Premier of Nova Scotia


The Premier of Nova Scotia is the first minister to the lieutenant governor of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia and presides over the Executive Council of Nova Scotia. Following the Westminster system, the premier is normally the leader of the political party which has the most seats in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly who is called upon by the lieutenant governor to form a government. As the province's head of government, the premier exercises considerable power.
The current Premier of Nova Scotia is Stephen McNeil, who was appointed on October 8, 2013 and was sworn in on October 22, 2013. His party, the Nova Scotia Liberal Party was re-elected in May 2017

Responsibilities

The Premier serves as president of the Executive Council. He chooses the other members of the Cabinet, who are then appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. As president of the Executive Council, the premier forms the government. He or she leads the Executive Council’s decision making process as they develop and implement the government's priorities and policies. The Premier establishes the Executive Council’s methods of operation and organization and that of its committees.

Former Premiers of Nova Scotia

The first premier of the Colony of Nova Scotia in 1848 was James Boyle Uniacke. He was the leader of the first responsible government in the overseas British Empire.
Joseph Howe was Nova Scotia’s third premier and is known for the landmark trial that established freedom of the press in Nova Scotia.
The first premier of the Province of Nova Scotia, after Canada’s confederation in 1867, was Hiram Blanchard. He served as premier for only 88 days.
Sir John Sparrow David Thompson served the shortest term as a Nova Scotia premier, only 54 days, in 1882. However, 10 years later he became Prime Minister of Canada.
George Henry Murray was Nova Scotia’s longest serving premier. He served for 26 years and 188 days from July 20, 1896 until he voluntarily resigned on January 24, 1923.
A bridge between Halifax and Dartmouth is named after former premier, Angus L. MacDonald who served terms before and after the Second World War. He was respected for leading Nova Scotia out of the Great Depression and through the post-war years. He was instrumental in having the Angus L. MacDonald bridge built, which significantly shortened travel time between the Halifax and Dartmouth.