Canadian businesses call on federal government to bring workers back to office

Top Canadian business leaders have called on the federal government to bring public sector workers back to the workplace, saying that shortfalls in public services due to virtual work are affecting businesses and individuals.

In an October 31 letter signed by 32 business associations, the executives expressed concern about the government's inability to communicate effectively with stakeholders because virtual connectivity cannot replace face-to-face meetings, and called on the federal government to implement a back-to-office strategy. According to Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat data, the federal public service sector added over 319,000 jobs in 2021. Many of the companies that have largely switched to remote work since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic are struggling to bring employees back to offices as they hesitate to give up the convenience of working from home. "We strongly urge the federal government to lead a return to normalcy that will both spur economic growth and ensure that all Canadians receive the quality public services they have a right to expect," the letter said. Follow Global Economic Developments on Social Media! Click here to follow Ieconomy official Facebook account! Click here to follow Ieconomy official Instagram account! Click here to follow Ieconomy official Twitter account!