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GC Simplified
Staffing

Acting

A temporary appointment to a position at a higher level, normally with corresponding pay.

Plain English

Temporarily doing a higher-level job, and being paid at that level while you do it.

If you’re new here

Get the start date, end date and pay level in writing before you begin. Acting pay is a common source of pay problems.

What they probably mean

“You're doing the bigger job now. The paperwork may lag.”

Interpretation offered as humour, not authoritative guidance.

Seen in the wild

“She's acting in the manager role until March.”

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Bureaucracy level

Easy · 2/5

How much government-speak this phrase carries. Playful indicator, not a judgement of anyone using it.

Related terms

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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.