Backgrounder – Amendments to the Salaries Act

The Government of Canada is introducing changes to the Salaries Act to enable a “one-tier” ministry that is structured to meet modern challenges.

The Salaries Act authorizes payment out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of a ministerial salary to individuals who have been appointed to ministerial positions listed in that act.  There are currently 35 ministerial positions listed in the Salaries Act, including the position of Prime Minister.
These changes do away with administrative distinctions between current ministers, by adding to the Salaries Act five ministerial positions which will replace current minister of state appointments. The five new positions are: Minister of La Francophonie, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Minister of Science, Minister of Status of Women, and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.

The amendments will also create a framework that will allow these five ministers to continue to be supported by existing departments.

The legislative changes formalize what has been the practice of the past year. All members of the current ministry were sworn in as ministers on the day they took office and from that day have had full standing and authority as well as equal salaries.  They have been supported in the carrying out of their responsibilities by existing government departments.

The legislation will also change the legal title of “Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs” to “Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.”  This change reflects the fact that the Prime Minister has taken on the role of Intergovernmental Affairs Minister. 

Three untitled ministerial positions will be added to provide the government with flexibility in the future to deliver on priorities.  These three positions can be titled and tasked at the discretion of the Prime Minister in response to emerging challenges and priorities.

The increase in positions will be offset by the removal of six regional development positions.  The Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development will continue to be the responsible Minister for the regional development agencies.

Ensuring a modern ministry that prioritizes equality, agility and flexibility will provide better outcomes for Canadians.