Federal Government Announces Hybrid Work Model

Congratulations and thank you to the Honourable Mona Fortier, her colleagues, and supporters for sharing a comprehensive return to workplace plan for the federal government. The Ottawa Board of Trade, The Canadian Chamber, and business and community leaders across the country applaud your decision.

 

This leadership move signals confidence for our entrepreneurs, employees, and executives, and especially potential investors and those deciding on business and conference travel. Amid so much uncertainty in our global economy, providing a path forward where possible is critically important.

 

Large urban centers across Canada have been disproportionately impacted through the pandemic as their business districts, city cores and downtowns were hollowed out overnight with unclear return plans that further impacted small businesses, city planning and economic development strategies.

 

This is a particular issue for Ottawa as a full one quarter of our employee base works in the downtown core and over half of them are public sector employees. We have been identified as the slowest to return to the office, recover our downtown and economy.

 

The return to the office is only one part of a complex downtown revitalization and economic recovery plan but an important one. It has many multiplier effects that will inform and support business leaders and decision makers as we contemplate how to build up Ottawa for the next generation.

 

Human capital experts tell us hybrid work is here to stay. Private and public employers are in it together, transforming workplaces to optimize collaboration, innovation and productivity while supporting balanced, happy, and healthy employees.

 

The Ottawa Board of Trade offers support to all Ottawa employers and employees during this time and continues to promote policies, priorities and programs that drive community prosperity and economic growth. Together, we will.

 

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About the Ottawa Board of Trade:

The Ottawa Board of Trade is the voice for business and key advocate for economic development in the Ottawa region. Our mission is to cultivate a thriving world class business community. We are an independent, non-partisan, non-profit member driving association representing the interests of all businesses at every level of government to ensure a competitive business climate, economic growth, and community prosperity. For information, visit www.ottawabot.ca.