Journals and proceedings of the Legislative Council of Nova-Scotia: title varies, n.a., 1758/60-, Halifax, Queen’s Printer, 1760-. (From early on
the British Governor of Nova Scotia was assisted by an Executive Council. In 1749 a nominated Legislative Council was established. A new constitution in
1758 provided also for an elected House of Assembly. Despite these gestures toward representative government, for almost a century real power lay
with a “Council of Twelve,” which included the Chief Justice, the Anglican bishop, and other high officials, many of whom served near lifetime terms.
They comprised the membership of both the Executive Council and the Legislative Council. The rigidity of Nova Scotia’s social structure, and the
conservative instincts of its large military population, serving and retired, helped to perpetuate the oligarchy’s dominance. Much of the politics of the
colony between about 1760 and 1840 involved the unavailing attempts of the Assembly to wrest concessions from the entrenched officialdom on the
Legislative Council. A significant change came in 1839 when the British government gave notice that henceforward colonial officials could not count on
permanent tenure in their offices. Nova Scotia also benefited from the principles established in the Canadas Union Act of 1840. The oligarchy fought an
effective rear guard action, but in 1848 a reform ministry which had the support of a majority of the Assembly took office. Responsible governance in the
colony is held to stem from that date. The reform was led by Mr. Joseph Howe, one of the most effective politicians in pre-confederation Canada. Nova
Scotia abolished its Legislative Council effective 1928. As of 06/10/11, for the Journals of the Legislative Council, LLMC held from 1838 to 1928 with
gaps. Assistance for gifts and loans to fill out this run would be much appreciated.)
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