Terms of reference
A document establishing the mandate, membership and authority of a body.
Plain English
The document defining what a committee or group is for, who sits on it, and what it can decide.
If you’re new here
Read it before your first meeting. It tells you whether the group can actually decide anything.
What they probably mean
“The rules of the group you just joined.”
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.