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 Tim Houston, who was sworn in on August 31, 2021.

[2] His party, the Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia, was elected in August 2021.

[4][6] The premier establishes the Executive Council’s methods of operation and organization and that of its committees.