minister

A minister is a person who represents another, acts on behalf of another, or conducts religious services. In government, a minister is a high-ranking official, often a member of the cabinet, who heads a department or ministry. This role is crucial in parliamentary systems, such as those in the United Kingdom and Canada, where ministers are accountable to the legislature for their actions and the overall conduct of the government.1

Ministers have both collective and individual responsibilities. Collectively, they must support government policies and resign if the government loses the confidence of the parliament. Individually, a minister is responsible for their own conduct and the actions of their department and its civil servants. Some ministers may serve without a specific department, known as a minister without portfolio.12