Central agency
Organizations with a government-wide coordinating or policy-setting role.
Plain English
The departments that coordinate and set rules for the rest of government, rather than delivering programs.
If you’re new here
Usually means the Privy Council Office, Treasury Board Secretariat and Finance. 'The Centre' is shorthand for them.
What they probably mean
“The departments that tell other departments what to do.”
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.
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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.