Almost always made up of members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, the cabinet is similar in structure and role to the federal Canadian cabinet, though smaller in size with different portfolios.
The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, as representative of the King in Right of Nova Scotia, heads the executive council, and is referred to as the Governor-in-Council.
Other members are selected by the Premier of Nova Scotia and appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor.
Most cabinet ministers are the head of a department, but this is not always the case.
The current ministry has been in place since October 24, 2024, following the resignation of Allan MacMaster as Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance.