The Official Opposition Shadow Cabinet in Canada is composed of Members of Parliament of the main Opposition party responsible for holding the Government to account and for developing and disseminating the party's policy positions. Members of the Official Opposition are generally referred to as Opposition Critics, but the term Shadow Minister (which is generally used in other Westminster systems) is also used. The Conservative Party of Canada served as the Official Opposition in the 42nd Parliament.
82 MPs have served in the Official Opposition Cabinet in the 42nd Parliament. 35 MPs are currently Senior Shadow Ministers. Highlight indicates that a Member is a current Senior Shadow Minister. Of the senior members of Shadow Cabinet, 24 are men and 11 are women. 6 are visible minorities.
Following the 2015 federal election, held on October 19, 2015, the Conservative Party lost power and became the 42nd Parliament of Canada's Official Opposition. It was led by Rona Ambrose on an interim basis from November 2015 to May 2017.
Andrew Scheer was elected permanent leader in May 2017. When he named his shadow cabinet in August 2017, he chose to use the term "shadow minister", used in the UK and other Westminster parliaments, instead of the traditional Canadian term "critic". CBC News speculated that the term was chosen to show increased seriousness.