Why provincial cabinets deserve more attention in Canadian politics
Why provincial cabinets deserve more attention in Canadian politics was written by J.P. Lewis and Erin Crandall in 2025. It was published online in Policy Options.
Compared to the balance of power between the federal Parliament and cabinet, which leans strongly toward the PM and his cabinet, there is even more imbalance between provincial legislatures and premiers.
Authors focus on "Atlantic Canada – New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador".
Long history of responsible government, i.e. appointing elected MPs to the cabinet. Nova Scotia instituted this in 1848.
Substantial variety in institutional designs, such as:
- delegation to committees
- cabinet size
- staffing the cabinet
Notable premiers across history:
Danny Williams in N.L.
Pat Binns in P.E.I.
Stephen McNeil in N.S.
Bernard Lord in N.B.
High level of personality driven governance. Premiers centralize or delegate at will.