What is an Order in Council?
An Order in Council is a formal, legal document setting out a decision that is made by Cabinet and approved by the Lieutenant Governor. Once signed by the Lieutenant Governor, it becomes a public document.
"Council" means the ministers of the government who make up the Executive Council of Manitoba — more commonly known as "Cabinet".
The Lieutenant Governor is the official appointed to be the Queen''s representative in Manitoba.
The phrase "Lieutenant Governor in Council" means the Lieutenant Governor acting "by and with the advice of" Cabinet.
An Order in Council is required if you see words in an Act or regulation such as
- the Lieutenant Governor in Council may
- approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council
- subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council
There may be other situations where an Order in Council is not required by an Act but is desirable because it will provide written evidence of a decision — for example, authorizing a federal-provincial agreement or setting up an advisory body.
