On December 12, CAPE President Nathan Prier met with Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali to discuss members’ concerns around growing return-to-office speculation, and reinforce the importance of transparent, evidence-based dialogue between unions and government leadership.
Prier emphasized growing member anxiety over rumours of a possible five-day return-to-office mandate. He noted an emerging pattern in which significant workplace changes appear first through leaks or off hand political comments, followed by unclear messaging and minimal notice. He emphasized that research – including Statistics Canada’s own data – reveals higher productivity and significant cost-saving potential with remote and hybrid work models, factors that should guide evidence-based decision-making.
The CAPE president stressed the need for genuine engagement on the future of hybrid work, noting that past consultations on the telework directive felt incomplete and failed to address the connection between telework and mandated in-office presence. Members want meaningful dialogue, not vague management language, and clarity to reduce uncertainty about the future of public service work.
The Treasury Board president responded that no official decision has been made regarding changes to in-office requirements. He committed to transparent communication, stating that unions and workers would be informed directly, and not during the holiday period, of any major developments.
On another issue of concern for CAPE members, President Ali addressed ongoing Phoenix problems, stating that he had directed his team to review the issue of Phoenix-related overpayments.
The Treasury Board president also made a point to thank public sector workers for their service and reaffirmed his intention to meet with union leaders at least once per parliamentary session to keep communication open.
CAPE will continue to push for clear communication, evidence-based decision-making, and meaningful consultation on all workplace issues affecting members.
