Functional Responsibility:
In 1920, the function of the Irrigation Council was to advise, monitor, and regulate the district boards. This later evolved to include making recommendations to the minister in charge, administering the Irrigation Rehabilitation Program, and monitoring the irrigation district boards activities as outlined in the Irrigation Act (R.S.A. 1980, c. I-1). Various statutes have established the council over time, but duties have remained consistent to the present day.

Predecessor and Successor Bodies:
There are no predecessors to the Irrigation Council.

Administrative Relationships:
The 1920 statute defined the Minister of Public Works as the minister responsible for administration of the legislation. By 1955, in the revised statute (R.S.A. 1955, c. 162), the definition had changed to define "minister" as the member of the executive council charged with administration of this Act. When the Act was repealed and replaced in 1968 (S.A. 1968, c. 49), the Irrigation Council was again established and began reporting to the Minister of Agriculture.

In the 1968 legislation, the Lieutenant Governor in Council appointed the Irrigation Council. Under a new Act in 2000, the Irrigation Districts Act (S.A. 2000, c. I-1.7), the Irrigation Council was continued, and reported to and was appointed by the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development.

Administrative Structure:
In the original 1920 legislation, the Irrigation Council consisted of not more than three members and the Lieutenant Governor in Council determined remuneration. By 2000, the Irrigation Council consisted of not more than seven members, with the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development designating the chair and fixing remuneration.

The administrative arm of the Irrigation Council is the Irrigation Secretariat, which first appeared in the 1968 statute. The Irrigation Secretariat is responsible to the council and carries out its functions and duties under the direction and supervision of the council. In 1968, the Irrigation Secretariat was a branch of the Program Development Division. It became a branch of the Irrigation Division in 1972.

Names of Chief Officers:
Chairs of the Irrigation Council:
Archibald J. McLean (1920-1921)
Alexander Ross (1921-1925)
Oran Leo McPherson (1925-1934)
Richard Gavin Reid (1934)
John James MacLellan (1934-1935)
William Allen Fallow (1935-1948)
Duncan Bruce MacMillan (1948-1952)
Alfred John Hooke (1952-1955)
James Hartley (1955-1962)
Frederick Charles Colborne (1962-1967)
Harry Edwin Strom (1967-1968)
Henry Arild Ruste (1968-1971)
Hugh Macarthur Horner (1971-1974)
F. J. (Jack) Brewin (1975-1977)
Edward Jim Shimbashi (1977-1989)
John Weing (1990-1999)
Vern Hoff (2000-present)