National Defence for Air (1940-05-22 - 1952-02-12)
This portfolio was created by Statute 4 George VI, c. 1, assented to May 22, 1940, and abolished and re-created by Statute 4 George VI, c. 21, assented to July 12, 1940.
- 1940-07-12
Department Change
By Statute 4 George VI, c. 21, assented to July 12, 1940, an Associate Minister of National Defence, a Minister of National Defence for Naval Services and a Minister of National Defence for Air could be appointed on the issuance by the Sovereign or the Governor in Council, pursuant to the War Measures Act, of a proclamation declaring the existence of war, invasion or insurrection, real or apprehended. Appointments to these three offices could be made until six months after the issuance of a further proclamation declaring that the war, invasion or insurrection no longer existed.
- 1950-08-01
Department Change
Proclamations declaring the existence of wars were issued on both September 1 and 10, 1939. Active hostilities generally ceased in 1945. However, unlike after World War I, no proclamation has been issued declaring an end to the state of war, though in 1947 the remaining Orders in Council approved pursuant to the War Measures Act were rescinded, thus in effect recognizing the termination of the state of war. Moreover, on July 10, 1951 a procla¬mation was issued proclaiming an end to the formal state of war between Canada and Germany and in 1952 a Treaty of Peace with Japan was proclaimed in force. Consequently, it is difficult to determine when appointments to these offices could not have any longer been made. Neverthe¬less, on February 15, 1952, pursuant to the National Defence Act of 1950 (14 George VI, c. 43), a proclamation was issued repealing the relevant sections of the Act creating these offices and, indeed, they had in effect been superseded by sections of the National Defence Act of 1950 which had been proclaimed in force on August 1, 1950.
- National Defence (1923-01-01 - )
The offices of Minister of Militia and Defence and Minister of the Naval Service were abolished and the office of Minister of National Defence was created by Statute 12-13 George V, c. 34, assented to June 28, 1922 and proclaimed in force January 1, 1923.