The Executive Branch of Government is generally referred to as the government. Technically, the word government means the Lieutenant Governor acting by and with the advice of the Executive Council, correctly referred to as the Governor-in-Council. Executive Council is the decision-making authority for the Government of Nova Scotia.
Members of the Executive Council, known as ministers, collectively form the Executive Council, also known as Cabinet. By convention, Cabinet ministers are normally MLAs. Ministers are chosen by the Premier and appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, under the Executive Council Act. By tradition in Nova Scotia, the Premier is appointed President of the Executive Council. Members of the Executive Council are ministers of the Crown, whether or not they have been appointed to preside over a department. Appointments are made under the Great Seal of the Province to hold office and preside over departments.
The Executive Council Act lists the ministers' offices. Ministers are assigned to oversee one or more government departments or agencies, along with other duties as prescribed by statute. Minister without Portfolio is the title given to a member of the Executive Council who does not preside over a department. The Governor-in-Council may, from time to time, assign other responsibilities to any department or member of the Executive Council.
Executive Council Responsibilities
The Executive Council exercises the formal executive powers of the Crown. Its formal actions are those of the Governor-in-Council (GIC)and its recorded decisions are Orders-in-Council (OICs).
The Council may do only those things that are permitted by the House of Assembly through legislation and, to a much lesser extent, those things that are permitted by way of prerogative power, such as making appointments.
The Executive Council determines the government's policies and priorities and is responsible for their execution. Cabinet ministers meet regularly to agree on the broader goals, policies, and programs for the province of Nova Scotia, and account for their decisions through debate in the House of Assembly. The Cabinet makes key policy decisions, including proposals for spending, taxing, and borrowing; directing the administration and delivery of government programs; and proposing new legislation or amendments to existing legislation. These decisions, however, are subject to debate and votes by the Legislative Assembly.
The Executive Council has the responsibility for
- the operations and management of government
- guiding the government's program and legislation in the House of Assembly,
- leadership in House operations and transactions
Subject to law, the Executive Council is free to organize the activities of the Government in the manner best suited to attain its objectives. It must bear in mind, however, that the resulting actions should coincide with the general wishes of the electorate.
Cabinet discussions are confidential. Ministers swear an oath of confidentiality and are not permitted to reveal the substance of deliberations in Cabinet meetings. Cabinet decisions are made by consensus. Ministers are bound to support Cabinet decisions.