The federal government has announced a significant shift in its return-to-office policy, ordering most public servants to spend more time working on site beginning this summer, with executives required to return to the office full time as early as May.
In a message sent Thursday to deputy heads across government, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat confirmed that executives will be expected to work on site five days a week starting May 4. All other employees in core departments and agencies under Treasury Board authority will be required to report to the office at least four days a week beginning July 6.
While the directive formally applies to Treasury Board–managed departments, the government said other federal agencies including the Canada Revenue Agency and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are “strongly encouraged” to adopt a similar approach.
Remote work has been a contentious issue within the federal public service since the COVID-19 pandemic forced most employees to work from home in 2020. As public health restrictions eased, the government gradually reintroduced in-person work, first moving to two or three days a week in 2023. Since September 2024, public servants have been required to work in the office at least three days a week, with executives attending four days.
Thursday’s announcement marks a clear escalation of that policy.
“The Government has put forward ambitious plans to deliver on priorities for Canadians and to strengthen our country,” the Treasury Board message stated. “Working together onsite is an essential foundation of the strong teams, collaboration and culture needed during this pivotal moment and beyond.”
The directive was signed by Treasury Board Secretary Bill Matthews, Chief Human Resources Officer Jacqueline Bogden and Associate Chief Human Resources Officer Francis Trudel.
The government said it will engage with unions on how the new requirements will be implemented, with discussions expected to cover issues such as assigned seating and occupational health and safety. It also noted that Public Services and Procurement Canada will work with departments to ensure there is sufficient office space to accommodate employees.
Union leaders, however, reacted with frustration. Sean O’Reilly, president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, called the decision “insulting and disrespectful,” saying he learned of the change less than an hour before it was communicated to staff.
“I would like to say I was surprised, but I’m not,” O’Reilly said. “I’m really beside myself on just why the decision is being made now.”
He also expressed skepticism about the government’s promise to consult with bargaining agents, saying his union plans to push back forcefully against the move.
“I don’t know how this helps the Government of Canada,” O’Reilly added. “It doesn’t save money. It doesn’t increase productivity. I don’t see how this helps my members or how it helps the Canadian people.”
The Treasury Board message said further details will be shared with employees in the coming weeks as departments prepare to implement the updated policy.
