The following op-ed by PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa was published by The Hill Times on August 6, 2024.

We are at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of this country. The shift towards remote work has ignited a potential revolution in Canada's workforce and public service. But if the government doesn’t change its shortsighted approach, we’re in danger of missing this golden opportunity.

The question in front of us isn't just about where we work, but how we work, why we work, and what we're working towards. We need to ask ourselves: what do we want this country to look like ten years from now? And what kind of public service will make that vision a reality? 

Canada's public service workers have a global reputation for excellence. The UK-based Institute for Government has consistently ranked our public service among the world's most effective. This is thanks in large part to the dedication, competence, and vision of thousands of workers across the country. Workers who take immense pride in serving Canadians. 

Unfortunately, instead of harnessing the collective wisdom and experience of our public service workforce, the government is making unilateral decisions and failing to engage with us around the future of our public service. This actively undermines our ability to deliver the kinds of services and programs that are envied around the world. Public service workers, and the people and businesses we serve, deserve better. 

Rather than fighting to be treated with basic respect, we could be collaborating on building the public service of tomorrow. One that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology while maintaining the human touch that Canadians value. One that is a leader in innovation – not just in Canada, but on the global stage. 

To build a better future, we need forward-thinking policies and a team effort. The government should be working with us on things like reducing costly outsourcing, enhancing service delivery, and creating a motivated, diverse workforce made up of talented workers from every corner of our vast country. 

We need to invest in continuous learning and the development for our workforce, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the challenges of an AI-driven world. We must reimagine our organizational structures to be more agile and able to respond to changing needs. And critically, we need to foster a culture that values and empowers our public service, recognizing that their well-being and motivation are key to delivering excellent services and programs.

Remote work also creates new economic and social opportunities. The think tank l’Institut de recherche et d’information socioéconomiques reports that for every dollar spent in the public sector, as much as $1.28 is injected into our economy. Just think about the benefits this could bring to cash-strapped smaller or remote and Indigenous communities. 

Workers spread out across the country will also make our public service more inclusive and accessible. This means a public service that’s more representative of Canada’s diverse population. 

Canadians are ready to embrace a new future of work. Seven in 10 say they’re in favour of employees having the flexibility to work from home, according to a recent Abacus poll. 

Forcing employees into a random office one more day a week to spend their days in Zoom meetings won’t prepare our workplaces for coming technological advances. It won’t help transform buildings into much-needed affordable housing. And it won’t build the Canada of the future. 

The outlook for Canada’s public service is bright. But reaching our potential requires a genuine partnership between the government and its employees. We are ready to bring our expertise, our dedication, and our innovative ideas to the table. We challenge the government to match our commitment, stop imposing arbitrary edicts and start engaging in meaningful dialogue. 

Let’s choose the kind of change that brings the most benefits to our people and communities. Together, we can forge a public service that not only meets the needs of today, but leads the way into tomorrow.