Canada's largest public service unions are raising the alarm and demanding immediate clarification from the federal government regarding persistent rumours of a looming, mandatory full-time return to the office for hundreds of thousands of federal employees.
Unions Press Treasury Board for Official Word
In a formal letter sent to Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali on Friday, the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) sought to address what it called "persistent rumours." The speculation suggests the government is considering requiring employees to work from the office up to five days per week, potentially as early as 2026.
CAPE's letter argued strongly against reversing the progress made on flexible work arrangements. "The case for flexible arrangements that include telework has been made time and time again," the union wrote, stating that a full-scale return would be a step backward for productivity, morale, and the government's ability to attract and retain talent.
Leaked Documents and Union Concerns
Sharon DeSousa, National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), confirmed the union is also seeking official confirmation. DeSousa stated she has seen a leaked PowerPoint slide circulating online that purportedly outlines the Treasury Board's plan, but the government has not verified its authenticity.
"If this is true, this is probably the worst plan the government could ever have," DeSousa said bluntly. She pointed to the well-documented disrepair of many federal office buildings as just one of the major practical obstacles. PSAC has characterized any such mandate as "reckless, costly and completely out of touch" with the realities of the modern public service.
Reports Point to a Phased 2027 Deadline
Adding fuel to the fire, a report from La Presse on Monday claimed to have viewed an internal Treasury Board document. The reported plan would require all federal public servants to report to the office five days a week starting January 1, 2027, with some employees facing a full-time return as soon as next year.
This federal speculation follows recent moves by other levels of government. In August, the Ontario government ordered its provincial public servants back to the office full-time beginning in January. The City of Ottawa quickly announced a similar policy for its municipal employees.
The federal Treasury Board has not yet responded to requests for comment from media outlets. Unions indicate they remain in regular communication with the government on this and other issues, awaiting an official response that will either confirm or dispel the growing anxiety within the public service.