Functional Responsibility:
The Department of Trade and Industry was responsible for administering the laws of the province affecting labour and management; promoting and assisting in maintaining proper relations between employees and employers; promoting and encouraging the training of qualified workmen in accordance with any approved training plan; considering foreign and Commonwealth labour practices; receiving and reviewing suggestions for changes in the law of the province relating to any matter affecting relations between employees and employers, or between labour and management.

Predecessor and Successor Bodies:
The Alberta Government first articulated a functional responsibility for labour issues under Order-in-Council in 1922. From 1909 to 1922 the Department of Public Utilities had been managing employment standards on an ad hoc basis. The O.C. created a Commissioner of Labour within the Alberta Bureau of Labour, who was responsible for administering The Alberta Government Employee Bureau Act, The Act Respecting Employment Offices, The Minimum Wage Act, The Boiler Act, and the Factories Act. The Commissioner reported to the Minister of the Department of Public Works, and was responsible for collecting fees from and prescribing rules for moving picture operators, assistants, and apprentices, and inspecting theatres and operating booths. The Commissioner of Labour's responsibilities remained consistent when it moved through the Department of Industries and Labour from 1948-1959, and the Department of Labour Act moved the Commissioner's Office to the new Department of Labour in 1959. From 1972 to 1975 the Department of Labour, along with the Commissioner of Labour, became the Department of Manpower and Labour. The term manpower was added to the title to reflect the department's new responsibilities. Beyond industrial relations the department would now oversee programs to develop a skilled and flexible labour force. In 1975 the name was changed back to the Department of Labour, and the Executive Council transferred manpower duties from Labour to the newly created Department of Advanced Education to form the Department of Advanced Education and Manpower. Legislation dissolved the Department of Labour in 1999, and core functions and responsibilities of the department amalgamated with the Department of Family and Social Services to form the Department of Human Resources and Employment.

Administrative Relationships:
The Minister of the Department of Trade and Industry was a member of the Executive Council and was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. The Minister of Trade and Industry reported to the Legislative Assembly for the department for which he/she was responsible. Annual reports were submitted to the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Alberta.

Administrative Structure:
The Department of Trade and Industry had a hierarchical structure. The administrative structure evolved from the Branch's reporting to the Minister to more complex lines which included branches such as the Communications Branch, Finance and Administration Branch, Library Services Branch, Planning and Research Branch, Employment Standards Branch, Mediation Services Branch, Pension Benefits Branch, Boilers and Pressure Vessels Branch, Building Standards Branch, Electrical Protection Branch, Elevator and Fixed Conveyances Branch, Fire Prevention Branch, Plumbing and Gas Safety Services Branch, and the Employee Relations Branch.

Names of Chief Officers:
Ministers of the Department of Trade and Industry:
George Hoadley (UFA) October 18, 1934-September 2, 1935;
William N. Chant (SC) September 3, 1935-October 18, 1935;
Ernest C. Manning (SC) October 19, 1935-January 19, 1937;
Wallace W. Cross (SC) January 20, 1937-July 1, 1937;
Ernest C. Manning (SC) July 2, 1937-September 11, 1944;
Clarence E. Gerhart (SC) September 12, 1944-May 7, 1948.