Overview of Departments, Offices and Agencies

In this section, you will learn more about the work of government departments, offices, and agencies. If you have wondered what the Office of the Premier does, or been curious about what happens at Community Services or Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, this module will help you! Within each section, we have provided links so you can learn more and learn at your own pace.

Nova Scotia is one of 10 provinces and three territories that make up the federation in Canada. There are three branches of government in Nova Scotia: the Legislature, the executive branch (Executive Council), and the courts. It is the executive branch that is generally referred to as "the government."

The Government of Nova Scotia is organized into departments, offices, agencies, and Crown corporations. Legislation authorizes these departments, offices, agencies, and Crown corporations to administer and deliver programs and services. Many departments deliver services directly to clients, often through regional and district offices, in addition to developing strategies and policies to support government’s goals and objectives.

Deputy ministers are the chief administrative officers of departments. They are appointed by order-in-council and work under the direction of their ministers and perform duties assigned by the Governor-in-Council. The deputy minister is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a department, including:

carrying out government policies
implementing decisions made by the Minister and the Executive Council
providing information to assist the Minister in making decisions leading the department’s staff.

Note: Small offices carry out similar functions under either a chief executive officer or an executive director, who may or may not report to a deputy minister.

Tip: Employees of the departments and offices (public service entities) are often described as "direct" government employees.

Tip: To learn more about the work of each department, read through their annual business plans. Business plans are available on each department's website.

Overview of Depts, Offices and Agencies

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Overview of Departments, Offices and Agencies

Note: Small offices carry out similar functions under either a chief executive officer or an executive director, who may or may not report to a deputy minister.

Tip: Employees of the departments and offices (public service entities) are often described as "direct" government employees.

Tip: To learn more about the work of each department, read through their annual business plans. Business plans are available on each department's website.