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Liberal Party Divided Over Return-to-Work Policy

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 11:17 GMT by Global News
      Locales: Ontario, Quebec, CANADA

Ottawa, ON - February 10, 2026 - A significant internal disagreement is brewing within the Liberal party regarding the federal government's recently implemented return-to-work policy for public servants. Francis Scarpaleggia, the Liberal MP for Mississauga--Streetsville, has publicly voiced sharp criticism of the policy, arguing it is inflexible, impractical, and risks damaging productivity and employee morale. The dissent comes amid growing pushback from unions representing federal employees and raises questions about the government's approach to the post-pandemic workplace.

The policy, spearheaded by the Treasury Board, mandates that the majority of public servants return to the office or adopt a hybrid work model requiring a minimum of two days a week in person. While proponents argue this move will foster collaboration and innovation, Scarpaleggia contends the blanket approach fails to recognize the diverse nature of roles within the public service and the proven effectiveness of remote work over the past several years.

"The implementation of this policy is far too rigid," Scarpaleggia stated in an interview with Global News earlier today. "It doesn't take into account the types of work that our public servants do, and how they've been operating effectively over the past few years. We've seen demonstrable success with remote work in many departments, and to suddenly force a return to the office feels counterproductive." He expressed concerns that the policy is based on outdated assumptions about workplace efficiency and disregards the benefits of a flexible work environment, including reduced commute times, improved work-life balance, and lower overhead costs.

The criticism from Scarpaleggia is not isolated. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), representing approximately 175,000 federal public servants, has also condemned the policy as a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Marianne Brosseau, PSAC's national secretary, echoed Scarpaleggia's concerns, highlighting the lack of consideration for the specific needs of different departments and individual employees. "Departments operate very differently, and what works for one might not work for another," Brosseau explained. "A policy that ignores those nuances is destined to create problems." PSAC has been actively surveying its members, and preliminary results indicate widespread dissatisfaction with the new rules.

This growing discontent within both the Liberal caucus and the union representing federal workers suggests a potential miscalculation by the Treasury Board. While the stated goals of the policy - boosting collaboration and innovation - are laudable, critics argue the method of implementation is undermining those very objectives. A rigid return-to-work mandate, they say, could lead to increased stress, burnout, and ultimately, a decline in the quality of public service.

Scarpaleggia is advocating for a more collaborative approach, urging the Treasury Board to engage in more meaningful consultations with unions and public servants themselves. "I think it's important that the Treasury Board consult more broadly... to understand the specific challenges and opportunities within each department," he said. "We need a solution that is tailored to the realities of the modern workplace and respects the contributions of our dedicated public servants."

The Treasury Board, however, maintains its position, asserting that the policy is essential for revitalizing the federal workplace. A spokesperson for the Treasury Board stated that the policy is not intended to be inflexible and that departments have some latitude in its implementation. They also emphasized that the impact of the policy will be closely monitored, and adjustments will be made as needed. However, this assurance has done little to quell the concerns of Scarpaleggia and PSAC, who argue that meaningful consultation should have occurred before the policy was implemented, not after.

The situation underscores a broader debate about the future of work. The pandemic forced many organizations to adopt remote work arrangements, and for many, it proved surprisingly successful. As companies and governments navigate the transition back to normalcy, the question is not whether to embrace remote work, but how to do so effectively. The current dispute within the Liberal party highlights the challenges of finding a balance between the perceived benefits of in-person collaboration and the demonstrated advantages of flexible work arrangements. The coming months will be crucial as the government assesses the impact of its policy and determines whether a course correction is needed to address the growing concerns of its own MPs and the public servants they represent.