Topzle Topzle

Leader of the Official Opposition (Canada)

Updated: Wikipedia source

Leader of the Official Opposition (Canada)

The leader of the Official Opposition (French: chef de l'Opposition officielle) is the member of Parliament (MP) who leads the Official Opposition in Canada. This is typically the leader of the party possessing the most seats in the House of Commons that is neither the governing party nor part of a governing coalition. Pierre Poilievre, MP for Battle River—Crowfoot, has been the leader of the Official Opposition since August 2025. Poilievre previously served in the role from September 2022 to April 2025, when he lost his seat in Carleton in the 2025 federal election. He was elected to his current seat in an August by-election, once again becoming leader of the Opposition. The office should not be confused with Opposition House leader, who is a frontbencher charged with managing the business of the Opposition in the House of Commons and is formally titled Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons. There is also a leader of the Opposition in the Senate, who is usually of the same party as the leader of the Opposition in the house.

Infobox

Style
The Honourable
Member of
House of Commons
Residence
Stornoway
Seat
West Block (while Centre Block is under renovation)
Term length
While leader of the largest party not in government
Inaugural holder
Alexander Mackenzie
Formation
March 6, 1873
Salary
$309,700 (2025)

Tables

· Leaders of the Official Opposition
Term end
Term end
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Term end
Alexander MackenzieMP for Lambton(1822–1892)
Alexander MackenzieMP for Lambton(1822–1892)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Alexander MackenzieMP for Lambton(1822–1892)
Term of office
March 6,1873
Term of office
November 5,1873
Party
Liberal
Prime ministerParty
Sir John A. MacdonaldLiberal-Conservative
Sir John A. MacdonaldMP for Kingston(1815–1891)
Sir John A. MacdonaldMP for Kingston(1815–1891)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Sir John A. MacdonaldMP for Kingston(1815–1891)
Term of office
November 6,1873
Term of office
October 16,1878
Party
Liberal-Conservative
Prime ministerParty
Alexander MackenzieLiberal
Alexander MackenzieMP for Lambton(1822–1892)
Alexander MackenzieMP for Lambton(1822–1892)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Alexander MackenzieMP for Lambton(1822–1892)
Term of office
October 17,1878
Term of office
April 27,1880
Party
Liberal
Prime ministerParty
Sir John A. MacdonaldLiberal-Conservative
Edward BlakeMP for Durham West(1833–1912)
Edward BlakeMP for Durham West(1833–1912)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Edward BlakeMP for Durham West(1833–1912)
Term of office
May 4,1880
Term of office
June 2,1887
Party
Liberal
Wilfrid LaurierMP for Quebec East(1841–1919)
Wilfrid LaurierMP for Quebec East(1841–1919)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Wilfrid LaurierMP for Quebec East(1841–1919)
Term of office
June 23,1887
Term of office
July 10,1896
Party
Liberal
Sir John AbbottLiberal-Conservative
Sir John AbbottLiberal-Conservative
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Sir John AbbottLiberal-Conservative
Sir John ThompsonLiberal-Conservative
Sir John ThompsonLiberal-Conservative
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Sir John ThompsonLiberal-Conservative
Sir Mackenzie BowellConservative
Sir Mackenzie BowellConservative
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Sir Mackenzie BowellConservative
Sir Charles TupperConservative
Sir Charles TupperConservative
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Sir Charles TupperConservative
Sir Charles TupperMP for Cape Breton(1821–1915)
Sir Charles TupperMP for Cape Breton(1821–1915)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Sir Charles TupperMP for Cape Breton(1821–1915)
Term of office
July 11,1896
Term of office
February 5,1901
Party
Conservative
Prime ministerParty
Sir Wilfrid LaurierLiberal
Robert BordenMP for Halifax (until 1904, from 1908)MP for Carleton (1905–1908)(1854–1937)
Robert BordenMP for Halifax (until 1904, from 1908)MP for Carleton (1905–1908)(1854–1937)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Robert BordenMP for Halifax (until 1904, from 1908)MP for Carleton (1905–1908)(1854–1937)
Term of office
February 6,1901
Term of office
October 9,1911
Sir Wilfrid LaurierMP for Quebec East(1841–1919)
Sir Wilfrid LaurierMP for Quebec East(1841–1919)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Sir Wilfrid LaurierMP for Quebec East(1841–1919)
Term of office
October 10,1911
Term of office
February 17,1919
Party
Liberal
Prime ministerParty
Sir Robert BordenConservativeUnionist
Daniel Duncan McKenzieMP for Cape Breton North and Victoria(1859–1927)
Daniel Duncan McKenzieMP for Cape Breton North and Victoria(1859–1927)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Daniel Duncan McKenzieMP for Cape Breton North and Victoria(1859–1927)
Term of office
February 17,1919
Term of office
October 20,1919
William Lyon Mackenzie KingMP for Prince(1874–1950)
William Lyon Mackenzie KingMP for Prince(1874–1950)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
William Lyon Mackenzie KingMP for Prince(1874–1950)
Term of office
October 20,1919
Term of office
December 28,1921
Arthur MeighenConservative
Arthur MeighenConservative
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Arthur MeighenConservative
Arthur MeighenMP for Grenville (1922–1925)MP for Portage la Prairie (from 1925)(1874–1960)
Arthur MeighenMP for Grenville (1922–1925)MP for Portage la Prairie (from 1925)(1874–1960)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Arthur MeighenMP for Grenville (1922–1925)MP for Portage la Prairie (from 1925)(1874–1960)
Term of office
January 26,1922
Term of office
June 28,1926
Party
Conservative
William Lyon Mackenzie KingMP for Prince Albert(1874–1950)
William Lyon Mackenzie KingMP for Prince Albert(1874–1950)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
William Lyon Mackenzie KingMP for Prince Albert(1874–1950)
Term of office
June 29,1926
Term of office
September 24,1926
Party
Liberal
Prime ministerParty
Arthur MeighenConservative
Hugh GuthrieMP for Wellington South(1866–1939)
Hugh GuthrieMP for Wellington South(1866–1939)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Hugh GuthrieMP for Wellington South(1866–1939)
Term of office
October 11,1926
Term of office
October 11,1927
Party
Conservative
R. B. BennettMP for Calgary West(1870–1947)
R. B. BennettMP for Calgary West(1870–1947)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
R. B. BennettMP for Calgary West(1870–1947)
Term of office
October 12,1927
Term of office
August 6,1930
William Lyon Mackenzie KingMP for Prince Albert(1874–1950)
William Lyon Mackenzie KingMP for Prince Albert(1874–1950)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
William Lyon Mackenzie KingMP for Prince Albert(1874–1950)
Term of office
August 7,1930
Term of office
October 22,1935
Party
Liberal
Prime ministerParty
R. B. BennettConservative
R. B. BennettMP for Calgary West(1870–1947)
R. B. BennettMP for Calgary West(1870–1947)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
R. B. BennettMP for Calgary West(1870–1947)
Term of office
October 23,1935
Term of office
July 6,1938
Party
Conservative
Prime ministerParty
William LyonMackenzie KingLiberal
Robert James ManionMP for London(1881–1943)
Robert James ManionMP for London(1881–1943)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Robert James ManionMP for London(1881–1943)
Term of office
November 15,1938
Term of office
May 13,1940
Party
Conservative
Richard HansonMP for Fredericton(1879–1948)
Richard HansonMP for Fredericton(1879–1948)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Richard HansonMP for Fredericton(1879–1948)
Term of office
May 14,1940
Term of office
January 1,1943
ProgressiveConservative
ProgressiveConservative
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
ProgressiveConservative
Gordon GraydonMP for Peel(1896–1953)
Gordon GraydonMP for Peel(1896–1953)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Gordon GraydonMP for Peel(1896–1953)
Term of office
January 1,1943
Term of office
June 10,1945
Party
ProgressiveConservative
John BrackenMP for Neepawa(1883–1969)
John BrackenMP for Neepawa(1883–1969)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
John BrackenMP for Neepawa(1883–1969)
Term of office
June 11,1945
Term of office
July 20,1948
George A. DrewMP for Carleton(1894–1973)
George A. DrewMP for Carleton(1894–1973)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
George A. DrewMP for Carleton(1894–1973)
Term of office
December 20,1948
Term of office
November 1,1954
Party
ProgressiveConservative
Louis St. LaurentLiberal
Louis St. LaurentLiberal
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Louis St. LaurentLiberal
William Earl RoweMP for Dufferin—Simcoe(1894–1984)
William Earl RoweMP for Dufferin—Simcoe(1894–1984)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
William Earl RoweMP for Dufferin—Simcoe(1894–1984)
Term of office
November 1,1954
Term of office
February 1,1955
George A. DrewMP for Carleton(1894–1973)
George A. DrewMP for Carleton(1894–1973)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
George A. DrewMP for Carleton(1894–1973)
Term of office
February 1,1955
Term of office
August 1,1956
William Earl RoweMP for Dufferin—Simcoe(1894–1984)
William Earl RoweMP for Dufferin—Simcoe(1894–1984)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
William Earl RoweMP for Dufferin—Simcoe(1894–1984)
Term of office
August 1,1956
Term of office
December 13,1956
John DiefenbakerMP for Prince Albert(1895–1979)
John DiefenbakerMP for Prince Albert(1895–1979)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
John DiefenbakerMP for Prince Albert(1895–1979)
Term of office
December 14,1956
Term of office
June 20,1957
Louis St. LaurentMP for Quebec East(1882–1973)
Louis St. LaurentMP for Quebec East(1882–1973)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Louis St. LaurentMP for Quebec East(1882–1973)
Term of office
June 21,1957
Term of office
January 16,1958
Party
Liberal
Prime ministerParty
John DiefenbakerProgressiveConservative
Lester B. PearsonMP for Algoma East(1897–1972)
Lester B. PearsonMP for Algoma East(1897–1972)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Lester B. PearsonMP for Algoma East(1897–1972)
Term of office
January 16,1958
Term of office
April 22,1963
John DiefenbakerMP for Prince Albert(1895–1979)
John DiefenbakerMP for Prince Albert(1895–1979)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
John DiefenbakerMP for Prince Albert(1895–1979)
Term of office
April 22,1963
Term of office
September 9,1967
Party
ProgressiveConservative
Prime ministerParty
Lester B. PearsonLiberal
Michael StarrMP for Ontario(1910–2000)
Michael StarrMP for Ontario(1910–2000)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Michael StarrMP for Ontario(1910–2000)
Term of office
September 9,1967
Term of office
November 6,1967
Robert StanfieldMP for Colchester—Hants (1967–1968)MP for Halifax (from 1968)(1914–2003)
Robert StanfieldMP for Colchester—Hants (1967–1968)MP for Halifax (from 1968)(1914–2003)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Robert StanfieldMP for Colchester—Hants (1967–1968)MP for Halifax (from 1968)(1914–2003)
Term of office
November 6,1967
Term of office
February 22,1976
Pierre TrudeauLiberal
Pierre TrudeauLiberal
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Pierre TrudeauLiberal
Joe ClarkMP for Rocky Mountain(born 1939)
Joe ClarkMP for Rocky Mountain(born 1939)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Joe ClarkMP for Rocky Mountain(born 1939)
Term of office
February 22,1976
Term of office
June 4,1979
Pierre TrudeauMP for Mount Royal(1919–2000)
Pierre TrudeauMP for Mount Royal(1919–2000)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Pierre TrudeauMP for Mount Royal(1919–2000)
Term of office
June 4,1979
Term of office
March 3,1980
Party
Liberal
Prime ministerParty
Joe ClarkProgressiveConservative
Joe ClarkMP for Yellowhead(born 1939)
Joe ClarkMP for Yellowhead(born 1939)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Joe ClarkMP for Yellowhead(born 1939)
Term of office
March 3,1980
Term of office
February 2,1983
Party
ProgressiveConservative
Prime ministerParty
Pierre TrudeauLiberal
Erik NielsenMP for Yukon(1924–2008)
Erik NielsenMP for Yukon(1924–2008)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Erik NielsenMP for Yukon(1924–2008)
Term of office
February 2,1983
Term of office
August 29,1983
Brian MulroneyMP for Central Nova(1939–2024)
Brian MulroneyMP for Central Nova(1939–2024)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Brian MulroneyMP for Central Nova(1939–2024)
Term of office
August 29,1983
Term of office
September 17,1984
John TurnerLiberal
John TurnerLiberal
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
John TurnerLiberal
John TurnerMP for Vancouver Quadra(1929–2020)
John TurnerMP for Vancouver Quadra(1929–2020)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
John TurnerMP for Vancouver Quadra(1929–2020)
Term of office
September 17,1984
Term of office
February 8,1990
Party
Liberal
Prime ministerParty
Brian MulroneyProgressiveConservative
Herb GrayMP for Windsor West(1931–2014)
Herb GrayMP for Windsor West(1931–2014)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Herb GrayMP for Windsor West(1931–2014)
Term of office
February 8,1990
Term of office
December 10,1990
Jean ChrétienMP for Beauséjour(born 1934)
Jean ChrétienMP for Beauséjour(born 1934)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Jean ChrétienMP for Beauséjour(born 1934)
Term of office
December 10,1990
Term of office
November 4,1993
Kim CampbellProgressiveConservative
Kim CampbellProgressiveConservative
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Kim CampbellProgressiveConservative
Lucien BouchardMP for Lac-Saint-Jean(born 1938)
Lucien BouchardMP for Lac-Saint-Jean(born 1938)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Lucien BouchardMP for Lac-Saint-Jean(born 1938)
Term of office
November 4,1993
Term of office
January 15,1996
Party
Bloc Québécois
Prime ministerParty
Jean ChrétienLiberal
Gilles DuceppeMP for Laurier—Sainte-Marie(born 1947)
Gilles DuceppeMP for Laurier—Sainte-Marie(born 1947)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Gilles DuceppeMP for Laurier—Sainte-Marie(born 1947)
Term of office
January 15,1996
Term of office
February 17,1996
Michel GauthierMP for Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean(1950–2020)
Michel GauthierMP for Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean(1950–2020)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Michel GauthierMP for Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean(1950–2020)
Term of office
February 17,1996
Term of office
March 15,1997
Gilles DuceppeMP for Laurier—Sainte-Marie(born 1947)
Gilles DuceppeMP for Laurier—Sainte-Marie(born 1947)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Gilles DuceppeMP for Laurier—Sainte-Marie(born 1947)
Term of office
March 15,1997
Term of office
June 2,1997
Preston ManningMP for Calgary Southwest(born 1942)
Preston ManningMP for Calgary Southwest(born 1942)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Preston ManningMP for Calgary Southwest(born 1942)
Term of office
June 2,1997
Term of office
March 27,2000
Party
Reform
Deborah GreyMP for Edmonton North(born 1952)
Deborah GreyMP for Edmonton North(born 1952)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Deborah GreyMP for Edmonton North(born 1952)
Term of office
March 27,2000
Term of office
September 11,2000
Party
Canadian Alliance
Stockwell DayMP for Okanagan—Coquihalla(born 1950)
Stockwell DayMP for Okanagan—Coquihalla(born 1950)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Stockwell DayMP for Okanagan—Coquihalla(born 1950)
Term of office
September 11,2000
Term of office
December 12,2001
John ReynoldsMP for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast(born 1942)
John ReynoldsMP for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast(born 1942)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
John ReynoldsMP for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast(born 1942)
Term of office
December 12,2001
Term of office
May 21,2002
Stephen HarperMP for Calgary Southwest(born 1959)
Stephen HarperMP for Calgary Southwest(born 1959)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Stephen HarperMP for Calgary Southwest(born 1959)
Term of office
May 21,2002
Term of office
January 9,2004
Paul MartinLiberal
Paul MartinLiberal
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Paul MartinLiberal
Grant HillMP for Macleod(born 1943)
Grant HillMP for Macleod(born 1943)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Grant HillMP for Macleod(born 1943)
Term of office
January 9,2004
Term of office
March 20,2004
Conservative
Conservative
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Conservative
Stephen HarperMP for Calgary Southwest(born 1959)
Stephen HarperMP for Calgary Southwest(born 1959)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Stephen HarperMP for Calgary Southwest(born 1959)
Term of office
March 20,2004
Term of office
February 6,2006
Party
Conservative
Bill GrahamMP for Toronto Centre(1939–2022)
Bill GrahamMP for Toronto Centre(1939–2022)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Bill GrahamMP for Toronto Centre(1939–2022)
Term of office
February 6,2006
Term of office
December 2,2006
Party
Liberal
Prime ministerParty
Stephen HarperConservative
Stéphane DionMP for Saint-Laurent–Cartierville(born 1955)
Stéphane DionMP for Saint-Laurent–Cartierville(born 1955)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Stéphane DionMP for Saint-Laurent–Cartierville(born 1955)
Term of office
December 2,2006
Term of office
December 10,2008
Michael IgnatieffMP for Etobicoke–Lakeshore(born 1947)
Michael IgnatieffMP for Etobicoke–Lakeshore(born 1947)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Michael IgnatieffMP for Etobicoke–Lakeshore(born 1947)
Term of office
December 10,2008
Term of office
May 2,2011
Jack LaytonMP for Toronto–Danforth(1950–2011)
Jack LaytonMP for Toronto–Danforth(1950–2011)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Jack LaytonMP for Toronto–Danforth(1950–2011)
Term of office
May 2,2011
Term of office
August 22,2011
Party
New Democratic
Nycole TurmelMP for Hull—Aylmer(born 1942)
Nycole TurmelMP for Hull—Aylmer(born 1942)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Nycole TurmelMP for Hull—Aylmer(born 1942)
Term of office
August 22,2011
Term of office
March 24,2012
Tom MulcairMP for Outremont(born 1954)
Tom MulcairMP for Outremont(born 1954)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Tom MulcairMP for Outremont(born 1954)
Term of office
March 24,2012
Term of office
November 4,2015
Rona AmbroseMP for Sturgeon River—Parkland(born 1969)
Rona AmbroseMP for Sturgeon River—Parkland(born 1969)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Rona AmbroseMP for Sturgeon River—Parkland(born 1969)
Term of office
November 4,2015
Term of office
May 27,2017
Party
Conservative
Prime ministerParty
Justin TrudeauLiberal
Andrew ScheerMP for Regina—Qu'Appelle(born 1979)
Andrew ScheerMP for Regina—Qu'Appelle(born 1979)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Andrew ScheerMP for Regina—Qu'Appelle(born 1979)
Term of office
May 27,2017
Term of office
August 24,2020
Erin O'TooleMP for Durham(born 1973)
Erin O'TooleMP for Durham(born 1973)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Erin O'TooleMP for Durham(born 1973)
Term of office
August 24,2020
Term of office
February 2,2022
Candice BergenMP for Portage—Lisgar(born 1964)
Candice BergenMP for Portage—Lisgar(born 1964)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Candice BergenMP for Portage—Lisgar(born 1964)
Term of office
February 2,2022
Term of office
September 10,2022
Pierre PoilievreMP for Carleton(born 1979)
Pierre PoilievreMP for Carleton(born 1979)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Pierre PoilievreMP for Carleton(born 1979)
Term of office
September 10,2022
Term of office
April 28,2025
Andrew ScheerMP for Regina—Qu'Appelle(born 1979)
Andrew ScheerMP for Regina—Qu'Appelle(born 1979)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Andrew ScheerMP for Regina—Qu'Appelle(born 1979)
Term of office
May 6, 2025
Term of office
August 18, 2025
Party
Conservative
Pierre PoilievreMP for Battle River—Crowfoot(born 1979)
Pierre PoilievreMP for Battle River—Crowfoot(born 1979)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Pierre PoilievreMP for Battle River—Crowfoot(born 1979)
Term of office
August 18,2025
Term of office
present
Portrait
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Term of office
Party
Prime ministerParty
Term start
Term end
Alexander MackenzieMP for Lambton(1822–1892)
March 6,1873
November 5,1873
Liberal
Sir John A. MacdonaldLiberal-Conservative
Sir John A. MacdonaldMP for Kingston(1815–1891)
November 6,1873
October 16,1878
Liberal-Conservative
Alexander MackenzieLiberal
Alexander MackenzieMP for Lambton(1822–1892)
October 17,1878
April 27,1880
Liberal
Sir John A. MacdonaldLiberal-Conservative
VacantApril 27 – May 3, 1880
Edward BlakeMP for Durham West(1833–1912)
May 4,1880
June 2,1887
Liberal
VacantJune 3 – 22, 1887
Wilfrid LaurierMP for Quebec East(1841–1919)
June 23,1887
July 10,1896
Liberal
Sir John AbbottLiberal-Conservative
Sir John ThompsonLiberal-Conservative
Sir Mackenzie BowellConservative
Sir Charles TupperConservative
Sir Charles TupperMP for Cape Breton(1821–1915)
July 11,1896
February 5,1901
Conservative
Sir Wilfrid LaurierLiberal
Robert BordenMP for Halifax (until 1904, from 1908)MP for Carleton (1905–1908)(1854–1937)
February 6,1901
October 9,1911
Sir Wilfrid LaurierMP for Quebec East(1841–1919)
October 10,1911
February 17,1919
Liberal
Sir Robert BordenConservativeUnionist
Daniel Duncan McKenzieMP for Cape Breton North and Victoria(1859–1927)
February 17,1919
October 20,1919
William Lyon Mackenzie KingMP for Prince(1874–1950)
October 20,1919
December 28,1921
Arthur MeighenConservative
VacantDecember 29, 1921 – January 25, 1922
William LyonMackenzie KingLiberal
Arthur MeighenMP for Grenville (1922–1925)MP for Portage la Prairie (from 1925)(1874–1960)
January 26,1922
June 28,1926
Conservative
William Lyon Mackenzie KingMP for Prince Albert(1874–1950)
June 29,1926
September 24,1926
Liberal
Arthur MeighenConservative
VacantSeptember 25 – October 10, 1926
William LyonMackenzie KingLiberal
Hugh GuthrieMP for Wellington South(1866–1939)
October 11,1926
October 11,1927
Conservative
R. B. BennettMP for Calgary West(1870–1947)
October 12,1927
August 6,1930
William Lyon Mackenzie KingMP for Prince Albert(1874–1950)
August 7,1930
October 22,1935
Liberal
R. B. BennettConservative
R. B. BennettMP for Calgary West(1870–1947)
October 23,1935
July 6,1938
Conservative
William LyonMackenzie KingLiberal
VacantJuly 6, 1938 – November 15, 1938
Robert James ManionMP for London(1881–1943)
November 15,1938
May 13,1940
Conservative
Richard HansonMP for Fredericton(1879–1948)
May 14,1940
January 1,1943
ProgressiveConservative
Gordon GraydonMP for Peel(1896–1953)
January 1,1943
June 10,1945
ProgressiveConservative
John BrackenMP for Neepawa(1883–1969)
June 11,1945
July 20,1948
VacantJuly 21 – December 20, 1948
George A. DrewMP for Carleton(1894–1973)
December 20,1948
November 1,1954
ProgressiveConservative
Louis St. LaurentLiberal
William Earl RoweMP for Dufferin—Simcoe(1894–1984)
November 1,1954
February 1,1955
George A. DrewMP for Carleton(1894–1973)
February 1,1955
August 1,1956
William Earl RoweMP for Dufferin—Simcoe(1894–1984)
August 1,1956
December 13,1956
John DiefenbakerMP for Prince Albert(1895–1979)
December 14,1956
June 20,1957
Louis St. LaurentMP for Quebec East(1882–1973)
June 21,1957
January 16,1958
Liberal
John DiefenbakerProgressiveConservative
Lester B. PearsonMP for Algoma East(1897–1972)
January 16,1958
April 22,1963
John DiefenbakerMP for Prince Albert(1895–1979)
April 22,1963
September 9,1967
ProgressiveConservative
Lester B. PearsonLiberal
Michael StarrMP for Ontario(1910–2000)
September 9,1967
November 6,1967
Robert StanfieldMP for Colchester—Hants (1967–1968)MP for Halifax (from 1968)(1914–2003)
November 6,1967
February 22,1976
Pierre TrudeauLiberal
Joe ClarkMP for Rocky Mountain(born 1939)
February 22,1976
June 4,1979
Pierre TrudeauMP for Mount Royal(1919–2000)
June 4,1979
March 3,1980
Liberal
Joe ClarkProgressiveConservative
Joe ClarkMP for Yellowhead(born 1939)
March 3,1980
February 2,1983
ProgressiveConservative
Pierre TrudeauLiberal
Erik NielsenMP for Yukon(1924–2008)
February 2,1983
August 29,1983
· Deputy leaders of the Opposition
Term end
Term end
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Term end
Denis LebelMP for Lac-Saint-Jean(born 1954)
Denis LebelMP for Lac-Saint-Jean(born 1954)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Denis LebelMP for Lac-Saint-Jean(born 1954)
Term of office
November 19,2015
Term of office
July 24,2017
Party
Conservative
Leader of theOpposition
Rona Ambrose
Lisa RaittMP for Milton(born 1968)
Lisa RaittMP for Milton(born 1968)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Lisa RaittMP for Milton(born 1968)
Term of office
July 24,2017
Term of office
October 21,2019
Leona AlleslevMP for Aurora–Oak Ridges–Richmond Hill(born 1968)
Leona AlleslevMP for Aurora–Oak Ridges–Richmond Hill(born 1968)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Leona AlleslevMP for Aurora–Oak Ridges–Richmond Hill(born 1968)
Term of office
November 28,2019
Term of office
July 12,2020
Candice BergenMP for Portage–Lisgar(born 1964)
Candice BergenMP for Portage–Lisgar(born 1964)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Candice BergenMP for Portage–Lisgar(born 1964)
Term of office
September 2,2020
Term of office
February 2,2022
Party
Erin O'Toole
Luc BertholdMP for Mégantic—L'Érable(born 1965 or 1966)
Luc BertholdMP for Mégantic—L'Érable(born 1965 or 1966)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Luc BertholdMP for Mégantic—L'Érable(born 1965 or 1966)
Term of office
February 6,2022
Term of office
September 13,2022
Party
Candice Bergen
Melissa LantsmanMP for Thornhill(born 1984)
Melissa LantsmanMP for Thornhill(born 1984)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Melissa LantsmanMP for Thornhill(born 1984)
Term of office
September 13,2022
Term of office
Incumbent
Party
Pierre PoilievreAndrew ScheerPierre Poilievre
Tim UppalMP for Edmonton Gateway(born 1974)
Tim UppalMP for Edmonton Gateway(born 1974)
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Tim UppalMP for Edmonton Gateway(born 1974)
Term of office
September 13,2022
Term of office
Incumbent
Portrait
NameElectoral district(Birth–Death)
Term of office
Party
Leader of theOpposition
Term start
Term end
Denis LebelMP for Lac-Saint-Jean(born 1954)
November 19,2015
July 24,2017
Conservative
Rona Ambrose
Andrew Scheer
Lisa RaittMP for Milton(born 1968)
July 24,2017
October 21,2019
Leona AlleslevMP for Aurora–Oak Ridges–Richmond Hill(born 1968)
November 28,2019
July 12,2020
Candice BergenMP for Portage–Lisgar(born 1964)
September 2,2020
February 2,2022
Erin O'Toole
Luc BertholdMP for Mégantic—L'Érable(born 1965 or 1966)
February 6,2022
September 13,2022
Candice Bergen
Melissa LantsmanMP for Thornhill(born 1984)
September 13,2022
Incumbent
Pierre PoilievreAndrew ScheerPierre Poilievre
Tim UppalMP for Edmonton Gateway(born 1974)
September 13,2022
Incumbent

References

  1. The two Macdonalds were of no relation.
  2. Sandfield Macdonald was a member of both the House of Commons of Canada and the Legislative Assembly of Ontario; dual ma
  3. Tupper lost his seat in the 1900 election and resigned as party leader and Leader of the Opposition three months later.
  4. Died in office.
  5. McKenzie served as Leader of the Opposition and interim leader of the Liberal Party from Laurier's death until King's el
  6. In the 1921 election, the Progressive Party came in second place but declined to form the Opposition, with the role then
  7. Meighen failed to win his seat in the 1925 election and immediately resigned as leader of the Conservative Party.
  8. Guthrie served as Leader of the Opposition from shortly after Meighen's resignation until Bennett's election as leader o
  9. Bennett vacated his position as Leader of the Opposition when Manion was elected as party leader, and no interim leader
  10. Hanson served as Leader of the Opposition from Manion's resignation until Meighen's election as leader of the Conservati
  11. The Conservative Party was renamed the Progressive Conservative Party in 1942.
  12. Graydon served as Leader of the Opposition from Hanson's resignation until Bracken entered Parliament in the 1945 electi
  13. Bracken immediately vacated his positions as Leader of the Official Opposition and as leader of the Progressive Conserva
  14. Rowe served as acting leader of the Opposition in winter 1954–55 due to Drew's poor health.
  15. Rowe initially served as acting leader of the Opposition for six weeks when Drew was ill, then became interim leader of
  16. Starr served as Leader of the Opposition from Stanfield's election as PC leader until Stanfield entered Parliament via b
  17. Nielsen served as acting Leader of the Opposition for the two weeks preceding Clark's resignation from the post of leade
  18. Gray became acting Leader of the Opposition after Turner announced his intention to step down as party leader. Gray cont
  19. Duceppe served as Leader of the Opposition during the 1996 Bloc Québécois leadership election initiated by Bouchard's su
  20. Grey served as Leader of the Opposition during the 2000 Canadian Alliance leadership campaign in which Manning unsuccess
  21. Hill served as Leader of the Opposition during the 2004 Conservative leadership election in which Harper successfully ra
  22. Although the PC Party and Canadian Alliance were recognized as merged on December 7, 2003, by Elections Canada for the p
  23. Graham served as interim parliamentary leader, interim Leader of the Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition until th
  24. Ignatieff served as interim Leader of Liberal Party until being elected Leader in the 2009 Liberal leadership convention
  25. Turmel became interim leader of the NDP on July 28, 2011, when Layton began his leave of absence, but she did not become
  26. Ambrose was elected interim party leader by the Conservative caucus to serve until a permanent leader was elected at the
  27. Bergen was elected interim party leader by the Conservative caucus to serve until a permanent leader was elected at the
  28. Poilievre lost his seat in the 2025 election and thus ceased to be leader of the Opposition.
  29. Following the defeat of party leader Pierre Poilievre in the 2025 election, the Conservative caucus selected Scheer to s
  30. Library of Parliament
    https://lop.parl.ca/sites/ParlInfo/default/en_CA/People/Salaries
  31. Parliament of Canada Act, RSC 1985, c. P-1, s. 50(2), 62, 62.3, 63(2).
    https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/p-1/FullText.html
  32. 43(1), 50(2), 74(1), 81(4), 84(7), 101(3)
    https://www.ourcommons.ca/procedure/procedure-and-practice-3/App14-e.html
  33. House of Commons 2017, p. 35(2), 45(5), 73(1), 83(2), 106(2), 114(2)
  34. The Canadian Encyclopedia
    https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/opposition-party
  35. House of Commons 2017, p. Note 190
  36. Alexander Mackenzie: Clear Grit
  37. John A. Macdonald: The Old Chieftain
  38. Edward Blake: The Man of the Other Way (1833–1881)
  39. Alexander Mackenzie: Clear Grit
  40. Alexander Mackenzie: Clear Grit
  41. The Hon. Alexander Mackenzie: His Life and Times
  42. Political Science Quarterly
    https://doi.org/10.2307/2145279
  43. Political Science Quarterly
    https://doi.org/10.2307/2145279
  44. "Parliament and Layton's passing"
    http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/inside-politics-blog/2011/08/parliament-and-laytons-passing.html
  45. "Leaders of the Official Opposition"
    http://www.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/FederalGovernment/LeadersOfficialOpposition.aspx
  46. "Roles – Hon. Denis Lebel"
    https://www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/Denis-Lebel(38633)/Roles
  47. "Roles – Hon. Lisa Raitt"
    https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/lisa-raitt(54325)/roles
  48. CBC News
    https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/leona-alleslev-resigns-cpc-deputy-leader-1.5647309
  49. "Roles – Hon. Candice Bergen"
    https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/candice-bergen(59110)/roles
  50. Kamloops This Week
    https://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/o-toole-names-top-tories-for-commons-roles-with-bergen-as-deputy-leader-1.24196507
  51. CBC News
    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/alain-rayes-resigns-quebec-lieutenant-1.6341568
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