aide-mémoire is used as a discussion paper when a Minister is seeking policy development input on a complex issue or in support of a proposal set out in an MC. Information on how to prepare each of these documents is provided below. In special circumstances, a Minister may also update Cabinet on the progress of an existing initiative without providing supporting documents. However, PCO and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) should be informed in advance if a Minister is planning to provide such an update. The deadlines for submitting Cabinet documents to PCO are firm and should be used to determine how far in advance the steps detailed below should be completed.
