Privy Council Office (Canada)
The Privy Council Office (PCO) is the central agency of the Government of Canada. It serves as the secretariat to the Cabinet and provides non-partisan advice and support to the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and its committees on matters of policy, machinery of government, and the effective operation of the federal government.
The PCO is headed by the Clerk of the Privy Council, who is also the Secretary to the Cabinet and the Head of the Public Service. The Clerk reports directly to the Prime Minister and is responsible for providing leadership and overall direction to the Public Service of Canada.
Key functions of the PCO include:
- Providing policy advice: The PCO provides analysis and recommendations to the Prime Minister and Cabinet on a wide range of policy issues.
- Supporting Cabinet operations: The PCO manages the Cabinet's agenda, prepares Cabinet documents, and records Cabinet decisions. It also coordinates the legislative program of the government.
- Ensuring effective government operations: The PCO works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations, including the machinery of government and intergovernmental relations.
- Supporting the Prime Minister: The PCO provides direct support to the Prime Minister in carrying out his or her duties, including managing the Prime Minister's Office.
- Managing appointments: The PCO is responsible for managing the appointment process for senior positions in the federal government, including Governor in Council appointments.
- Communications: The PCO plays a role in government-wide communications and messaging strategies.
The PCO is distinct from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), although both organizations work closely together. While the PCO provides non-partisan advice and support to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the PMO is a partisan political office that supports the Prime Minister in his or her role as leader of the governing party. The PCO serves all governments regardless of political affiliation.