Senator Loffreda: Thank you for that. Do you see any difficulty in converting some of that office space into homes for those who need housing? Office space can be very costly. Has any analysis been undertaken to study that issue and the problems that might arise?

[Translation]

Senator Loffreda: Thank you for the answer.

Last week, public servants from your department appeared before our committee, and we discussed the real estate portfolio. We learned that you want to accelerate your plan so that it’s carried out over 10 years rather than 25. They explained that there are many issues to consider. It’s not as easy or as cheap as people think to convert office space.

Once the government’s real property needs have been carefully assessed, do you think we’ll be able to sell some buildings and convert others into affordable housing?

Second, if we want to make this land and these buildings available more quickly than municipal bylaws or tools allow, as is the case here in Ottawa, then we need to work closely with the municipalities.

Hon. Tony Loffreda: Minister Duclos, thank you for being with us today. I’d like to explore a topic I first raised with you in December 2020, when you appeared before the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance.

It has to do with the government’s real estate portfolio and its commitment to advancing the Office Long Term Plan, or OLTP. You’ve been tasked once again with studying this issue.

I know the Government of Canada wants to offer greater flexibility and agility by providing options for hybrid work environments that meet operational requirements and promote productivity. That’s a big mission to manage when you’re also looking to reduce the government’s real estate footprint. Are you in a position to provide us with an update on this matter?