Public servants adjust to new in-office mandate with parking struggles and ‘a bit of a call-centre vibe’

National Defence says its Carling Campus has approximately 10,000 employees but just about 5,000 parking spaces, while ESDC says some office locations will need additional workspaces. Environment and Climate Change Canada is expecting a phased approach at several offices.

Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali, left, and Public Works Minister Joël Lightbound. Public servants are grappling with a return-to-office mandate, with some departments short on desks and parking space.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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BY MZWANDILE PONCANA, MARLO GLASS

July 10, 2026

UPDATED July 10, 2026

As thousands of bureaucrats across the federal public service adjust to the new reality of working in-office four days a week, some are grappling with buildings that are short on desks and parking spaces.

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