The Bureau was created in 1939 by The Department of Trade and Industry Act Amendment Act, 1938 (S.A. Chapter 55, 1938). At its inception the function of the Bureau of Statistics was to obtain statistical information as to the trades and to require any or all persons engaged in any such trade to furnish information with regard to trade and any agricultural, industrial or commercial activities. The Industries and Labour Department Act (S.A. Chapter 30, 1958) charged the Minister with the same function.
In 1958 the Alberta Bureau of Statistics was established under distinct and separate legislative authority by virtue of The Statistics Bureau Act (S.A. Chapter 81, 1958). The enabling legislation defined and expanded the duties of the Bureau. The Alberta Bureau of Statistic became responsible to collect, compile, analyze, abstract and publish statistical information relative to the commercial, industrial, and financial social, economic and general activities and conditions of the Province of Alberta. The Alberta Bureau of Statistics provided statistical information on economic and social condition in the province, collaborated with departments in the publication of related departmental statistical information. The Alberta Bureau of Statistics functioned to promoted and coordinated plans for the collection and integration of statistics pertaining to Alberta. This version of the Bureau was created to fulfill a role as a central statistical agency of the Government.
In 1984, under the Budget and Management Division of Alberta Treasury, the Alberta Bureau of Statistics developed Alberta Statistical Information System. The Alberta Statistical Information System was designed to meet the statistical needs of governments, businesses, media, academics and private individuals. The System allowed access to comprehensive set of Alberta data series, reports, graphs and statistical analyses. By 1993 the Alberta Bureau of Statistics was part of Budget and Fiscal Policy Division of Alberta Treasury. The Alberta Bureau of Statistics had begun to collaborate with Statistics Canada and other Provincial agencies to minimize duplication.

Predecessor and Successor Bodies:
In 1916 the Publicity Bureau was amalgamated with the Statistical Branch of the Department of Agriculture and became known as the Publicity and Statistics Branch. In 1931 the publicity and general statistics function was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Executive Council. Agricultural statistics was retained as a function of the Agricultural Extension Service.

Administrative Relationships:
The Lieutenant Governor in Council prescribed the Department of Public Service, which the Alberta Bureau of Statistics would form a part of. The Bureau of Statistics formed a part of the Department of Trade and Industry from 1941 to 1948. In 1948, An Act to amend The Department of Trade and Industry (S. A. Chapter 25, 1948), the name of the Department of Trade and Industry was changed to Department of Industries and Labour. In 1959, An Act to amend The Department of Industries and Labour (S. A. Chapter 36, 1959) the name of the Department of Industries and Labour was changed to Department of Industry and Development. In 1968, An Act to amend The Department of Industry and Department (S. A. Chapter 47, 1968) the name of the Department of Industry and Development was changed to Department of Industry and Tourism. In 1972, An Act respecting the Minister of Industry and Commerce (S.A. Chapter 54, 1972) the name of the Department of Industry and Tourism was changed to the Department of Industry and Commerce. The Bureau of Statistic remained with the former Department of Trade and Industry through all the succeeding incarnations of the Department until 1973.
The Bureau of Statistic was transferred to Department of Treasury in 1973. The Alberta Bureau of Statistics ceased operation in 1993 as a result of a departmental reorganization. The statute was not repealed and continued to fall under the jurisdiction of Alberta Treasury although the Bureau did not exist. The Government Organization Act (S.A. Chapter G-8.5, 1994), (A.R. 44/2001) transferred responsibility for The Statistics Bureau Act to Alberta Finance. The Statistics unit of Alberta Finance continued the function of collecting statistics under The Statistics Bureau Act.

Administrative Structure:
The Alberta Bureau of Statistics had a Director and staff. The staffing reflected the activities of the organization.

Names of the Corporate bodies:
At the inception of the organization it was known as the Bureau of Statistics. Later, it was referred to as the Alberta Bureau of Statistics in the 1958 enabling legislation. After the transfer to Alberta Finance the function was renamed Alberta Statistics.

Names of Chief Officers:
Directors of the Alberta Bureau of Statistics.
D. I. Istvanffy [1965]-1974
M. J. Dunn 1974-1976
H. W. Ford 1976-1993