The Minister of National Defence for Air was the Canadian cabinet minister responsible for all matters related to military air services during World War II, notably the then-rapidly expanding Royal Canadian Air Force.[1]: 120–121 The post was created by the 1940 War Measures Act,[2] which specifically amended the National Defence Act of 1923.[citation needed] The Minister of National Defence for Air also served as President of the Air Council.[1]: 126
No separate department (ie: Department of National Defence for Air) was created, and the Minister of National Defence had overruling authority in any inter-service matters.[1]: 120–121
The post was merged into the current post of the Minister of National Defence in 1946.
Ministers
[edit]- Charles Gavan Power 1940–1944[2]
- Angus Lewis Macdonald 1944–1945 acting[2]
- Colin William George Gibson 1945 acting[2]
- Colin William George Gibson 1945–1946[2]
From 12 July 1940, Power held a dual-appointment as Associate Minister of National Defence.[1]: 529
Both Macdonald and Power served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the army during World War I.
Gibson was Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry and later Commandant of the Hamilton Garrison.
See also
[edit]- Minister of Militia and Defence
- Minister of the Naval Service
- Minister of National Defence
- Minister of Aviation
- Minister of National Defence for Naval Services
- Minister of Overseas Military Forces
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Stacey, C. P. (1970). Arms, Men and Governments: The War Policies of Canada 1939 – 1945. Minister of National Defence (Canada).
- ^ a b c d e "Profile – National Defence for Air". Parliament of Canada. Retrieved 5 February 2024.