The First Canadian Ministry was the first cabinet chaired by Prime Minister John A. Macdonald. It governed Canada from 1 July 1867 to 5 November 1873, including all of the 1st Canadian Parliament as well as the first eight months of the Second. The government was formed by the Liberal-Conservative Party in coalition with the old Conservative Party of Canada. Macdonald was also Prime Minister in the Third Canadian Ministry.

The 2nd Canadian Parliament was in session from March 5, 1873, until January 2, 1874. The membership was set by the 1872 federal election from July 20 to October 12, 1872, and it changed only somewhat due to resignations and by-elections until it was dissolved prior to the 1874 election. Among the by-elections were the first election of PEI MPs, PEI joining Confederation in 1873.