The archdiocese began as the Diocese of Montreal, which was established on May 13, 1836. Jean-Jacques Lartigue was appointed its first bishop without prior approval from the British government. Consequently, this set the precedent under which the colonial authorities in Canada began to curtail their interference in the internal matters of the Church, such as the appointment of bishops and the creation of new dioceses. On June 8, 1886, the diocese was elevated to the status of archdiocese by Pope Pius IX. Édouard-Charles Fabre became the first archbishop of the newly formed metropolitan see.
Jean-Jacques Lartigue was the first bishop of Montreal, serving from 1836 to 1840.Édouard-Charles Fabre was the last bishop of Montreal and its first archbishop.Paul Bruchési was Archbishop of Montreal for 42 years, serving from 1897 until his death in 1939.
Auxiliary bishop from 1961 to 1968. Elevated to cardinal on June 28, 1988. Retired on March 17, 1990, after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75. Died on October 30, 1993.
Auxiliary bishop from 1982 to 1990. Elevated to cardinal on November 26, 1994. Retired on March 20, 2012, after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75. Died on April 8, 2015.