From 1867 until WWII, the Prime Minister usually organized the business of the House himself, with the whips being his contacts in the other parties. Prime Minister Mackenzie King did so until October 1944, when his busy schedule forced him to delegate those duties.

In July 1946, King openly recognized the position of Government House Leader. In 1968, it became a full-time position. It was common practice at that time for the Government House Leader to hold the title of President of the Privy Council. Since 1988, the Government House Leader is usually a Minister of State.