Public service unions are expressing concerns about the presence of pests in federal buildings throughout the National Capital Region, highlighting ongoing issues with workplace conditions as employees are under pressure to return to offices. According to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), there were 549 confirmed reports of pests in 93 Crown-owned buildings in Ottawa-Gatineau from April 1 to Nov. 24. The pests reported include ants, bats, bedbugs, bees/wasps, birds, mice/rodents, and various small insects.
Sean O’Reilly, president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), stated that these figures align with the feedback received from union members. O’Reilly emphasized the significance of the problem with federal workplaces, citing instances where members have raised concerns about dead mice in kitchenettes and bedbugs in offices, leading to temporary closures for fumigation.
O’Reilly noted that such conditions not only impact workers’ productivity but also jeopardize their ability to serve the public. PSPC acknowledged the presence of pests in commercial real estate as common but assured that these reports are isolated incidents and not indicative of an outbreak. The agency emphasized its commitment to promptly investigating reports and integrating pest management programs into building operations.
Alex Silas, national executive vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the persistence of pest issues in federal office buildings. Silas emphasized the need for improved workplace conditions, particularly as the government pushes for increased in-office work. He stressed the importance of addressing health and safety concerns associated with pests and urged workers to utilize workplace health and safety processes to address future pest-related issues.