It was controlled by a Liberal Party majority led by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and the 20th Canadian Ministry.

The Official Opposition was the Progressive Conservative Party, led first by Robert Stanfield, and then by Joe Clark.

Queen Elizabeth II opened the 3rd session during her Silver Jubilee visit to Canada.

The party standings as of the election and as of dissolution were as follows: Members of the House of Commons in the 30th parliament arranged by province.

Bold indicates parties with members elected to the House of Commons.