Infographic: 250th Anniversary - Quick Facts and Milestones

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250th Anniversary of the Receiver General for Canada!

The Receiver General ensures the integrity of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, accepts and issues payments on behalf of the Government of Canada and prepares the government’s financial statements, the Public Accounts of Canada.

Quick Facts

  • The Receiver General is the oldest cabinet position in Parliament.
  • The Minister of Public Works and Government Services is the Receiver General for Canada.
  • These days the Receiver General handles over one trillion dollars of cash flow annually.

Milestones

  • September 14, 1764
    Walter Murray is appointed the first Receiver General for the Province of Quebec by Governor James Murray.
  • 1791-1840
    The position of Receiver General continues even when the Province of Quebec becomes Upper and Lower Canada in 1791 and when Upper and Lower Canada unite to form the Province of Canada in 1840.
  • 1840
    The Consolidated Revenue Fund is established to be used by the Receiver General to deposit and withdraw public funds.
  • 1858
    The Public Accounts are published for the first time in dollars instead of pounds and shillings.
  • 1867
    The Dominion of Canada is formed. Senator Sir Edward Kenny is appointed Receiver General, managing the consolidated funds of the four provinces.
  • May 20, 1879
    The Receiver General is merged with the Department of Finance, a partnership that lasts 90 years.
  • 1935
    The Bank of Canada is created and starts to maintain the Receiver General’s account used for day-to-day operations.
  • 1969
    The Receiver General separates from the Department of Finance to become part of the new Ministry of Supply and Services.
  • 1986
    The Honourable Monique Vézina becomes the first woman appointed to the position of Receiver General.
  • 1990
    The Receiver General initiates direct deposit for payments to Canadians.
  • 1996
    The title of Receiver General came to rest with the Minister of Public Works and Government Services.
  • September 14, 2014
    The Receiver General celebrates serving Canada for 250 years.

Find out more about the history and role of the Receiver General for Canada