Fron 1993 to 2003, the title of Secretary of State was given to officials in the Government of Canada. Secretaries of State were MPs who were members of the Ministry and the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, assigned to assist Cabinet ministers, but not themselves members of Cabinet.

For instance the Secretary of State (Training and Youth) would assist the Minister for Human Resources and Development. Other Secretaries of State were responsible for Multiculturalism, the Status of Women, Veterans, and Science Research and Development. This usage was opposite to that in the United Kingdom, where junior Ministers generally report to more senior Secretaries of State.

When Paul Martin became Prime Minister in 2003, this usage ended and he instead appointed Ministers of State and increased the powers of Parliamentary Secretaries to act in junior policy positions.

This generic usage should not be confused with the former cabinet positions of Secretary of State for Canada (1867-1996) and Secretary of State for External Affairs (1909-1995).