The Department of National Defence (DND) will not be ready to accommodate its public servants for a four-day in-office workweek starting in July, according to a statement from the department. This delay comes as the Treasury Board's directive, announced in February, requires most federal employees to increase their onsite presence from three to four days per week by July 6.
Limited Office Space in Key Locations
In an emailed statement to the Ottawa Citizen, DND spokesperson Laura McIntyre-Grills cited insufficient physical space in certain locations, including the National Capital Region, as the primary obstacle. 'Managers may authorize exceptions on a case-by-case basis. These decisions are intended to optimize available space while continuing to meet operational and policy requirements,' she added.
DND is not alone in facing challenges. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) also announced a delay in implementing the four-day mandate, attributing it to a multi-year renovation project at the Lester B. Pearson building on Sussex Drive, as first reported by Radio-Canada.
Survey of Federal Departments
The Ottawa Citizen surveyed the 20 largest federal departments and agencies to assess their readiness for the July deadline. The results show a mixed picture: two departments (DND and GAC) confirmed they will not be ready, three are still analyzing their capacity, six are actively working toward compliance, seven expect to be ready, and two (Shared Services Canada and Indigenous Services Canada) did not respond.
Several departments acknowledged potential partial compliance due to space constraints. For example, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, and the Department of Justice are conducting analyses or implementing plans to ensure adequate office space. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada reported having 'sufficient space' overall but noted 'localized space challenges' that are being addressed.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) stated it can 'largely meet' the directive, though it will explore solutions for any 'pressure points' in specific offices.
Broader Context
The transition to a four-day in-office requirement is part of a broader push by the Treasury Board to increase federal workforce presence. However, as departments scramble to adjust, space limitations and renovation projects are causing delays. The early retirement incentive program has also seen thousands of applications, potentially easing some space pressures in the long term.
