Assignment
A temporary move to other duties while retaining the substantive position.
Plain English
Temporarily working somewhere else while your home position is held for you.
If you’re new here
Get the end date and the return arrangement in writing. Assignments have a habit of quietly extending.
What they probably mean
“You're on loan. You still belong to your home team.”
Interpretation offered as humour, not authoritative guidance.
Bureaucracy level
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.