Secondment
A temporary transfer of an employee to another organization.
Plain English
Temporarily working for another organization, often outside your department.
If you’re new here
Similar to an assignment but usually across organizational lines. Ask who pays your salary. It matters.
What they probably mean
“You're working for them, but you're still ours.”
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.