Liberal MP Fanjoy Opposes Public Servants Return-to-Office Mandate

OTTAWA Liberal Member of Parliament Bruce Fanjoy, who represents the Carleton riding, has urged the federal government to rethink its recent mandate requiring most public servants to return to the office four days a week starting in July. Executives face a full five-day in-office requirement beginning in May. Fanjoy, elected in the 2025 federal election after defeating longtime Conservative incumbent and party leader Pierre Poilievre, outlined his opposition in a letter shared on social media on Monday.

Fanjoy, whose riding includes a large number of federal public servants, argued that the policy lacks evidence of improving productivity or public services. He highlighted potential drawbacks, including higher government costs, increased pollution from longer commutes and reduced ability for workers to manage work-life balance. Carleton's location, away from the downtown Ottawa core where many federal buildings are concentrated, would exacerbate commuting challenges for residents.

"I believe Canada is better served by a hybrid model that balances a mix of in-office and remote work," Fanjoy wrote. "The right balance is flexible and depends on circumstances. Done well, a hybrid...