Everything that goes on in Cabinet is confidential. All ministers must take an oath of solidarity declaring that they will not reveal confidential Cabinet discussions. Cabinet confidence ensures that the Crown is advised by Cabinet ministers who can freely consider and discuss all options and opinions before they make a collective decision.
Cabinet ministers also adhere to the principle of collective ministerial responsibility. Each minister is expected to take responsibility for and defend all Cabinet decisions. Even if there is disagreement amongst Cabinet members about a decision, once it is made, every Cabinet minister must support and defend it. This principle provides stability within the framework of ministerial government by uniting the responsibility of individual ministers under the collective responsibility of Cabinet and the Crown.
