Public employees at Global Affairs Canada (GAC) who have been working remotely from places like Montreal for an extended period are now being mandated to work in offices in the National Capital Region. These employees, who started their remote work either before or during the COVID-19 pandemic, are facing pressure to resign as they are unable or unwilling to move.
Expressing frustration, one employee shared their concerns in French, with their identity protected by Radio-Canada due to fears of employer retaliation. Several employees, including this individual, are struggling to relocate to the Ottawa-Gatineau area due to personal and family reasons, as well as the impracticality of commuting three or more times a week.
Before taking on their roles, these employees were allegedly given assurances by their employer that remote work would be possible. Feeling blindsided by the sudden change in requirements, some are considering leaving the public service or finding alternative positions within the federal government, despite concerns about recent budget cuts impacting their job prospects.
As of the end of 2025, 307 GAC employees were teleworking full-time due to residing more than 125 kilometers away from their workplace, compared to 238 employees in a similar situation in April 2024. Global Affairs Canada clarified that telework agreements are distinct from the offer letters signed by employees upon hiring, emphasizing that the designated job location is clearly outlined in the initial offer.
The department refrained from commenting on verbal agreements related to telework while highlighting that telework requests are subject to review by assistant deputy ministers on a case-by-case basis. Current federal regulations permit public servants living more than 125 kilometers from their workplace to telework full-time under specific conditions, pending management approval and operational necessities.
Global Affairs Canada didn’t disclose the number of telework requests that have been denied or withdrawn, noting that such data is not actively tracked. The Public Service Alliance of Canada expressed disappointment over the situation, vowing to advocate for employees’ rights and the promises made by GAC during recruitment.
The Treasury Board Secretariat instituted a temporary rule in 2023 allowing full-time telework for employees residing far from their workplace, effective until March 2027. The government did not specify the criteria for potential renewal of this policy, as centralized information on applications is lacking.
In response to the pandemic, various departments, such as Transport Canada, have recruited staff for entirely remote positions based on required skills and operational needs. Transport Canada currently has 36 employees benefiting from full-time remote work arrangements.
Overall, the situation highlights the challenges faced by public servants adapting to evolving remote work policies within the federal government.