| HISTORY/BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH: | Dates of founding and/or dissolution:
The Ministry of Innovation and Science was founded May 27, 1999 by means of Order in Council 241/99 under the authority of the Government Organization Act, S.A. 1994 c. G-8.5 s. 2.
Functional responsibility:
The Ministry of Innovation and Science is responsible for the development and implementation of science, research and technology policies and programs in support of the development and diversification of the Province's economy. The Ministry oversees the agencies responsible for the administration of programs which implement these policies and is responsible for coordinating the activities of these agencies. The Ministry is also responsible for coordinating implementation of technology systems in the Government of Alberta and intergovernmental liaison on science, research and technology issues.
Predecessor and successor bodies:
The Ministry of Innovation and Science inherited a number of programs previously located in the Ministries of Public Works, Supply and Services; Economic Development; Agriculture, Food and Rural Development; Energy; and Advanced Education and Career Development. Before the creation of the Ministry of Innovation and Science, many of the agencies that report to the Minister reported to the Minister responsible for Science, Research and Information Technology.
Administrative relationships:
The Ministry of Innovation and Science reports to the Legislative Assembly through the Minister of Innovation and Science. A number of agencies have reported to the Minister or through him to the Legislative Assembly. These agencies have included the Alberta Science, Research and Technology/Alberta Science and Research Authority, Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority (1999-2000), Alberta Agricultural Research Institute (1999-2000), Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, and Alberta Heritage Foundation for Science and Engineering Research.
Administrative structure:
The Ministry of Innovation and Science is made up of the Department of Innovation and Science and the Alberta Science and Research Authority (ASRA) and its subordinate corporations and institutes.
At the time that it was created, the Department of Innovation and Science was made up of:
- Office of the Chief Information Officer: responsible for leadership in the planning and implementation of information management/information technology initiatives.
- Information Management and Technology Services Division: responsible for development and implementation of cross-government telecommunications, information technology and records management programs in support of policy formulated by the Chief Information Officer.
- Research and Technology Commercialization Division: responsible for high-technology research and development policy and development of business opportunities in information and communication technology.
- Energy Research and Development Division: responsible for supporting development of energy production technologies and for liaison with the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority.
- Agriculture and Life Sciences Research Division: responsible for supporting research in biotechnology, health systems and pharmaceuticals, supporting research and technology transfer in agriculture, food and forestry, and liaison with the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute.
- Contract and Corporate Services Division: responsible for providing financial, planning, human resources, facilities and central records support services to the Department and coordination of grant funding processes for the Intellectual Infrastructure Partnership Program, Research Excellence Envelope and ASRA grant programs.
In 2000, the Energy Research and Development Division and Agriculture and Life Sciences Research Division were merged to form the Research Division. In 2001, new branches were added to the Department to accommodate the Alberta Supernet Project. At this time, the office of the Chief Technology Officer was created to take over responsibility for cross-government information technology and telecommunications projects. The Supernet Build and Implementation group was created to oversee the construction and implementation of the Alberta Supernet system.
Names of chief officers:
Ministers of Innovation and Science:
Lorne Taylor (1999-2001)
Victor Doerksen (2001-2006)
George VanderBurg (2006)
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