City of Ottawa Staff to Resume In-Office Work Full Time in 2026

What’s Happening?

The City of Ottawa is requiring a full-time return to in-office work for staff — 5 days a week — effective Jan. 1, 2026.

According to a memo issued by the city manager, approximately 85% of municipal public servants are already working in-office.

The move comes shortly after the Ontario government and City of Brampton made similar return-to-office (RTO) announcements.

• SEE ALSO: “Arbitrary Decisions”: Employers Criticized for Increasing In-Office Work

RTO Rights for Non-Union Staff

The City of Ottawa can’t require non-unionized employees to return to the office if they’ve been working remotely for an extended period of time and that arrangement has become permanent. This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly.

Depending on your situation, you might have grounds for a constructive dismissal claim.

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

Other Potential RTO Protections:

• You need accommodation for a disability or medical issue — supported by a doctor’s note
• You’re refusing based on a protected human right (i.e care-giving responsibilities, health and safety concerns, etc.)

📺 WATCH: RTO Mandates in Ontario

RTO Mandate Applies to You? Next Steps

• ✅ Don’t quit. Leaving your job after being asked to resume in-office work 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.

We Know Your RTO Rights

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

If you’re a non-unionized City of Ottawa 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.

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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.