Tuesday, May 12, 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

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim vows to use 'all tools' to block overdose prevention site

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim vows to use 'all tools' to block overdose prevention site
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has vowed to block the opening of a planned overdose prevention site in the city's downtown, promising to "use all tools available" in trying to do so.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim vows to use 'all tools' to block overdose prevention site

Eby hits back at claim B.C. minister is under investigation for helping China

Eby hits back at claim B.C. minister is under investigation for helping China
Premier David Eby says neither the RCMP nor Canada's spy agency have ever raised concerns about his cabinet or caucus, after Vancouver's ex-mayor said a minister was being investigated for collaborating with China's government.

Eby hits back at claim B.C. minister is under investigation for helping China

Electricity demand and temperatures hit record levels in B.C.

Electricity demand and temperatures hit record levels in B.C.
Warm weather across British Columbia has driven electricity demand to the highest level ever seen in May.

Electricity demand and temperatures hit record levels in B.C.

Canadians being asked to complete 2026 census as letters are mailed out

Canadians being asked to complete 2026 census as letters are mailed out
Canadians will soon be receiving their census forms, and while the mailout says it needs to be returned by May 12, Statistics Canada says this is a "reference date" rather than a deadline.

Canadians being asked to complete 2026 census as letters are mailed out

IHIT Takes Over Investigation After Daylight Shooting Kills Man at Surrey Business

IHIT Takes Over Investigation After Daylight Shooting Kills Man at Surrey Business
A homicide investigation is underway in Surrey after a man was fatally shot in broad daylight at a local business on Monday afternoon.

IHIT Takes Over Investigation After Daylight Shooting Kills Man at Surrey Business

David Eby says he doesn't get why Ottawa is focused on pipeline, not B.C. softwood

David Eby says he doesn't get why Ottawa is focused on pipeline, not B.C. softwood
British Columbia Premier David Eby says he doesn't understand why Ottawa continues to push a new oil pipeline from Alberta, while failing to include B.C.'s softwood lumber industry in its latest round of tariff relief.

David Eby says he doesn't get why Ottawa is focused on pipeline, not B.C. softwood