The appointment is made by the Governor in Council, then it goes to the cabinet, with final approval by the Governor General. These are appointments to all the agencies, boards, and commissions, as well as diplomatic appointments, appointments of deputy ministers, and these come through the Privy Council Office.
Basically, ministers make recommendations, because the enabling legislation that provides for the creation of the position that's being filled provides that a recommendation is made to the Governor in Council. That's made by the responsible minister.
We examine the recommendations to make sure they conform with the enabling legislation. Security checks are made as well. Compensation issues that have to be dealt with are dealt with because the Governor in Council usually has the authority for compensation. Then the appointments go to cabinet for ratification, and then the Governor General signs the order in council and the appointment is made.
So there's a population of roughly about 3,000 people for whom appointments are made by the Governor in Council, and it's the Privy Council Office that offers support for that.