The Privy Council Office (PCO) is the central agency of the federal government that supports the Prime Minister and Cabinet with non-partisan public service advice. Led by the Clerk of the Privy Council (Canada's top public servant), the PCO coordinates policy development across departments, supports Cabinet decision-making, manages machinery of government issues, and ensures smooth government operations. Unlike the politically-staffed Prime Minister's Office, PCO employees are career public servants. The PCO helps coordinate intergovernmental affairs, including federal approaches to municipal and urban issues when they arise as priorities. It plays a crucial role in translating political direction into administrative action.