Thursday, May 14, 2026
ADVT 
National

Several federal departments short of space as public servants return to the office

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 May, 2026 10:36 AM
  • Several federal departments short of space as public servants return to the office

Several federal departments have delayed or are considering delaying having their staff to return to the office four days a week this summer due to a lack of space.

Treasury Board announced earlier this year that public service executives are expected to work on-site five days per week starting May 4, and all other federal employees must be in the office four days a week starting July 6.

But Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a message to staff last week that it's delaying the requirement until it finds more office space.

For now, the department says, only managers will have to be on site four days a week as of July, while other employees are being asked to keep the existing schedule of being in the office three days per week.

Global Affairs Canada announced a similar plan last month to accommodate a multi-year renovation project.

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada says the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada is actively seeking to lease more office space to implement the federal government’s rules, as it doesn't have enough room in most of its locations.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

MORE National ARTICLES

More rain for B.C. in latest atmospheric river event after more than 100mm dumped

More rain for B.C. in latest atmospheric river event after more than 100mm dumped
More heavy rain is in the forecast for British Columbia's coastal regions as a series of atmospheric rivers rolls in after the first deluge dropped more than 100 millimetres. 

More rain for B.C. in latest atmospheric river event after more than 100mm dumped

DARPAN Power Women of Influence Gala Panelists 2026

DARPAN Power Women of Influence Gala Panelists 2026
The Power Women of Influence Gala 2026 will feature an inspiring and dynamic panel of leaders and changemakers, including Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh, physician and global health advocate; Dr. Satwinder Kaur Bains, scholar and founder of the South Asian Studies Institute; Farkhunda Muhtaj, Afghan-Canadian footballer and humanitarian activist; Diana Hayden, international actor and Miss World 1997; and Simi Sara, award-winning journalist and radio host. The evening’s conversation will be moderated by veteran journalist and media strategist Robin Gill.

DARPAN Power Women of Influence Gala Panelists 2026

Anand says Canada's focus in Iran war is on unblocking Strait of Hormuz

Anand says Canada's focus in Iran war is on unblocking Strait of Hormuz
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says she agrees with Prime Minister Mark Carney that the U.S. attack on Iran violates international law — and so does Iran's blockade of the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

Anand says Canada's focus in Iran war is on unblocking Strait of Hormuz

Why Canada is helping Canadians flee the Middle East — and what it costs

Why Canada is helping Canadians flee the Middle East — and what it costs
Ever since the U.S. launched its war against Iran on Feb. 28, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has said her top priority is helping Canadians who want to leave the Middle East.

Why Canada is helping Canadians flee the Middle East — and what it costs

Iran war adds new uncertainty to the Bank of Canada's already clouded lens

Iran war adds new uncertainty to the Bank of Canada's already clouded lens
The Bank of Canada will be balancing a last-minute flood of economic data with uncertainty around trade and war in the Middle East as it prepares to make its second interest rate decision of 2026 this week.

Iran war adds new uncertainty to the Bank of Canada's already clouded lens

Inflation cooled in February before oil price shock; last data ahead of BoC rate call

Inflation cooled in February before oil price shock; last data ahead of BoC rate call
Inflation was showing signs of easing in February but economists warn price relief will be short lived as the war in the Middle East fuels surging energy costs.

Inflation cooled in February before oil price shock; last data ahead of BoC rate call