Ministers are selected by the premier and typically (but not always) sit as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).

A change was made to the protocol in 2022 and former members who were living on February 6, 2022 (the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II) are now honorary members of the council and are styled "the Honourable" for life (unless removed from membership for an indictable offence).

The Executive Council is similar in structure and role to the Cabinet of Canada.

Other members of the Cabinet, who advise, or minister to, the vice-regal representative, are selected by the premier and appointed by the lieutenant governor.

In the construct of constitutional monarchy and responsible government, the ministerial advice tendered is typically binding (although the royal prerogative belongs to the Crown, not to any of the ministers) and ministers account to the Legislative Assembly for their portfolios.