Brampton Orders Full Return to Office for Municipal Staff

Mayor Patrick Brown has announced that all City of Brampton employees must return to the office full-time starting January 2026.

In an interview with Newstalk 1010, Brown described remote work as a “legacy” of COVID and argued it reduces productivity.

His decision follows the Ontario government’s recent mandate requiring all provincial public servants to return to the office five days a week. Major employers like Rogers, TD, BMO, RBC, and Scotiabank are implementing similar return-to-office (RTO) policies for their staff.

Meanwhile, the City of Mississauga is maintaining it’s hybrid approach — an option which Mayor Carolyn Parrish says 20% of staff use. Toronto, too, is continuing with a hybird policy that sees workers in office three days a week.

But here’s the truth: The City of Brampton can’t force every employee back without legal risk.

Can the City of Brampton Force You Back to the Office?

No — not if you’re a non-unionized employee who has been working remotely long term or was hired to work remotely.

In those situations, the City of Brampton can’t automatically require you to return without risking a constructive dismissal claim.

That means if in-person work wasn’t part of your original role — or if a remote arrangement has been in place for years — a demand to return could legally allow you to resign and pursue full severance pay (up to 24 months’ compensation in Ontario).

You May Also Be Protected From RTO...

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