Document Information

Date: 1896-05-01
By: Privy Council
Citation: Functions of the Prime Minister, 1896-1853 (RG2, Privy Council Office, Series A-1-a.)
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1883

The Committee of the Privy Council, on the recommendation of the Honourable Sir Charles Tupper, Bart., G. C. M. G., submit the following memorandum regarding certain of the functions of the Prime Minister.

1. A meeting of a Committee of the Privy Council to at the call of the Prime Minister and, in his absence, of that of the senior Privy Councillor, if the President of the Council be abroad.

2. The quorum of the Council being from no submission for approval to the Governor General, can be made with a less number than the quorum.

3. A minister cannot make recommendations to Council affecting the discipline of Department.

4. The following recommendations are the special prerogatives of the Prime Minister:

Dissolution and Convocation of Parliament

Appointment of Privy Councillors.

Appointment of Cabinet Members

Appointment of Lieutenant Governors (including leave of absence to)

Appointment of Provincial Administrations

Appointment of Speaker of the Senate

Appointment of Chief Justices of all Courts

Appointment of Senators.

Appointment of Sub Committee of Council

Appointment of Treasury Board

Appointment of Committee of Internal Economy, House of Commons

Appointment of Railway Committee

Appointment of Deputy Heads of Departments

Appointment of Librarians of Parliament

Appointment of Crown Appointments in the House of Parliament

Appointment of Governor General’s Secretary Staff

Recommendations in any Department.

The Committee advise that this Minute be issued under the Privy Seal, and that a certified copy thereof be attached, under the Great Seal of Canada, to the Commission of each Minister.

All which is respectfully submitted for your Excellency’s approval.

Charles Tupper

Approved

Aberdeen