Shared Services Canada – Ottawa, ON

Digital Infrastructure and IT Services for the Government of Canada

Shared Services Canada (SSC), headquartered at 99 Metcalfe Street in downtown Ottawa, serves as the technological backbone of the federal government. Established to consolidate and modernize the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure across the public service, SSC plays a critical role in ensuring that federal departments and agencies have the secure, reliable, and cost-effective digital tools they need to serve Canadians. While this location primarily functions as a corporate and administrative hub rather than a direct public service counter, it is the nerve center for managing the government’s vast network of data centers, email systems, and telecommunications services. The department focuses on digital transformation, cloud computing solutions, and maintaining the cybersecurity of federal networks against evolving threats.

Core Mandates and Operational Focus

SSC is responsible for operating and upgrading the IT infrastructure that supports the delivery of government programs and services. The department’s work ensures that critical services-from pension payments to weather forecasting and border security-remain operational and secure. The workforce at this location and throughout the National Capital Region is comprised of IT professionals, project managers, and administrative staff dedicated to Enterprise IT Service Delivery. Their mandate includes the consolidation of government networks, the modernization of workplace technology devices for public servants, and the implementation of green IT practices to reduce the government’s carbon footprint.

• Cyber Security: Protecting government data and networks from cyber attacks through advanced monitoring and defense systems.
• Cloud Brokering: Facilitating the government’s migration to secure cloud environments to improve agility and service delivery.
• Workplace Technology: Providing hardware and software solutions that enable federal employees to work efficiently and collaboratively.
• Data Centre Management: consolidating legacy data centers into modern, secure, and energy-efficient Enterprise Data Centres.
• Telecommunications: Managing mobile devices, videoconferencing, and voice services across the federal public service.

Facility Access and Protocols

As a federal government facility dealing with sensitive infrastructure and information, the offices at 99 Metcalfe Street maintain strict security protocols. Access is generally restricted to authorized government personnel and pre-approved visitors. There are no public walk-in services for general inquiries, passport applications, or benefit claims at this location; citizens seeking such services should visit a Service Canada Centre. Contractors and vendors visiting for meetings must undergo security screening and present valid government-issued identification upon arrival. The building is located in Ottawa’s central business district, easily accessible by public transit, and adheres to federal accessibility standards to accommodate employees and visitors with disabilities.

Contact and Administrative Information

For the general public, Shared Services Canada is best reached through its digital channels or media relations lines, as the physical office does not offer front-counter assistance. Vendors and industry partners looking to do business with the government can engage through the department’s procurement portals. The department is committed to transparency and provides updates on its modernization projects through official government websites. In the event of major IT service disruptions affecting public-facing government websites, SSC works behind the scenes to restore connectivity and functionality as essentially as possible, ensuring the continuity of Canada’s digital government operations.