The flag flies on the Peace Tower of Parliament Hill as pedestrians make their way along Sparks Street Mall in Ottawa on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Global Affairs staff exempt from return-to-office order due to lack of space

Apr 24, 2026 | 9:53 AM

OTTAWA — Most employees working at Global Affairs Canada won’t have 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 will have 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 as of July 6.

But Global Affairs Canada says it’s undertaking a multi-year renovation project that is affecting the availability of office space.

The department says until there is enough workspace available, the four-days a week requirement will start being phased in for some managers and deputy directors in July.