The Minister of Militia and Defence was the federal government minister in charge of the volunteer army units in Canada, the Canadian Militia. From 1855 to 1906, the minister was responsible for Canadian militia units only, as the British Army was still stationed in Canada. From 1906 to 1923, the minister was in charge of the Department of Militia and Defence (Canada). After 1923, the position was merged with the Minister of the Naval Service and the Minister of Aviation into the new position of Minister of National Defence. The Minister of National Defence became responsible for the Canadian Militia, the Royal Canadian Navy and, from 1924, the Royal Canadian Air Force.

List of ministers

Pre-Confederation (1855–1867)

The following individuals were named the Minister of Militia and Defence for the Province of Canada. Key: {{legend||Historical conservative parties: Parti bleu, Upper Canada Tories|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

Post-Confederation (1867–1922)

The following individuals were named the Minister of Militia and Defence for Canada. Key: {{legend||Liberal Party of Canada|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}} {{legend||Historical conservative parties: Liberal-Conservative, Conservative (historical), Unionist, National Liberal and Conservative|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

Ministers with military experience

Several individuals that served as the Minister of Militia and Defence have served with the Canadian Militia. They include:

Deputy Minister of Militia and Defence

Fiset was a retired as Surgeon Colonel of Royal Canadian Regiment