The Minister responsible for the Francophonie is one of three ministers currently associated with the Department of Foreign Affairs. A similar position exists at the provincial level in the government of Quebec.

It is traditional that the minister be from Quebec or from a Francophone community outside Quebec. In all cases, they usually speak French fluently.

Past ministers include:

• Jean-Luc Pépin (1983-1984)
• Jean Chrétien (1984)
• Monique Vézina (1984-1986)
• Monique Landry (1986-1993)
• Monique Vézina (1993) (second time)
• André Ouellet (1993-1996)
• Pierre Pettigrew (1996)
• Don Boudria (1996-1997)
• Diane Marleau (1997-1999)
• Ronald Duhamel* (1999-2002)
• Denis Paradis* (2002-2003)
• Denis Coderre (2003-2004)
• Jacques Saada (2004-2006)
• Josée Verner (2006-2007)
• Maxime Bernier (2007-2008)
• Josée Verner (2008-) (second time)

(*)Secretary of State responsible for La Francophonie and not a member of Cabinet.