While the term “civil society” is in widespread use in many countries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, in some countries (such as Canada) the terms “voluntary organization,” “non-governmental organization,” and “advocacy group” are much more commonly used.(1) The term “stakeholder” typically means something broader than civil society, whereas the term “interest group” tends to be associated with private, not public, interests, and more accurately can be considered to include both civil society and organizations under the direct control of for-profit firms. Similarly, quasi non-governmental organizations (QUANGOs), which are financed by government yet operate independently of them, can be considered a hybrid.