In the Canadian Cabinet a minister of state is a junior cabinet minister, usually given specific responsibilities to assist a senior cabinet minister in a specific area. The title "minister of state" was created during the government of Pierre Trudeau in 1971. During the government of Jean Chrétien the position of secretary of state was used for the same purpose though secretaries of state were considered junior to ministers of state and were not members of Cabinet. Under Chretien, the title "minister of state" with a specific policy responsibility was usually given to either a Cabinet minister in addition to his or her other responsibilities or to the deputy prime minister, government house leader or leader of the government in the Senate. Paul Martin has eliminated the position of secretary of state and has reverted to using the title "minister of state" for junior cabinet ministers.

Under Brian Mulroney and his successors the title of minister of state without any responsibilities attached has been used to appoint what had previously been called ministers without portfolio. Ministers of state are also members of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada.

See also: minister of state for use of the title in other countries.