News release

Amendments Formalize Changes in Government Structure

Executive Council Office

Amendments introduced today, October 29, update legislation to reflect changes to government structure.

There have been several restructuring changes to government and transfers of ministerial responsibilities through orders-in-council over the past few years. The Public Service Act and the Executive Council Act are being updated to reflect these changes.

“We’re working hard to deliver on the priorities that Nova Scotians have told us matter to them – fixing healthcare, ensuring addictions and mental health receives the dedicated attention it deserves and positioning our economy for growth,” said Premier Tim Houston. “These amendments ensure legislation reflects the current structure of government.”

The amendments include:

  • creation of the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care
  • updating department names, such as Department of Public Works
  • consolidation of the Department of Lands and Forestry and Department of Energy and Mines into the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
  • creation of the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment
  • updating the renamed Office of Priorities and Planning
  • referencing the previously created Offices of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives, and Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness
  • assigning of responsibility for improving the health of Nova Scotians through participation in physical activity, sport and recreation to the Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
  • assigning of environmental services for the Government of the Province, superintendence and management of government buildings and property to the Department of Public Works
  • explicitly stating the mandate of the Executive Council Office in the Public Service Act.

The changes to government structure are already in place.

Quick Facts:

  • the Public Service Act describes the basic departmental/office structure of the public service
  • the Executive Council Act sets out ministerial portfolios for members of Executive Council and provides authority for administrative functions such as the appointment of acting ministers

Additional Resources:

Bills tabled in the legislature are available at: https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/bills-statutes/bills/assembly-64-session-1

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