City of Brampton Return to Office: What Mayor Patrick Brown’s Mandate Means for Your Job

Brampton Orders Full Return to Office for Municipal Staff

Mayor Patrick Brown has announced that all City of Brampton employees must return to the office full-time starting January 2026.

In an interview with Newstalk 1010, Brown described remote work as a “legacy” of COVID and argued it reduces productivity.

His decision follows the Ontario government’s recent mandate requiring all provincial public servants to return to the office five days a week. Major employers like Rogers, TD, BMO, RBC, and Scotiabank are implementing similar return-to-office (RTO) policies for their staff.

Meanwhile, the City of Mississauga is maintaining it’s hybrid approach — an option which Mayor Carolyn Parrish says 20% of staff use. Toronto, too, is continuing with a hybird policy that sees workers in office three days a week.

But here’s the truth: The City of Brampton can’t force every employee back without legal risk.

Can the City of Brampton Force You Back to the Office?

No — not if you’re a non-unionized employee who has been working remotely long term or was hired to work remotely.

In those situations, the City of Brampton can’t automatically require you to return without risking a constructive dismissal claim.

That means if in-person work wasn’t part of your original role — or if a remote arrangement has been in place for years — a demand to return could legally allow you to resign and pursue full severance pay (up to 24 months’ compensation in Ontario).

You May Also Be Protected From RTO If:

• You need accommodation for a disability or medical issue, supported by a doctor’s note
• You’re refusing based on a protected right, such as caregiving responsibilities or health and safety concerns

WATCH: RTO Mandates in Ontario

What to Do If the City of Brampton Tells You to Return

• ✅ Do not quit. Leaving your job could cost you the severance you’re legally entitled to.
• ✅ Review your employment contract. Ontario employment agreements often specify work location, severance terms, and more.
• ✅ Get legal advice. Before you accept a change or push back, talk to an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Speak to an Employment Lawyer About Your RTO Rights

Returning to the office isn’t automatic — even for public sector workers.

If you’re a non-unionized City of Brampton employee who’s been told to return full-time, but you’ve been working remotely long-term or were hired as a remote worker, you may not be legally required to go back.

📞 Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP today: 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online. We’re the most positively reviewed employment law firm in Canada, with a proven record of helping employees push back against unfair RTO demands.

• 👥 Over 50,000 clients helped across Canada
• 💰 Secured millions in severance and settlements
• ⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we win (Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.)
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Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.