OIC
Office of the Information Commissioner · Order in Council
Most common meaning
Office of the Information Commissioner
In plain English
The independent office that investigates complaints about access to information requests.
Where you’ll see it
Access to information.
Also means
Order in Council
In plain English
A formal instrument made by the Governor in Council — used for appointments and certain decisions.
Where you’ll see it
Governance. Completely different meaning; read the sentence.
Example
“That's an OIC appointment.”
The appointment is made by formal government instrument.
Translate this sentence →Check which one is meant
This acronym has 2meanings in common use. Guessing wrong here is the kind of mistake that survives several emails before anyone notices — if the context doesn’t make it obvious, ask.
Related acronyms
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Important
GC Simplified is an independent tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, and it does not provide official advice. Plain language is an interpretation, and interpretations can be wrong. Always verify against the source and your organization’s own guidance before acting.