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The federal government recently said public servants must return to the workplace three days a week by early September. Public Service Alliance of Canada President Chris Aylward writes that the government should strengthen, rather than weaken, remote work:
Remote work has transformed the way we work forever — providing Canada’s federal government with the opportunity to lead the way and reap the benefits. This isn’t just about tweaking our daily routines; it’s about a profound opportunity to shape the future of work and Canada at the same time.
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Imagine tapping into the wealth of talent sprawled across our vast country: from the snowy reaches of Nunavut to the bustling streets of downtown Halifax. Remote work dismantles barriers that keep these voices on the fringes. When our federal public service reflects every slice of Canadian life, particularly from Indigenous communities and smaller towns, we all win. Policies will be better tailored to address the real needs of all Canadians, not just those within commuting distance of Parliament Hill or Queen’s Park.
This decentralization of work distributes Ottawa’s public service jobs across the nation, ensuring that every dollar spent on public services contributes to local prosperity. It doesn’t just support local economies; it supercharges them. Small towns can become hubs of federal activity, driving growth and enhancing the quality of life. Remote work also spreads out the ways public sector jobs act as a safety net when inflation soars, supporting good, stable employment and maintaining healthy economies beyond our nation’s capital. More rural mayors and governments should be pressuring the federal government to promote remote work and ensure more workers support the economies where they live, not where they work.
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In fact, research by the think tank l’Institut de recherche et d’information socioéconomiques shows that for every dollar spent in the public sector, between $1.09 and $1.28 is added to the Canadian economy — which especially benefits cash-strapped small and remote communities.
Remote work is a game changer when it comes to making workplaces more accessible and inclusive. Employees can work in the environment that suits them best, sidestepping the usual hassles of commuting and dealing with office layouts that might not be friendly to everyone.
This flexibility significantly benefits the environment by reducing daily commutes, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. Home offices often use less energy than large, outdated office buildings, and urban areas benefit from improved air quality and reduced noise pollution. Additionally, the reduced need for office space can slow urban sprawl, preserving natural habitats.
For families, remote work offers a significant advantage, providing the flexibility needed to balance professional responsibilities with family life. Parents can adjust their schedules to be present for important moments like school drop-offs, doctor’s appointments and milestones in their children’s lives, without the stress of commuting.
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This alleviates the difficult choice between career progression and family commitments, making it easier for parents to thrive in both, particularly benefiting single parents who have traditionally had to make these difficult sacrifices.
This transformation is about more than just remote work; it’s about setting a new standard for a progressive, inclusive and dynamic workplace. The federal government can lead by example, demonstrating adaptability, forward-thinking and a commitment to serving all Canadians. Embracing remote work opens possibilities for everyone, reinforcing our resilience, diversity, and unity.
This shift benefits our communities, our planet, our families and our future, inviting us to reimagine what a truly modern workplace looks like.
Chris Aylward is the national president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, one of Canada’s largest unions, representing nearly 240,000 workers in federal government departments and agencies, Crown corporations, universities, casinos, community services agencies, Indigenous communities, airports and the security sector, among others.
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