Role of Provincial Premiers in Canada

In each of Canada's provinces, the role of the provincial premier is the most powerful and visible role in the provincial government. The premier is the head of the provincial government and has a role similar to that of the prime minister in the federal government.

As the head of the provincial government, the premier chooses and chairs the provincial cabinet, the key decision-making forum in the provincial government. In the provincial legislative assembly, the premier controls the legislative agenda. As leader of the political party with the most seats in the legislative assembly (usually), the premier must be able to put his party's policies into action, always sensitive to the next election, and as a member of the legislative assembly the premier represents the constituents in his or her own electoral district. The premier also plays a key role in federal-provincial relations in Canada, and is the main communicator of provincial government plans and priorities with the federal government and with other provincial and territory governments.

More About Provincial Premiers in Canada
Biographies of Current Provincial Premiers in Canada
Canadian Provincial Premiers Since Confederation
Write to Your Provincial Premier
Council of the Federation