Kanata MP Jenna Sudds Advocates for Flexibility in Federal Return-to-Office Mandate
In a significant development for federal public servants, Kanata Member of Parliament Jenna Sudds has called for "meaningful flexibility" as the government implements a controversial new return-to-office policy requiring employees to work in-person four days per week starting in July 2026. This comes during a challenging period for the public service, marked by workforce adjustments and policy changes that have created uncertainty among employees.
Sudds' Parliamentary Committee Appeal
During a parliamentary committee meeting on February 12, 2026, Sudds directly addressed Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali, emphasizing the need for flexibility in implementing the new office mandate. "I will continue to work with you, with our government, with my National Capital Region colleagues, calling for meaningful flexibility as this policy is being implemented," Sudds stated during the committee proceedings.
She further urged Ali to seek input from federal public service unions during upcoming meetings with union leadership, emphasizing that employee support and workplace tools should be prioritized. However, when approached by media after the committee meeting to elaborate on her comments, Sudds declined to provide additional clarification, maintaining what observers have described as a "cone of silence" among National Capital Region MPs regarding the unpopular policy.
Broader Public Service Challenges
The call for flexibility comes amid multiple challenges facing federal public servants. The workforce adjustment process has already affected thousands of employees, creating uncertainty about job security within various departments. Additionally, two major federal public service unions—the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada—recently lost a grievance regarding the federal government's vaccine mandate, marking another setback for employee advocacy efforts.
Meanwhile, a new international survey reveals that artificial intelligence implementation remains an uphill battle for public servants worldwide, with many governments struggling to effectively integrate AI technologies into their operations. This technological challenge adds another layer of complexity to the already strained public service environment.
Union Bargaining and Political Silence
On the collective bargaining front, the Canadian Association of Professional Employees is currently negotiating to have workforce adjustment processes enshrined in their collective agreements, following similar successes by PSAC and PIPSC. This development highlights ongoing efforts by public service unions to secure better protections for their members during periods of organizational change.
Political response to the return-to-office mandate has been notably limited, with most National Capital Region Liberal MPs declining to comment publicly on the policy. According to recent reports, MPs including Anita Vandenbeld, Marie-France Lalonde, Mona Fortier, David McGuinty, Steven MacKinnon, Yasir Naqvi, Greg Fergus, and Jenna Sudds have all avoided media questions about the controversial mandate. The sole exception has been Bruce Fanjoy, MP for Carleton, who has expressed public disapproval of the policy.
Looking Forward
As the July 2026 implementation date approaches, public servants face significant uncertainty about their work arrangements and job security. Sudds' call for flexibility represents one of the few public acknowledgments from government officials that the policy may require adjustment during implementation. However, without specific details about what "meaningful flexibility" might entail, employees remain in limbo about their future workplace arrangements.
The coming months will likely see increased pressure from both public service unions and affected employees as the four-day office mandate takes effect. How the government responds to these concerns—and whether Sudds' appeal for flexibility results in tangible policy adjustments—will significantly impact morale and operations within the federal public service during this period of transition.
