Return-to-office becomes a key issue in Ottawa mayoral race

The push by the federal and municipal governments to get staff back in the office has become a key issue in Ottawa’s mayoral race ahead of next month’s election.

Candidate Neil Saravanamuttoo says he strongly opposes the federal return-to-office mandate and he’ll demand a delay of the policy if he’s elected mayor.

Thousands of federal public servants were called back to work in the office four days a week as of July, and several municipalities, like Ottawa, have also increased workers’ required office presence.

Candidate Jeff Leiper says he would drop the city’s five-day return-to-office mandate to allow flexible work when it doesn’t “compromise public service.”

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who is running for reelection, has supported the return-to-office policies, arguing the federal changes have helped downtown businesses that struggled after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2026 Ottawa municipal election is set for Oct. 26 and advance voting begins early next month.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2026.