Canadian Departments Delay Office Return Over Space Shortage

OTTAWA Several Canadian federal departments have delayed or are considering delaying the requirement for employees to return to the office four days a week this summer, citing a shortage of workspace.

The Treasury Board of Canada announced earlier this year that public service executives must work onsite five days per week starting May 4, with all other federal employees required to be in the office four days per week beginning July 6. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada notified staff last week that it is postponing the full mandate until it secures additional office space. Under the interim plan, only managers at the department will need to report onsite four days weekly from July, while non-managerial staff will continue their current schedule of three days per week.

Global Affairs Canada outlined a comparable delay last month to align with a multiyear office renovation project. The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada noted that the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada is actively pursuing leases for more space, as most of its locations lack sufficient room to accommodate the policy.

These adjustments highlight ongoing challenges in...