The Public Service Alliance of Canada is sounding the alarm over longer commute times for Canadians tied to the federal government’s arbitrary in-office mandate. More vehicles on the roads for longer periods of time is not only increasing emissions but also negatively impacting productivity.   

A recent survey of PSAC members reveals that a staggering 90% of federal public workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) – where more than 100,000 federal employees live and work – are experiencing longer commutes this fall, with 65% reporting a "significant increase." This isn’t just an Ottawa region problem. In Toronto, 28% of federal employees are adding 45 minutes or more to their daily commute, while in Vancouver, 30% are facing the same additional lengthy travel times.  

“I drive to the office to do exactly what I would be doing from home,” said Sylvain Routier, a public service worker in the NCR – who opts for a 6 a.m. start to avoid a 2-hour commute.  

“This isn’t just about federal workers; this impacts everyone who has to be on the road across the country, from commuters to first responders and essential services,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. "Needlessly sending hundreds of thousands of federal workers back to offices is gridlocking our streets, polluting our air and reducing worker productivity.”

Recent research from Carleton University demonstrates that more flexible remote work options for federal workers led to a 25% reduction in carbon emissions in Ottawa and Gatineau during the pandemic, where nearly half of the federal public service is based.  

“Working from home produces far fewer transportation emissions compared to traditional office settings,” noted Carleton University Researcher Farzam Sepanta. “It can be the more sustainable choice.” 

Statistics Canada data also shows that productivity in the federal public service grew by 4.5% between 2019 and 2023 — far outpacing the private sector, all while working remotely. Despite the unprecedented chaos of the pandemic, productivity has been trending upward, proving beyond a doubt that flexible work isn’t holding us back, it’s pushing us forward. 

“The numbers don’t lie. Remote work delivers better outcomes across the board,” said DeSousa. “The notion that remote work hinders productivity is just plain wrong – and the federal government openly admits they've done no research on productivity.” 

“My productivity at home is much higher compared to the office, where there are many distractions,” said Routier. “Distractions go beyond noise in the office or finding a space to work, it’s the mental load of spending unnecessary time in a vehicle, fighting traffic.” 

The Ottawa South NDP riding association also voiced its frustration with traffic congestion in the National Capital Region, calling it “out of control” in response to the government’s mandate forcing workers back to offices. The NDP have launched a petition calling on the federal government to “honour its agreement with the unions and repeal the RTO mandate for federal employees.” 

PSAC continues to advocate for a flexible, evidence-based work that prioritizes productivity, the environment and savings for Canadians. In 2022, then-Treasury Board President Mona Fortier committed the government would find $6 billion in savings by increasing remote work options for workers and selling off 50% of federal buildings across the country.  

“Canada has an opportunity to be a world leader in the modern workforce – a benefit for all Canadians,” said Routier.