Question Period Note: Government of Canada Readiness for Return to Worksite

There may be some concerns that information technology infrastructure will not function effectively to support employees as they return to the worksite in larger numbers and continue with hybrid work.

• In response to the rapid growth in virtual work, Shared Services Canada increased government-wide network capacity and improved access to modern collaboration tools
  • Shared Services Canada is building on these improvements to support future ways of working for employees as larger numbers return to the worksite under a hybrid model
  • With a focus on priority worksites, Shared Services Canada continues to upgrade networks and modernize boardroom capabilities to better enable collaboration across locations
  • Shared Services Canada is working with other departments to address their unique needs, while ensuring that tools and technology are in place government-wide to support essential operations and to deliver services to Canadians
  • Shared Services Canada continues to enable the Government of Canada to quickly adapt to constant technological advances

As of January 16, 2023, the federal public service is adopting a common hybrid work model that will see employees work on site at least 2 to 3 days each week, or 40 to 60% of their regular schedule. Full implementation is expected by March 31, 2023.

Shared Services Canada has taken significant steps to address government-wide technology challenges related to COVID-19 work arrangements. It focused primarily on demands on the government’s network capacity and security, and on the functionality of workplace collaboration tools. These improvements will continue to support employees as they adopt the common hybrid work model.

Network Modernization

Shared Services Canada has implemented major upgrades to the enterprise network since fall of 2020. More internet and security upgrades are underway.

More than 3,500 buildings are connected to the Government of Canada network. It is not required, feasible or cost effective to upgrade all sites. Consequently, Shared Services Canada is working with departments to prioritize sites most critical to Canadians and government operations.

Collaboration Tools

Videoconferencing, mostly through Microsoft Teams, has become the main communication channel for employees, given the ongoing requirements for collaboration from different locations.

Shared Services Canada has made sure the approximately 7,400 boardrooms can work with Microsoft Teams.

These technologies use significant bandwidth. As employees return to worksites, the level of service they have come to expect is not necessarily available in all Government of Canada buildings.

Shared Services Canada issued guidance in February 2022 on thresholds for Microsoft Teams bandwidth consumption to assist departments with managing their users’ experience. Shared Services Canada worked with Public Service and Procurement Canada to update the guidance allowing departments to establish thresholds for those working on the GC network, while enabling remote workers to fully make use of their available bandwidth, thereby supporting a better user experience for all.

Working with Partners

Shared Services Canada will continue to work with departments on their specific needs for the implementation of the common hybrid work model.

In some cases, employees may have to return to worksites before the infrastructure has been upgraded. These employees will have to adapt their use of collaboration tools.

Departments must also proactively test and analyse their respective operations.

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