Minister of Democratic Institutions
| Minister of Democratic Institutions | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Government of Canada | |
| Style | The Honourable |
| Member of | |
| Appointer | Governor General of Canada |
| Term length | At Her Majesty's pleasure |
| Inaugural holder | Jacques Saada |
| Formation | December 12, 2003 |
| Salary | $255,300 (2017) |
| Website | www.DemocraticInstitutions.gc.ca |
The Minister of Democratic Institutions (previously called the Minister responsible for Democratic Reform and the Minister responsible for Democratic Renewal) is a Minister of the Crown in the Canadian Cabinet, associated with the Privy Council Office.
The position was created by Prime Minister Paul Martin when he succeeded Jean Chrétien in December 2003 under the title Minister responsible for Democratic Reform to address the "democratic deficit", an issue Martin campaigned on when he ran for leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
The portfolio was initially held by the Government House Leader, Jacques Saada, in Martin's first cabinet. After the 2004 election, the portfolio was given to Mauril Bélanger, who was the deputy government house leader.
When Belinda Stronach crossed the floor from the Conservative Party to Liberals on May 17, 2005, she assumed responsibilities for the portfolio along with the post of Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. At this point the title was changed from "Democratic Reform" to "Democratic Renewal".
Under the premiership of Stephen Harper, the post was first held by his first two House Leaders (Rob Nicholson and Peter Van Loan) as "Leader of the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform". In 2008, the role was taken up by Steven Fletcher as "Minister of State (Democratic Reform)" and the same title was subsequently held by Pierre Poilievre.
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