Thousands of public, private sector workers will be working from the office again in 2026

04-Jan-2026

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The new year will bring some big changes to the rules on in-office work for many employees across the country — including tens of thousands of provincial government staff in Ontario and Alberta, who will soon be required back in the office full time.

As of Jan. 5, Ontario provincial government employees will be expected to work in the office five days per week.

Alberta's public service is also returning to full-time, in-office work in February to "strengthen collaboration, accountability and service delivery for Albertans," a spokesperson for the Alberta government said.

While several provinces, including Manitoba, British Columbia and New Brunswick, retain more flexible hybrid work rules, others are reviewing their policies.

A spokesperson for the government of Newfoundland and Labrador said the province is looking at its remote work policy.