CHAPTER XVI.

THE Privy COUNCIL.

Number.

THE B. N. A. Act, s. 11 provides for the appointment of
a Council to aid and advise the Governor-General in the
government of Canada. This Council corresponds to the
Cabinet in England and is styled the Queen’s Privy Council
for Canada. A distinction is growing up in Canada between
Privy Councillors, who are members of the Cabinet and
Honorary Privy Councillors, who are not in the Cabinet, inasmuch
 as by command of the Queen, a Privy Councillor after
he retires from office is entitled to be termed “ Honourable ”
for life. Strictly speaking however these “ honorary” members
 are not in law members of the Council,
The Privy Council in 1887 consisted of 14 members, viz, :
The President of the Council.
The Secretary of State.
The Minister of the Interior.
The Minister of Justice.
The Minister of Marine and Fisheries.
The Postmaster-General.
The Minister of Public Works
The Minister of Railways and Canals.
The Minister of Finance.
The Minister of Customs.
The Minister of Militia and Defence.
The Minister of Agriculture.
The Minister of Inland Revenue.
One Minister without portfolio.