The federal government is falling short in its efforts to repurpose underused office space for housing and reduce unnecessary costs, according to the auditor general, who found Ottawa has managed to reduce the space by less than 2 percent.
Auditor General Karen Hogan examined the period from 2019 to 2024 and released her findings in a report tabled in the House of Commons on June 10. The report was one of eight performance audit reports delivered the same day.
“The federal government has been slow to reduce office space and cut costs to support hybrid work, and to convert surplus properties into affordable housing,” said a statement from the Office of the Auditor General. “Public Services and Procurement Canada and federal tenants need to accelerate their efforts to reduce the office space they occupy and contribute to increasing stock for housing that is sustainable, accessible, and affordable.”…