Guide to Canadian Ministries since Confederation

The Ministries

Twenty-Fifth Ministry

Progressive-Conservative ¹
25 June 1993 - 3 Nov. 1993

Prime Minister
Right Honourable Kim Campbell

Footnotes

• [*]

  On June 25, 1993, Prime Minister Kim Campbell announced the appointment of 24 Ministers, together with a significant downsizing and restructuring plan of government.

  The number of departments were reduced from 32 to 23. Eight departments were created or fundamentally redesigned, three received new mandates and another 15 were merged or broken up. All departments were streamlined;

  All "Ministries of State" positions were abolished and the Cabinet decision-making system was streamlined to restore full Cabinet as the forum for decision-making.

  Among these key changes in the restructuring plans were:

  • the creation of a new Human Resources Development and Labour portfolio which included the former Department of Labour plus responsibility for employment and training, social services and income support programs, and transfers for post-secondary education. The Minister was also given responsibility for immigrant settlement programs in the setting of immigration levels and selection criteria;
  • a new industry portfolio with special emphasis on small businesses. The new portfolio included responsibility for telecommunications policy and programs, as well as business framework, competition and consumer protection responsibilities;
  • the assignment to the Minister of Agriculture of additional responsibility for Canadians living in small communities and rural areas to review the impact of federal initiatives on rural and resource-based areas of Canada. The portfolio was also re-mandated as Agriculture and Agri-Food, reflecting the addition of responsibility for food processing and manufacturing and consumer labelling;
  • a new Natural Resources portfolio that combined the Departments of Forestry and Energy, Mines and Resources;
  • a new Canadian Heritage portfolio which combined responsibility for official languages, arts and culture, broadcasting, parks and historic sites, and programs in the areas of multiculturalism, citizenship, state ceremonial, amateur sport and the National Capital Commission;
  • a re-mandated Health portfolio focussed on the policy and funding challenges of a sustainable health system in Canada;
  • a new Public Works and Government Services portfolio combined the former Departments of Public Works and Supply and Services and also includes the Government Telecommunications Agency and the Translation Bureau.

  The foregoing changes were legally effected by Orders in Council. Until the passage of new department statutes, Ministers were formerly appointed to the existing portfolios from which their new portfolios were being created. However, their new responsibilities took full legal effect immediately.

  
  
• [1] On June 25, 1993, Mulroney resigned as Prime Minister and the Twenty-Fifth Ministry assumed office. It was composed of 25 ministers. All "Minister of State" positions were abolished.
• [2] Mayer was also given the title "Minister for Small Communities and Rural Areas".
• [3] Reid was also appointed Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
• [4] Landry was also Secretary of State of Canada (January 4, 1993).
• [5] Charest was also appointed Minister of Industry, Science and Technology and was given the title "Deputy Prime Minister".
• [6] Valcourt was also appointed Minister of Labour.
• [7] Sparrow was also appointed Minister of Forestry.
• [8] Reid was also appointed Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
• [9] Sparrow was also appointed Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources.
• [10] Charest was also appointed Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs and was given the title "Deputy Prime Minister".
• [11] Blais was also appointed President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada.
• [12] Valcourt was also appointed Minister of Employment and Immigration.
• [13] Lewis was also Solicitor General of Canada (April 21, 1991).
• [14] Collins was also given the title "Minister responsible for the Status of Women".
• [15] Blais was also appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
• [16] Dick was also Minister of Supply and Services (January 30, 1989).
• [17] Nicholson was also given the title "Minister responsible for Small Businesses".
• [18] Landry was also appointed Minister of Communications.
• [19] Lewis was given the title "Leader of the Government in the House of Commons".
• [20] Dick was also appointed Minister of Public Works.

The Canadian Ministry was prepared using an earlier publication (Guide to Canadian Ministries since Confederation) and new information compiled by the Orders in Council Division of the Privy Council Office.

Any inaccuracy or general inquiries should be brought to the attention of the Orders in Council Division at oica-ndec@pco-bcp.gc.ca.