'How do you mentor someone over a phone? You can't,' says premier stressing importance of in-office work
The Ontario government has announced a sweeping shift in its workplace policy, mandating that all Ontario Public Service (OPS) employees, including those in provincial agencies, boards, and commissions, return to the office full time starting Jan. 5, 2026.
The move, which follows a gradual transition period beginning this October, signals a significant change for public sector employers and HR leaders across the province.
Minister Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board, emphasized the government’s intent to mirror the evolving standards seen across Ontario’s workforce.
“The return to a five days per week, in-workplace standard represents the current workforce landscape in the province and it reinforces our commitment to reflecting the people and businesses we serve across Ontario,” she stated.
Mulroney also highlighted that over half of OPS employees are already working full time on-site, and the phased approach will see those currently in the office three days a week increase to four days per week starting Oct. 20, 2025, before moving to full-time presence in January.
“This transition is an important step that supports the government’s ongoing efforts to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant Ontario,” Mulroney added.
Ford stresses value of office work
Premier Doug Ford echoed these sentiments at a press conference, arguing that in-person work is crucial for productivity and mentorship.
“How do you mentor someone over a phone? You can't. You've got to look at them eye to eye,” Ford said, according to the CBC.
He also pointed to the economic impact, noting, “there's hard-working entrepreneurs that their business has basically just died when they weren't seeing the flow of traffic.”
Foot traffic in the downtown cores of Canada’s largest cities remains well below pre-pandemic levels, even as an increasing number of employers require staff to be present in the office more frequently, according to a report.
Union pushback against return-to-work mandate
The announcement has drawn immediate criticism from AMAPCEO, the union representing thousands of OPS professionals. Dave Bulmer, president and CEO, expressed strong opposition: “Remote work works. For the last five years, AMAPCEO members have gone above and beyond working for the people of Ontario—from anywhere. From the office, the field—and yes, our home offices.”
Bulmer accused the government of using policy to force through changes that could not be achieved at the bargaining table.
“The Secretary of Cabinet is now using policy to force through what couldn’t be wrested from us during free and fair collective bargaining,” he said.
In October, the union representing 27,000 federal public servants called for a parliamentary investigation into the federal government’s return-to-office policy.
Bulmer also reassured members with existing remote work agreements that their arrangements should remain in place for the duration of their contracts, and encouraged those seeking more flexibility to request formal agreements now.
“If you have a formal, signed remote work agreement, there should be no change to your working arrangements for the duration of your agreement. If there is, please contact an AMAPCEO Workplace Representative right away,” Bulmer advised.
He further stated, “AMAPCEO is going to continue to fight for flexibility for members who want it and stop the Secretary from dragging Ontario's hardworking public service back to the Stone Age.”
