Federal departments and agencies say they plan to spend more than $18 million to reconfigure office space so employees can work on-site four days a week.
The Story
Federal government departments and agencies are budgeting a combined $18,720,150 to adjust office space to support a new in-person work schedule, according to information provided in response to a question in the House of Commons.
The spending plans relate to a July start for thousands of federal public servants under a schedule that requires employees to be in the office four days a week.
In the breakdown provided, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada said it will spend almost $5.7 million to accommodate the increased in-person presence. Fisheries and Oceans Canada estimated $4.2 million.
The Canada Border Services Agency put its estimated costs at $3.9 million, while the Correctional Service of Canada said it plans to spend $1.37 million.
Some organizations told MPs they have no associated costs for their return-to-office changes or that their figures were still being assessed. Others referred questions to Public Services and Procurement Canada, which said it was still evaluating the costs.
The figures were provided after NDP MP Heather McPherson raised the matter by way of an order paper question.
The overall report, which cites information compiled for Canadian Press, was first published Sept. 23, 2026.
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