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- calendar_today November 2, 2026
Doerkson Advocates for Public Servants' Return to Office
B.C.’s premier-designate Lorne Doerkson says that, while he expects remote and hybrid work will continue for public servants, his preference is for government employees to return to the office. In a recent interview discussing his government’s priorities, Doerkson indicated he remains open to some form of workplace flexibility but emphasized his interest in a wider office return.
Current Hybrid Work Arrangements
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the B.C. public service has officially adopted flexible and work-from-home arrangements. In 2023, policies were introduced that opened all public service jobs to applicants in any B.C. community where the hiring ministry has an office, supporting flexible and remote work options.
This approach aims to attract a wider range of government employees by allowing them to work anywhere in the province, not just in Vancouver and Victoria. At the time, Shannon Salter, head of the public service, highlighted the need to recruit from across British Columbia, not limiting opportunities to the main urban centers.
Comparisons With Other Jurisdictions
B.C.'s position contrasts with recent mandates in other provinces. Alberta and Ontario have directed their government employees to return to full-time, in-office work. Meanwhile, federal public servants were instructed to return to their offices for four days a week starting in July.
Union Perspective on Remote Work
The B.C. General Employees’ Union, representing many government workers, has expressed concerns regarding Doerkson’s stated preference. Union president Paul Finch remarked that remote work has enabled the province to reduce costs by limiting its real estate footprint and allowing it to recruit workers in lower-cost communities. Finch pointed out that remote government employees working in small towns have become key economic drivers, especially in former resource-dependent communities that have lost other sources of income.
“It also really benefits a lot of small town B.C.,” Finch said, pointing to the economic impact of government employees who are working remotely.
A Cautious Approach to Change
Finch emphasized that any changes to remote and hybrid work arrangements should be made with caution and through deliberate conversation. He welcomed ongoing dialogue between the union and the new government. Doerkson echoed a readiness to engage with public sector workers from rural and remote communities but reiterated his overall preference for returning to in-person work environments.
Looking Ahead for Public Service Workers
Doerkson is expected to be sworn in later this month once the official results of the provincial election are confirmed on November 18. As the B.C. Conservatives prepare to lead the province, the ongoing discussion over remote, hybrid, and office-based work arrangements for public service employees remains a prominent topic.
Source: cbc.ca.
