The federal public service is introducing new artificial intelligence tools and making significant changes to workplace policies. Here are the top stories from the Ottawa Citizen newsroom for Thursday, May 28.
Return of Assigned Seating for Most Public Servants Bucks Private-Sector Trend
Private workplaces are increasingly shifting to unassigned workstations as the average North American company settles on a three-day per week hybrid model, according to a CBRE report. However, the federal public service is moving in the opposite direction by reintroducing assigned seating for most employees.
2,800 Public Servants Already Approved for Early Retirement Incentive Program
Thousands of public servants have applied for early retirement incentives, and 2,800 have already been approved. Eligible federal public servants have until July 24 to apply for exit packages. This program aims to reduce the size of the public service while offering voluntary departures.
Why These Women Are Fighting for a National Action Plan on Endometriosis
The disease impacts about 1 in 10 Canadian women, but due to lack of funding and research, it can take years for individuals to get a diagnosis. Karissa Renaud, who has been told by doctors she has endometriosis, has been living in pain most of her life. Women across Canada are advocating for a national action plan to address this debilitating condition.
La Nhau's Small Plates, Soups and Drinks Celebrate Vietnamese Flavours
Beef carpaccio and crab fried rice are signature dishes at this four-month-old Murray Street eatery. La Nhau Viet Kitchen & Bar in the ByWard Market offers a unique dining experience with Vietnamese-inspired small plates and beverages.
Wastewater Testing for Drugs Forwarded to Ottawa Board of Health by Council
The water services department and Ottawa Public Health are to examine the feasibility of identifying key geographic locations for sampling. Wastewater testing for COVID-19 was shut down by the Province of Ontario in July 2024, but Ottawa took over the program. Now, the city is exploring expanding wastewater testing to monitor drug use.
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