MTO Staff Reportedly Told to Brave 2026 Snowstorm or Use “Vacation Day”

What Happened?

Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO) reportedly told some staffers to “take a vacation day” if they didn’t want to come into the office during the major snowstorm that swept across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) on Jan. 15, 2026.

However, it took roughly an hour for the province to revise its initial directive.

“We are now being advised that if you have your equipment, you may work from home,” reads a follow-up email, seen by Global News.

“Staff [should] decide for themselves if it’s safe or possible to drive in today. Please use your best judgment and prioritize safety.”

When asked if employees in other departments received similar instructions, a spokesperson for the Ford government suggested that there hadn’t been any central decision on the snow day.

SEE ALSO
• Ontario Public Servants Resume In-Office Work Full Time in January 2026
• Car Accidents in Bad Weather: Next Steps for Injured Ontarians

Workplace Issue in Ontario? Get Help Now

📞 Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP: 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Our experienced Ontario employment lawyers have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals successfully resolve a variety of workplace issues, including vacation disputes and wrongful dismissals.

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.