It was controlled by a Liberal Party majority under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and the 26th Canadian Ministry.

The Official Opposition was first the Reform Party, led by Preston Manning, and then its successor party, the Canadian Alliance led by interim leader Deborah Grey.

There were two sessions of the 36th Parliament: The party standings as of the election and as of dissolution were as follows:

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

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