Our History

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is one of the oldest federal departments, dating back to 1841 when it was known as the Board of Works.

PWGSC as we know it today was formed in 1996 when four departments—Public Works Canada, the Translation Bureau, Supply and Services Canada, and the Government Telecommunications Agency—were combined.

Over the years, these four departments were responsible for producing military equipment during the Second World War and supplies for post-war reconstruction, public printing and stationary, all government voice and data telecommunications, translations, and more.

Today, PWGSC is one of the largest federal departments and provides common services to more than 100 federal departments and agencies.