Dear colleagues,

On February 5, we informed you that the Government intends to increase the on-site presence of executives and other employees eligible for hybrid work. Specifically, we confirmed executives are required to work onsite 5 days per week effective May 4, 2026.

Today, we wish to confirm that the Government is requiring all other employees who are eligible for hybrid work to work onsite 4 days a week as of July 6, 2026. Separate agencies are strongly encouraged to take a similar approach. Many federal public servants are already onsite full-time based on the nature of their work.

Following the February 5 announcement, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat held four engagement sessions with all bargaining agents to seek their input on implementing increased on-site presence. These discussions underscored the value of assigned seating to enhance collaboration among teams. Accordingly, we are confirming that the increase in on-site presence includes a commitment to assigned seating for the majority of employees, recognizing it will be achieved over time for some organizations (e.g., some floors need to be reconfigured to make better use of space).

Many organizations currently have sufficient space to welcome their employees onsite 4 days per week, and executives 5 days per week, using a mix of assigned and unassigned seating. Even with unassigned seating, some organizations will require additional capacity in certain sites. In these situations, Deputy Ministers can stagger their implementation schedules to match their workplace realities, while aiming to maximize the on-site presence of employees beginning July 6.

Public Services and Procurement Canada is working closely with organizations to ensure that adequate workspaces are available for employees as quickly as possible, including to support the goal of increasing assigned seating across the public service. Shared Services Canada is also ensuring that offices and employees are well equipped.

We encourage you to engage your local bargaining agents as you prepare for implementation.

Thank you for your continued support.

Bill Matthews (he/him | il)
Secretary of the Treasury Board

Jacqueline Bogden (she/her | elle)
Chief Human Resources Officer