“The announcement on a renewed federal return-to-office mandate is an important moment for Ottawa’s economy, and one the Ottawa Board of Trade and our downtown champions welcome.
This announcement responds directly to our calls for a transparent and predictable federal workforce strategy, one that allows businesses, investors, and economic partners to plan with confidence. Certainty matters. In the nation’s capital, clarity around federal presence, people and places, is a critical economic signal that supports decision-making, investment, and growth.
The Ottawa Board of Trade understands the federal government’s responsibility to manage its workforce, strengthen productivity, and support collaboration within the public service. At the same time, these decisions have real ripple effects across our city, particularly for downtown businesses, commercial real estate, transit, and the thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises that depend on daily foot traffic.
A return to office can contribute meaningfully to downtown recovery and vibrancy if it is paired with clear timelines, consistent enforcement, and coordination across governments. Execution matters. Employers, employees, and local businesses need to prepare, from transit and childcare to building readiness and surrounding services.
This moment also reinforces why Ottawa must continue to diversify its economic base. A more resilient and vibrant downtown core with a stronger mix of public and private employers, entrepreneurs, residents, and cultural activity, strengthens not only the city, but the entire regional economy of the nation’s capital.
The Ottawa Board of Trade stands ready to work with federal leaders, the City of Ottawa, and our business community to ensure this transition provides the certainty required to inspire entrepreneurship, attract investment, and support long-term economic growth.”
Statement from Sueling Ching, President and CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade.