How the federal government is organized

The core public service is organized into departments (wide mandates such as National Defence or Indigenous Services) and agencies (often with a focused regulatory or delivery role). Each publishes mandates, ministers, and service standards.

Finding the right organization

Use the A–Z list on Canada.ca when you know the program name but not the department. Regulatory bodies (transport, food, banking) publish rules and consultations separately from benefit programs.

Accountability

Departments report to Parliament through plans, departmental results, and audits. Access to information and privacy requests are handled under federal statutes with published processing times.

Institutions

Home page “Departments and agencies”.