Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Real Property

Fit-up Standards

Where can I find information about the Federal Government's fit-up standards?
For more information view PWGSC's Fit-up Standards.

What are the dimensions of a typical government office cubicle?
A typical workstation should provide a minimum space layout of 5.9 m² (64 ft²) and a maximum of 7.4 m² (80 ft²). More information can be found in section A6.1 Workstations and Offices of PWGSC's Fit-up Standards.

Certified Wood

Does Public Works and Government Services Canada use certified wood products in its projects?
PWGSC requires all wood products used in its building projects to be certified under one of the three certification systems that operate in Canada: the Canadian Standards Association Sustainable Forest Management Standard, the Forest Stewardship Council’s system or the Sustainable Forests Initiative’s system. The department believes all three of these systems effectively promote more sustainable management of Canada’s forest resources.

Public Works and Government Services Canada uses the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®)-Canada New Construction Green Building Rating System in many of its projects. As stated in the requirements for Credit 7 - Certified Wood, in the Materials and Resources Section, LEED® only recognizes wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. How does PWGSC view this credit for its construction and renovation projects?
Public Works and Government Services Canada views this LEED® credit as too restrictive. The department has instructed all project managers not to require the certified wood credit in projects using the LEED® system, but rather to pursue the assessment in other credit areas, such as energy efficiency, water conservation and waste management.

Buying, leasing and renting government real estate

How do I rent or lease office space to the federal government?
For information related to conducting business with the Federal Government, visit the Government Electronic Tendering Service - MERX  and Business Access Canada.

How do I find out about federal real estate available for sale to the general public?
Visit PWGSC Real Estate Online.

RPB documents

Where can I find documents on regulations and guidelines related to real property?
Find real property related publications by visiting RPB Publications.

Flag requests

How can I add my name to the waiting list for a Canadian flag that has flown on Parliament Hill?
Send a written request that includes your full home mailing address and specifies which building's flag you wish to receive. There is currently a 20-year waiting list for a Peace Tower flag and an 11-year waiting list for the East and West Block flags. As a policy, only one flag is sent per household.

Send your request to:

Public Works and Government Services Canada
Office of the Minister
18A1, Portage III
11 Laurier Street
Gatineau, QC
K1A 0S5

or by fax to: 819-953-1908
or by e-mail to: Minister@pwgsc.gc.ca

Employment

How do I go about seeking employment with PWGSC?
Check out Careers at PWGSC or Careers Within the Federal Government.