The Ontario government is set to end pandemic-era remote work policies for public servants. Starting January 5, 2026, employees will be required to return to the office full time. This announcement was made by Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney on Thursday.

"Effective Jan. 5, 2026, the Ontario public service and its provincial agencies, boards, and commission public bodies will return to the office full time," Mulroney stated. She noted that over half of the Ontario public service already attends the workplace full time based on their job requirements.

A gradual transition will begin on October 20, 2025. Employees who have been working in the office at least three days a week will increase their attendance to four days a week. This date also marks the resumption of the legislature's fall session after a lengthy summer break.

While some private-sector companies continue to implement hybrid work models, Mulroney emphasized that the government aims to set a standard. "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 said.

This policy shift is seen as part of the government's efforts to enhance competitiveness and resilience in Ontario's economy. The unemployment rate in the province currently stands at 7.8 percent.

Confidential sources indicate that office building landlords have been lobbying Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet to encourage a return to the workplace. They argue that empty office buildings are negatively impacting local businesses, as fewer workers lead to decreased shopping and dining activity.

Premier Doug Ford has expressed support for the return to in-person work, highlighting the importance of face-to-face interactions for mentoring and collaboration. He stated, "Half the public service is already at work five days a week — and I want to thank them — and I just look forward to having everyone back to work."

However, the announcement has drawn criticism from labor representatives. Dave Bulmer, president of the Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario (AMAPCEO), which represents about 16,500 public servants, expressed his discontent. "I am incensed by this morning’s announcement that the OPS will be returning to five days in the office in the new year," Bulmer said. He emphasized that remote work has proven effective and vowed to continue advocating for flexibility for employees who prefer it.

As the transition approaches, Bulmer reassured AMAPCEO members that those with formal remote work agreements should not see changes to their arrangements during the duration of their contracts.