Briefing note
A concise document prepared to inform or seek a decision from a senior official.
Plain English
A short structured document written to inform a decision-maker, usually to a fixed format.
If you’re new here
Learn your department's template early. Format matters more than you'd expect, and length limits are real.
What they probably mean
“Explain this to someone senior in as few pages as possible.”
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.