Minister of Railways and Canals (Canada)

The portfolio of Minister of Railways and Canals was created by Statute 42 Victoria, c. 7, assented to May 15, 1879 and proclaimed in force May 20, 1879. The Minister was the member of the Canadian Cabinet responsible for the administration of the Department of Railways and Canals. It was one of the most important cabinet posts because of the importance of railways to the economic development of Canada.