Politics Insider: Ottawa's return-to-office plan coming soon

"Prime Minister Mark Carney says his government's plan for federal public servants to work from the office more often is weeks away from coming into "sharper view." Carney told the Ottawa Board of Trade today that his government is talking to public-sector unions about the issue. Ian Bailey and Bill Curry report that the Prime Minister said the return of workers will depend on such factors as seniority and workplace capacity."

"It is a topic of heated debate in the National Capital Region, where the mayor has argued that hybrid work is hurting the city's downtown core. Public servants and unions, for their part, say working from home is more efficient and saves the government money by reducing the need for office space. The government's current hybrid work policy requires employees to work on-site at least three days a week. Executives are required to be on-site a minimum of four days a week."

Prime Minister Mark Carney says a plan to require federal public servants to work from the office more often is approaching greater clarity. The government is negotiating with public-sector unions about return-to-office arrangements. Officials say the timing and extent of returns will depend on seniority and workplace capacity. The issue is contested in the National Capital Region, where the mayor argues hybrid work harms the downtown core while public servants and unions cite efficiency and office-space cost savings. The current hybrid policy requires employees on-site at least three days weekly and executives at least four. The Conservative Party adopted new nomination rules changing incumbent protections and leader appointment powers.

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