The De Cosmos ministry was the combined Cabinet that governed British Columbia from December 23, 1872, to February 9, 1874.

[1] De Cosmos's government was dissolved following his resignation, in order for him pursue a career in federal politics.

On February 4, 1873, the government announced its intention to create a fourth portfolio to handle financial matters.

This was deemed necessary for efficiency, as "upon going into office, they had found great difficulty in arriving at particulars respecting finance".

[3] The minister would also have the duty of collecting information relevant to agriculture, in order to aid the development of the nascent sector.