# Canadian Federal Agencies Increase Office Space Spending

Thirteen Canadian federal departments and agencies, including Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), are collectively investing approximately **$18.7 million** to expand and reconfigure office spaces. This initiative supports a government policy requiring public servants to work in-office four days per week starting July 2026. The spending focuses on facilities modifications and acquisitions to accommodate increased in-person staffing, creating procurement opportunities in office space design, renovation, and facilities management.

- **Key agencies involved:** ISED, DFO, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Correctional Service Canada (CSC), and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should anticipate increased demand for office space reconfiguration contracts and related facilities services in the Ottawa, Ontario area
- **Actionable insights:** Companies specializing in office renovations, workspace design, and facilities management can position themselves for upcoming solicitations supporting this government workplace policy
- **Policy context:** The Treasury Board leadership emphasizes a philosophical commitment to teamwork and in-person collaboration as drivers for this shift, despite limited empirical studies supporting the approach

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Professional Services, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Correctional Service Canada (CSC)
- Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)

### Key Quotes
> If you're looking for a study that says this is a better way to do things, I don't have one. I would describe this as a philosophical choice of the employer and a belief that teamwork is better.
> — Bill Matthews, Treasury Board Secretary

> They don't have the information that they would need to make a good, informed decision that protects the rights of workers in this country.
> — Heather McPherson, Member of Parliament

### Sources
- [Some federal departments, agencies spending millions on more office time for staff | CBC News](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/rto4-return-office-federal-canada-government-cost-9.7356686) - CBC