The new international style building was opened on August 2, 1958, by Princess Margaret as a member of the Canadian Royal Family.

The original drawings for the building are held at the McGill University Library Special Collections as part of the John Bland Archive.

In 1988, Ottawa mayor Jim Durrell initiated a controversial scheme to expand the building, quadrupling its original size.

The new building caused considerable controversy in the city with some liking the design, but others seeing the $72 million structure a waste of money.

[citation needed] In 1999, offices were rented out to Global Affairs Canada, which is based at the nearby Lester B. Pearson Building.