Functional responsibility:
The mandate of the Commission was to work with the people of Alberta to create and administer a program of continuous activities and specific events during 1980 to assist Alberta in celebrating its 75th Anniversary as a Province and in providing a legacy for future Albertans. The Commission’s objectives were to:

• assist the people of Alberta in creating awareness and appreciation of the 75th Anniversary during the remainder of 1979 and 1980, with specific emphasis on the period immediately prior to September 1, 1980;
• develop, with the input of the people of Alberta, a program of celebrations during 1980 and assist them in holding events, which included: conducting ceremonies, commemorations and reenactment of historic events; producing medallions and other memorabilia to commemorate the event; identifying and preserving of books, films, and works of art related to Alberta’s 75 years of growth and her plans for the future; organizing performing and visual arts events; holding athletic events; and encouraging travel throughout the Province in order that Albertans may become better acquainted with Alberta;
• ensure that Albertans in rural communities, villages, towns, cities, and remote areas shared equitably in the Anniversary program;
• provide the necessary human, financial and administrative resources to ensure adequate quality and quantity of programs without appearing extravagant, as well as planning for the Commission’s dissolution in 1981;
• administer a system of grants to the communities representing the people of Alberta.

Predecessor and successor bodies:
The functions of the Commission were specifically created for the 75th Anniversary celebrations. Any projects which were incomplete at the time of the Commission’s dissolution were administered by the 75th Anniversary Celebration Continuing Section of Alberta Culture.

Administrative relationships:
The Commission reported to the Minister of Culture, the Honourable Mary J. LeMessurier, who also acted as the Chairman of the Alberta 75th Anniversary Cabinet Committee.

Administrative Structure:
The Commission was headed by an appointed Commissioner, with a head office staff and regional representatives, and was active from May 1979 to its dissolution on March 31, 1981. Reporting to the Commissioner was the General Manager, who coordinated the activities of three divisions within the Commission. The Programs Division evaluated proposals for grant funding and coordinated approved programs around the province related to government-initiated programs, Albertan-initiated programs, per-capita grants, medallions, special ceremonies, and visiting dignitaries. The Publicity and Communications Division coordinated media relations, advertising, general publicity, public inquiries, requests for the official anniversary logo, and merchandising. The Administration Division was responsible for daily operations. The Commission also created several subcommittees, which provided expert advice on funding proposals, and advisory groups, including the 75th Anniversary Action Committee that comprised assistant deputy minister representatives from Culture, Recreation and Parks, Social Services and Community Health, Tourism and Small Business, Agriculture, and Education.

Names of chief officers:
Commissioner of the Alberta 75th Anniversary Commission
Robert W. (Bob) Dowling 1979-1981