Minister without Portfolio

A Minister without Portfolio is a government minister with no specific responsibilities.

Canada

In the Canadian government, there have been a number of Ministers without Portfolio in all except the First Ministry (see: James Cox Aikins). Until September 26, 1926, the term Minister without Portfolio was used. Incumbents were sworn as privy councillors and attended cabinet meetings on the invitation of the Prime Minister. However, after 1926 they were appointed as Members of the Administration and Ministers without Portfolio. Until 1968 they took an oath of office as Members of the Administration. At that time the traditional title of Minister without Portfolio was reintroduced. The title has been used throughout the guide until June 11, 1971 when the Government Organization Act was given royal assent. The act provided for the appointment of ministers of state who may be assigned to assist any minister having responsibility for a department or portion of the public service.

Related Topics:
Canadian government - James Cox Aikins - September 26 - 1926 - Incumbents - Privy councillors - Prime Minister - 1968 - Oath of office - June 11 - 1971 - Government Organization Act - Royal assent - Public service

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While Minister without Portfolio is seen by some as a mere patronage appointment, it has been a role that numerous political notables have played over time, including recent Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, who filled the role in a Pearson cabinet in the 60s; John Turner also "kept a seat warm" in a Pearson cabinet. Notable Conservatives who filled the role include R. B. Bennett, and Arthur Meighen, however, Meighen served this role after he had been prime minister.

Related Topics:
Patronage - Prime Minister - Jean Chrétien - Pearson - John Turner - R. B. Bennett - Arthur Meighen

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The title of Minister without Portfolio has been used off and on; however, in recent times the title has fallen out of favour, and the last minister without portfolio, Gilles Lamontagne, was promoted to postmaster general in 1978. The practice has continued under the guise of ministers of state without responsibilites in the ministers' title, with Don Boudria being the last person to hold such a position (while concurrently serving as house leader).

Related Topics:
Gilles Lamontagne - Postmaster general - Ministers of state - Don Boudria - House leader

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