Executive Council Office

The Executive Council Office is comprised of the Cabinet Secretariat, an area responsible for policy coordination, the Protocol Office and shared responsibility with the Office of the Premier for the Public Affairs Bureau. All areas report to the Deputy Minister of Executive Council who is also Clerk of Executive Council and Secretary to the Cabinet.

The Clerk of Executive Council carries out functions associated with two distinct positions. First, as Clerk of the Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet, he has overall and official responsibility for the administration of the Executive Council Office, Cabinet and its committees, and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. It should be noted that there is also a Deputy Clerk who acts as Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, and who is responsible for the day to day operations of the office.

Second, as Deputy Minister of the Executive Council, he is responsible for ensuring that all over-arching policies of the government are communicated and coordinated on behalf of the Executive Council. Matters that require strategic direction on the part of the Government, as well as other sensitive issues, are monitored by the Deputy Minister of the Executive Council to ensure their expeditious resolution. And finally, as Deputy Minister of the Executive Council, he is responsible for the Ministry of Executive Council.

The Cabinet Secretariat organizes and coordinates the planning and policy meetings that take place within the decision-making process of government. It is also responsible for providing complete administration and record keeping support to Cabinet, the Standing Policy Committees, the Agenda and Priorities Committee and the Legislative Review Committee. In addition, the Secretariat participates in the coordination of the Treasury Board fiscal and business planning process with the departments, the Standing Policy Committees and the Treasury Board.

The Policy Coordination Office, led by an Executive Director, provides administrative, policy, planning and coordination support for the Deputy Minister of the Executive Council.

The Chief of Protocol is responsible for preparing visit programs for senior international visitors and delegations. It also plans and conducts ceremonial events and provides protocol advice to the Alberta Government and public.

The Public Affairs Bureau is responsible for providing cross-government planning and coordination for corporate communication, distribution of government press releases, and for the Queen's Printer.

Implementing solutions to complex problems requires ministries to work together, share knowledge and implement best practices. Executive Council ensures that individual initiatives and policies are coordinated and consistent with overall government direction, that critical issues are proactively identified and that appropriate structures and options are developed to deal with them.