[6] The minister is responsible for the federal government's Health Portfolio, which comprises:[7] As of 2023[update], the Health Portfolio consists of approximately 12,000 full-time equivalent employees and an annual budget of over $3.8 billion.

[8] The president of the Privy Council was the first designated to manage the department,[9] which was followed by the minister of immigration and colonization in 1921 under Arthur Meighen,[10] then the minister of soldiers' civil re-establishment later that year under William Lyon Mackenzie King.

[11] The minister of soldiers' civil re-establishment managed the Department of Health through the next Meighen[12] and King[13] governments.

[14] In 1944, the position was again split into two roles, with the war veteran portfolio going to the minister of veterans affairs,[15] and the rest of the portfolio moving to the minister of national health and welfare.

As of 2023[update], the Health Portfolio consists of approximately 12,000 full-time equivalent employees and an annual budget of over $3.8 billion.