceau is the minister leading this initiative. She was present in the legislature for question period on December 2, 2025, the day before the official announcement. The government has framed the cuts as a necessary step to modernize operations and manage public funds responsibly.
New Mandate for In-Person Work
In addition to the job reductions, the government is implementing a new policy for remaining employees. Public servants will be required to work from the office for a minimum of three days per week. This mandate marks a decisive move away from the fully remote or highly flexible work arrangements that became common during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hybrid model is intended to balance the perceived benefits of in-person collaboration with some of the flexibility that workers have grown accustomed to. However, it represents a firm directive from the government to increase physical presence in workplaces across the province.
Context and Potential Implications
The announcement is likely to have wide-ranging effects. For the thousands of employees affected by the job cuts, it means seeking new positions, potentially within other parts of the public sector or outside of government entirely. The government has not yet released detailed information about which departments or roles will be most impacted or what severance or transition support will be offered.
The return-to-office order will also force a recalibration of daily life for tens of thousands of government workers. It will impact commuting patterns, demand for downtown office space, and the rhythm of work for individuals and teams. Unions representing public sector employees are expected to respond to both the job cuts and the new work location policy, potentially leading to discussions or disputes.
This move by the Quebec government aligns with a broader trend among some large employers, both public and private, who are seeking to increase in-person work. Proponents argue it boosts corporate culture, mentorship, and spontaneous collaboration. Critics often cite reduced flexibility, increased costs for employees, and the environmental impact of commuting.
The full details of the implementation plan, including the timeline for the job reductions and the start date for the hybrid work mandate, are anticipated in the coming weeks as the government provides further operational guidance to its departments.