The Policies for Ministers' Offices took effect on January 17, 2011, with the exception of the following sections, which took effect as of April 1, 2011:

• 3.2.1.1 (see reference to Exempt Support Staff up to the AS-05 level);
• 3.2.1.4 (see reference to Chief of Staff to a minister of State at the EX-01 or EX-02 level); 
• 3.2.1.5;
• 3.3; and
• 3.7.2.

Sections 3.2.1.1, 3.2.1.4, 3.2.1.5, 3.3 and 3.7.2 of the 2008 Policies and Guidelines for Ministers' Offices were in effect until April 1, 2011.