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The Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) was established as a Crown corporation of the province of Saskatchewan by the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) government in January, 1946.

STC began operation on April 1, 1946. W.T. Bunn was appointed general manager and a head office for the corporation was established in Regina. Depots were established in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert and agents were contracted by STC to provide passenger and parcel services to rural areas. STC took over routes formerly operated by the Western Canadian Greyhound Lines Ltd. and several other smaller operators and added routes to serve communities previously without service. In 1947, the company introduced a freight route between the Northern Saskatchewan communities of Prince Albert and La Ronge to transport supplies to fishing, trapping and mining communities.

The Company began operation with seven secondhand gasoline fueled coaches on four routes but quickly expanded its fleet, routes, depot and repair facilities. In the early 1950's, the Company started offering charter and express services and switched to diesel fueled coaches. The 1960's and 1970's were periods of growth and prosperity for the Company. By the 1980's, however, poor economic conditions, high unemployment rates, low airline and railway fares, and the availability of private coaches forced STC to cut services and routes. In 1983, the tour business was dropped and STC closed its Prince Albert garage. The Company underwent extensive restructuring in the 1990's in an effort to reduce costs while maintaining its high level of customer service to the people of Saskatchewan.

As a Crown corporation, STC's operations are governed by a board of directors. The Minister of Highways and Transportation serves as chairman of the board and Minister Responsible.

Following its early years of operation, around 1954 STC established a function based organizational structure that essentially remained unchanged into the mid 1980's. The corporate structure underwent frequent restructuring from the mid 1980's to mid 1990's.

Responsibility for the overall administration and operation of the corporation was held by the general manager (1946-1983) and president (1983-1999).

Express and freight services, depots, dispatchers, drivers, and district managers in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert were supervised by the operations manager (1954-1979); operations director (1979-1983); and vice-president, operations (1983-1990).

Maintenance, cleaning and storage of all company vehicles was the responsibility of the maintenance superintendent (c.1946-1967); fleet manager (1967-1979) and equipment director (1979-1983).

Responsibility for ticket sales, rates and schedules, promotion and advertising, public relations, charters and tours and contracted agents fell to the sales manager (1954-1979); marketing director (1979-1983); marketing manager (1983-1987) sales and traffic manager (1987-1992) and director of corporate services (1992-1993).

Administration and personnel was handled by the office manager (1954-1965); administration manager (1965-1979); and administration director (1979-1983). In 1983, this position was merged with the finance director position into the vice-president, finance and administration. In 1985, human resources became a separate function from other administrative areas and the position of human resources director was created.

Accounting, financial forecasting and budgeting, collection of revenues and payment of suppliers were the responsibilities of the accountant (c.1946-1967); chief accountant (1967-1979); finance director (1979-1983). In 1983, this position was merged with the administration director position into the vice-president, finance and administration.

The development director (c.1980-1982) appears to have been responsible for the acquisition, renovation, and expansion of STC's properties.

In 1995 the company changed its fiscal year end from October 31 to December 31 in keeping with other Crown corporations.

The current (2006) corporate structure includes the following:
President and Chief Executive Officer
Senior Director, Finance & Administration
Senior Director, Customer Services & Operations
Director, Information Technology
Director, Strategic Planning & Communications
Director, Human Resources & Labour Relations

The head office for STC is at 2041 Hamilton Street, Regina, Saskatchewan.

The Department of Highways and Transportation was created with the passing of the Highways and Transportation Act (S.S. 1934, c. 8) on September 1, 1934. The Department was responsible for control and management of all work pertaining to construction, improvement and maintenance of public highways in Saskatchewan. The Act added authority and responsibility for administration of the Saskatchewan Railway Act and the Railway Taxation Act. The operation of the Department was divided into nine branches: the Accountant's Branch; the Construction Branch; the Maintenance Branch; the Surveys, Drainage and Townsites Branch; the Ferry Branch; the Market Roads Branch; the Railway Branch and the Revenue Branch. The Department had an initial budget of $1,136,947 and was responsible for 7636 miles of provincial highway. During the mid-1930s, the province entered into an agreement with the Federal Government to carry out a program of highway improvement for the purpose of providing work and wages to the growing number of unemployed due to the Great Depression.

During the 1940s, major upgrades were made to the highway system in the province due to the increasing number of vehicles and to the increase in the maximum loads being carried on the roads. Major provincial highways were beginning to be paved. In 1949, the Trans-Canada Highway Act was passed. This federal act involved an agreement with the provinces and the Federal Government covering work to be done on a national highway. The Department's budget at the end of the decade was $8,889,000 and 8225 miles of provincial highways were under its control.

The Department expanded in both staff and equipment in the 1950s to deal with an unprecedented growth in the volume of traffic and the accompanying need to construct new roads and maintain the existing system. In 1951 the first collective bargaining agreement was executed between the Department and the Saskatchewan Civil Service Association. Two new branches, the Highway Design Branch and the Highway Material and Research Branch were added in 1953. The official opening of the Saskatchewan section of the Trans-Canada Highway occurred on August 21, 1957. The decade also saw the development of a grid road program for rural Saskatchewan. The Department's budget at the end of the 1950s was $25,000,000 and it was responsible for 8219 miles of highway.

A new branch, the Planning Branch, was added to the Department in the 1960s accompanied by increased investment in updated equipment and major construction projects in the north. A system of computer-designed roads was introduced in the mid-1960s. In 1965 the Department divided the province into five districts: Swift Current, Regina; Yorkton; Saskatoon; and Prince Albert. The Department's budget at the end of the 1950s was $42,782,430 and it was responsible for 10743 miles of highway.

Re-organization of the Department in 1972 consolidated the structure into three major divisions: Operations, Support Services, and Highway Engineering. In addition the Department provided assistance to improve airport facilities throughout the province. A rise in mining activity in the 1970s resulted in increased activity in northern road construction and major paving projects were implemented throughout the province. The North Battlefield District was added in 1976. By the end of the decade the Department's budget was $164,444,410 was responsible for 19,436 miles of highway.

A change in government in 1982 resulted in a new organizational structure of the Department consisting of: the Regulation and Traffic Safety Division; the Transportation, Planning and Research Division; the Engineering Division; the Communications Division; the Support Services Division; and the Communications Division (added in 1988). The Department also adopted a new mission statement: "To plan, implement and manage an integrated multi-modal transportation system which provides for the safe, efficient movement of people and goods at a level of service acceptable to the public for the economic and social development of the province within the mandate and resources provided by the Government of Saskatchewan". A program of privatization of construction and maintenance activities was implemented in the mid-1980s. The Department's budget at the end of the decade was $231,525,800.

Another reorganization occurred in 1991 due to a change in government. The existing six divisions were combined into two: Operations and Policy and Planning. The twenty-one underlying branches were reduced to twelve. A new mission statement, "Working together for excellence in transportation" was adopted. In 1993 , the Department of Rural Affairs was amalgamated into the Department. A $70,000,000 agreement with the Federal Government was signed in 1994 to improve six Saskatchewan highways: 1, 7, 11, 12, 16 and 39. By the end of the decade, the Department operated under a budget of $229,731,000 and was responsible for 26,000 km. of highway.

A new mission and vision statement was written for the Department in 2000 to "transform Saskatchewan's transportation systems to meet the social and economic opportunities of the 21st century". The Department was reorganized into the Operations Division, the Policy Division, the Communications Branch, the Human Resource Branch and the Corporate Services Branch. By 2002, the Department's operating budget was $292,000,000 and was responsible for 26,220 km. of highway. The Department of Highways and Transportation was succeeded by the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure in 2007.

The Department of Highways was established with the passing of the Highway Act (S.S. 1916, c.8, s. 1). The Department was responsible for laying out, planning, maintaining and determining a system of public highways for the province. These responsibilities were divided among five branches: Correspondence Branch; Accountant's Branch; Surveys and Townsites Branch; Bridge and Ferry Branch and Roads Branch. H.S. Carpenter was appointed the first Deputy Minister.

In 1918 the province was divided into eight public improvement districts under the overall direction of the Superintendent of Highways. In the begininning, the beginning Department entered into contracts with municipalities for programs of road improvement. In 1920, an agreement with the Federal Government provided the province with $1,808,255 for improvement to and construction of the province's interurban highway system under the Canada Highways Act.

In 1923 the Highways Act was amended to classify public highways into four categories: Provincial Highways; Main Market Roads; Colonisation Roads and Local Roads. Under the amended Act, grants to municipalities ceased and the Department took sole responsibility for the maintenance and construction of highways. By the end of the decade, the Department was responsible for 4,363 miles of highway. The Great Depression severely limited activity on Saskatchewan highways. All highway construction was carried on a relief work basis. The Department of Highways was replaced by the Department of Highways and Transportation in 1934.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization was established on March 26, 2002 with the merger of the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Rural Revitalization Office. Within the newly-merged department, the Rural Issues Office was created to handle the responsibilities transferred from the Rural Revitalization Office.

Reporting to its Minister and Deputy Minister, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization was composed of four major divisions: Programs and Services; Central Support; Agricultural Development; and Policy and Financial Services. Each division, with the exception of Central Support, was the responsibility of an Assistant Deputy Minister. Branches within the Programs and Services Division included Lands; Inspection and Regulatory Management; and Rural Issues. The Central Support Division was initially responsible for the department's communications; administrative services; and human resources and by 2003, communications and corporate services. Branches within the Agricultural Development Division included Agricultural Research; Crop Development; Extension Services (2002-2003 only); Agri-Business Development (2003-2004); Livestock Development; Food Safety and Regulation; and Market Development and Food. The Policy and Financial Services Division oversaw the Financial Programs Branch; Policy Branch; and the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation.

In addition to the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation, agencies with legislative responsibilities to the department included Agricultural Credit Corporation of Saskatchewan; Agricultural Implements Board; Agricultural and Food Products Development and Marketing Council; Agri-Food Innovation Fund; Beef Development Board; Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation; Milk Control Board; Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute; Saskatchewan Agricultural Stabilization Fund; and Crop Reinsurance Fund of Saskatchewan.

The department also maintained or established several committees, boards, commissions, and advisory councils to discuss and address concerns related to specific areas of agriculture, food production, animal health issues, commodity development, and the rural economy. These bodies, which involved representatives from government and the agriculture industry, included the Action Committee on the Rural Economy; Pork Industry Advisory Board; Livestock Loan Guarantee Program Producer Advisory Committee; Agriculture Development Fund Board; Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Council; Farm Support Review Committee; Saskatchewan Agri-Environmental Advisory Council; and various commodity-specific boards and commissions. As well, the department engaged in consultations with provincial and national organizations related to agriculture, agri-business and rural economic development.

The department's head office was located in Regina, with smaller offices located throughout the province. These locations provided services offered by Lands Branch offices; field offices; and offices of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation. In the 2004-2005 fiscal year, the number of these locations was reduced from thirty-three to twenty-five, and the department established the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Moose Jaw, and nine Agriculture Business Centres throughout the province.

In accordance with Order in Council 288/2004, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization ceased existence on May 6, 2004. The Department of Rural Revitalization was created and the Department of Agriculture and Food was reestablished.

Established November 21, 2007.

The Department of Agriculture was one of the original departments created upon the formation of the Executive Council of the North-West Territories in 1897. The department was headed by a Commissioner and a Deputy Commissioner. With the transfer to a provincial government in 1905, the department (still under a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner) was organized into: the Fairs and Institutes Branch; Weeds and Seeds Branch; Dairying; Bacteriologist; Public Health Officer; and Brand Recorder. A Bureau of Information and Statistics was also added.

The Department of Agriculture's original responsibilities included dealing with brands, stray animals, pounds, stock and hide inspection, control of predatory animals, noxious weeds, prairie fires and protection of game, as well as encouraging development and providing assistance to farmers. The department also compiled production statistics and meteorological data. In addition, under the 1906 Department of Agriculture Act, the department was responsible for matters relating to immigration, vital statistics and public health, including hospitals.

The titles of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner were superseded by Minister and Deputy Minister respectively, in 1909.

Other functions held by the Department of Agriculture in its early years included: a Bureau of Labour to look after the inspection of factories, ensure fair wages and work safety, and coordinate harvest help; responsibility for museums; and responsibility for debt assistance.

During its existence, the Department of Agriculture experienced numerous re-organizations and continual name changes to its branches and divisions. However, with a few important additions and deletions of responsibilities, most of the department's functions continued throughout its life span.

In 1910, the public health and hospitals function was transferred out of the Department of Agriculture. Also in 1910, members from the Department of Agriculture were appointed to the newly-organized Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan. The function of the Fairs and Institute Branch was transferred to the university level, under the supervision of the Department of (Agricultural) Extension. The Director of Agricultural Extension, appointed to the College of Agriculture, reported to the Deputy Minister on the work of agricultural societies.

A major function was added to the department with the creation of the Co-operative Organization Branch in 1913. The branch, developed out of the Office of the Registrar of Co-operative Associations, was established to assist farmers with marketing. It was renamed Co-operation and Markets Branch in 1920 and eventually formed as a separate Department of Co-operation and Co-operative Development in 1945.

The Vital Statistics function was transferred out of the department in 1914. However, added that year was the appointment of Agricultural Representatives. These Representatives provided advice and assistance to producers in various districts within the province. Initially, the Representatives acted as administrative support for the College of Agriculture, but later carried out their own programming. The Agricultural Representative Service became a branch in 1945 and was renamed Agricultural Extension Branch in 1969 to better reflect its function.

Another change to the department in 1914 was the inclusion of a Debtors Relief organization. This function was complemented in 1923 by the addition of the Debt Adjustment Bureau. This function of debt management was removed in 1935. The responsibility for museums was added in 1915, but was transferred to the Department of Railways, Labour and Industries in early 1928.

Early in its existence, the Department of Agriculture included a Bureau of Labour to look after the inspection of factories, ensure fair wages and work safety, and coordinate harvest help. This function continued until 1920 when the Bureau, then named the Bureau of Labour and Industries, no longer reported through the department.

By 1930, the department consisted of: the Debt Adjustment Bureau; Statistics Branch; Field Crop Branch; Dairy Branch; Livestock Branch; Bee Division (added in 1928 and later known as Apiary Branch); Co-operation and Markets Branch; and the Agricultural Representative Service.

As a result of drought and soil drifting in the early 1930s, the Land Utilization Branch was established in 1936 to carry out the work of the Land Utilization Board (1936-1964). The Board was responsible for establishing community pastures, irrigable land areas under the federal Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act (PFRA), and for relocation of settlers.

By 1940, the duties of the Department of Agriculture were solely related to agriculture. The department was responsible for: the administration of all acts relating to agriculture; the promotion of agricultural interests in the province; encouraging production and facilitating the marketing of field and garden crops, livestock and livestock products; promoting and encouraging co-operation among agriculturalists; instituting inquiries and collecting facts and statistics relating to agriculture or other interests of Saskatchewan; and, issuing agricultural information through reports, statistics, circulars or other publications.

The Lands Utilization Board was transferred to the Department of Natural Resources and Industrial Development in 1945, but this responsibility came back to the Department of Agriculture in 1947. At this time, the Lands Utilization division was placed under the Lands Branch which was responsible for the administration of Crown lands in the province. Lands Branch had also been transferred from Natural Resources to Agriculture in legislation assented to on March 5, 1947. In 1964, the Land Utilization Board was replaced by the Agricultural Development Advisory Board.

The Conservation and Development Branch was established in 1949 to encourage and assist with better land use practices. The branch consisted of three main divisions: Operations; Water Development; and Water Rights.

A reorganization of the Department of Agriculture into five main branches was completed in 1951: Animal Industry; Agricultural Representative Service; Conservation and Development; Lands; and Plant Industry. The divisions of Statistics, Information and Radio, Records and General Office reported directly to the Deputy Minister and were sometimes referred to as the Administration Branch.

In 1958, the Agricultural Machinery Administration was added to the department to do the work of the Agricultural Machinery Board, established that same year. Its functions included investigation of complaints, testing machinery and publishing reports on farm machinery and test results.

The Family Farm Improvement Branch was created in 1960 to assist with the installation of farm water and sewage systems, and to assist with the relocation of farmsteads through grants.

The year 1973 witnessed another major restructuring of the department. The various branches, boards and agencies were organized under four major divisions: Extension and Rural Development Division; Farm Resources Development Division; Production and Marketing Division; and a Planning and Research Secretariat. This structure remained in place until 1980, when only the Extension and Rural Development Division and a Marketing and Economics Division were maintained.

Beginning in the late 1970's, the number of boards, commissions and agencies reporting through the department increased. The following are the agencies listed on the Department of Agriculture's organizational charts in annual reports for the period 1977 to 1989: Saskatchewan FarmStart Corporation (1973-1984); Saskatchewan Farm Ownership Board (1974-1992); Saskatchewan Land Bank Commission (1972-1981?); Agricultural Implements Board (1973-1984?); Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Board (1960-1984); Milk Control Board (1977?- ); Saskatchewan Hog Marketing Commission (1977?-1982?); Saskatchewan Sheep and Wool Marketing Commission (1973- ); Agricultural Development Corporation (1974-1990); Lands Appeal Board (1978?-1979); Saskatchewan Lands Allocation Appeal Board (1979?- ); Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (1978?- ); Natural Products Marketing Council (1979?- ); Saskatchewan Vegetable Marketing Commission (1981?- ); Agricultural Credit Corporation (1984-1993); Saskatchewan Beef Stabilization Board (1982-1990); Saskatchewan Horse Racing Commission (1983-1994); Saskatchewan Pork Producers' Marketing Board (1983?- ); Farm Land Security Board (1984? - 1987 Transferred to the Dept. of Justice).

Beginning in 1978, the Department of Agriculture began using the name Saskatchewan Agriculture, although both forms of the name appear in the department's annual reports in this period. Lands Branch was transferred to Saskatchewan Rural Development effective August 1, 1988.

In 1989, the Department of Agriculture was renamed the Department of Agriculture and Food to reflect the addition of new functions relating to diversification and value-added opportunities in the agri-foods industry. From March 2002 to May 2004, the department was known as the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization, after which it reverted to the Department of Agriculture and Food. As part of a government-wide rebranding strategy, the department was renamed the Ministry of Agriculture on November 21, 2007 [The Government Organization Act (S.S. 2007 c.6)]. It continues (2011) to be known as the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Department of Agriculture became the Department of Agriculture and Food on April 1, 1989.

The organizational structure for the department during 1989-1990 consisted of a Minister of Agriculture and Food and an Associate Minister. A Deputy Minister (DM) reported to the Minister. An Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) reported to the Deputy Minister with the various branches and some agencies reporting to the ADM. The balance of the agencies reported through the DM.

The first minister of the department was Grant Devine. He had been the Minister of Agriculture prior to the reorganization. Perhaps due to Devine concurrently serving as premier, Harold Martens was appointed as Associate Minister of Agriculture and Food in October 1989. The associate position disappeared from departmental org charts in the 1991-1992 fiscal year, presumably as a result of Roy Romanow's NDP government replacing Devine's Progressive Conservative administration. Stuart Kramer was the first Deputy Minister.

The administrative structure evident in the annual report issued at end of the first fiscal year under Agriculture and Food comprised:
Administrative Services Branch - provided department support services in budgeting, accounting, space and accommodation, equipment and supplies, mail services, vehicle management, computer management, legislation and administrative analysis.
Agriculture Development and Diversification Secretariat - worked with individuals, companies, industry groups, and various levels of government to facilitate agri-food development and diversification initiatives.
Agricultural Engineering - developed and implemented policies, programs and services, and assists in the development of innovative and practical solutions to agricultural engineering problems.
Communications - disseminated information relating to programs, policies and services provided by Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food to the public through a variety of methods including library, publications production and distribution, audio-visual production and media relations.
Counselling and Assistance for Farmers - provided financial counseling and operating and/or consolidation loan guarantees to eligible farmers who had been declined operating loans from their primary lending institution.
Economics - had as its mission to strengthen the primary agricultural and food processing sectors of the provincial agri-food industry through the provision of economic research, analysis and program delivery.
Human Resources - provided the Department of Agriculture and Food, as well as the Extension Service, Rural Service and Lands branches with staffing, classification, staff relations, benefits administration, training and staff development. The branch also provided policy direction and guidance for administration and management of personnel to the Department and its associated agencies.
Livestock - developed programs and policies and administered regulations to encourage a viable competitive livestock and livestock products industry in the province.
Northern Farms Unit - operated farms at several locations in Northern Saskatchewan including Cumberland House, Ile-la-Crosse, and Silver Lake.
Soils and Crops - provided support to farmers through its Crop Technology and Development Section, Horticulture Section, Apiary Section, Soils Section and a unit responsible for the Agriculture and Food in Northern Saskatchewan program.
Veterinary Branch - provided support services for the veterinary profession in Saskatchewan in respect to issues of animal health and meat safety.

A Number of other agencies had a functional responsibility to the Minister, reporting through the Deputy Minister: Agricultural Credit Corporation; Milk Control Board; Natural Products Marketing Council; Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute; Sask. Beef Stabilization Board; Saskatchewan Grain Car Corporation; Saskatchewan Horse Racing Commission; Saskatchewan Land Allocation Appeal Board; Saskatchewan Pork Producers' Marketing Board; Saskatchewan Sheep and Wool Marketing Commission; Saskatchewan Vegetable Marketing Commission.

By December 1989, all farms operated by the Northern Farms Unit had been either transferred to private operators or local trusts. The unit was included under the Administrative Services Branch in the departmental annual report for 1989-1990.

The Saskatchewan Agricultural Development Fund was created in 1985 to promote market expansion, diversification, biotechnology and value added production but was not reported as a separate agency until 1991-1992.

In 1992-1993, the Livestock, Soils and Crops, Veterinary and Environment and Engineering branches as well as the agencies Counselling and Assistance for Farmers, the Milk Control Board and the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute all began reporting through the Assistant Deputy Minister.

The fiscal year 1993-1994 saw the addition of a second ADM, one responsible for Policy and Planning and the other for Financial Support and Program Management. Lands and Registration Management was transferred to the latter. Lands Branch, formerly falling under the auspices of the Department of Rural Development was moved to Lands and Registration Management as the functions of Rural Development were distributed among other departments.

The next big change came in 1996-1997, when programs were juggled, with the resulting Programs and Services Division and the Development and Finance Division both reporting through their respective ADM and the Central Support Division reporting directly to the Deputy Minister.

In 1997-1998, the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) and the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Saskatchewan (ACS) were spun off as separate Crown corporations reporting directly to the deputy minister.

In 1999-2000, SCIC and ACS began reporting through the Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for the Programs and Services Division. In 1996, a slow phase-out of the ACS had been originally announced. It finally wound up 2001 and remaining staff were transferred to other positions within the department.

In the 2001-2002 fiscal year, the departmental functions split into four divisions from three - Programs and Services Division, Central Support Division, a new Policy and Financial Services Division which drew some functions from Central Support Division, and the Agricultural Development Division.

Note: While the name change was adopted for all purposes in 1989, the name of the department does not seem to have changed through legislation until the passage of The Department of Agriculture Amendment Act (S.S. 2000, c.40). The act was assented to June 27, 2000.

On March 26, 2002, the department merged with the Rural Revitalization Office and became the Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization. [The Department of Agriculture and Food Amendment Act, (S.S. 2002, c.17)] Several functions were transferred to other areas of government. On May 6, 2004, the department's name reverted back to the Department of Agriculture and Food, and was such until November 21, 2007 when it was named the Ministry of Agriculture [The Government Organization Act (S.S. 2007 c.6)]. It continues (2010) to be known as the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Province of Saskatchewan was created and given legislative powers by The Saskatchewan Act, 1905, 4-5 Edw. VII, c. 42. when it and the province of Alberta were formed from a portion of the North-West Territories. Formerly the North-West Territories as a whole had been governed by a territorial assembly that was limited in its powers.

Supreme power is constitutionally vested in the Crown, represented by the Lieutenant-Governor but decisions are made by the Members of the Legislative Assembly who are elected by the voters of the various electoral districts of Saskatchewan with an election held at least every five years.

The first General Election in Saskatchewan was held December 13, 1905 (polling in some portions of the Kinistino district was not held until January 3, 1906). Those Members elected formed the First Legislature, with the first session opening on March 29, 1906.

The legislative arm of government consists of: the Speaker who serves as the Assembly's presiding officer and is elected by the Members of the Legislative Assembly from their numbers; Members (MLA's - Members of the Legislative Assembly), elected one per constituency (seat) by the voting population of Saskatchewan; The Clerk and Staff of the Legislative Assembly Office.

Legislative Assembly staff fall under some of the following categories: Office of the Clerk, Legislative Counsel and Law Clerk, Broadcast Services, Hansard, Legislative Library, Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms. See GA 44 Legislative Assembly Office for a more complete description.

The offices of the Members and most of the support staff are located at the Legislative Assembly Building, known as The Leg (pronounced ledge) beside Wascana Lake in Regina.

As the highest elected body all Departments, Committees, Boards and Agencies of Government ultimately report to the Legislative Assembly.

The government and civil service of the North-West Territories was in an almost constant state of flux in the time period between the creation of the territory and the creation of the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan in 1905. Rail access to the Canadian west resulted in a population boom, primarily of those involved in farming who moved to the west to gain access to cheap agricultural land. The responsibilities of local government expanded as the population grew.

The Department of Public Works had become a catch-all for many activities but as the population expanded and responsibilities grew, some duties relating to agriculture once handled by the Department of Public Works were transferred to the Department of the Territorial Secretary. It quickly became obvious that these responsibilities were more than expected. On December 15, 1897, An Ordinance Respecting the Department of Agriculture received assent forming the Department of Agriculture.

James Hamilton Ross was serving as both Territorial Secretary and Commissioner of Public Works. Until the creation of the new department, the functions of the Department of Agriculture fell under those two offices. Upon its creation, he was also given the Agriculture portfolio. He held this portfolio until January 21, 1899.

He was followed as Commissioner by George Hedley Vicars Bulyea (January 21, 1899 to February 4, 1903) and William Elliot (February 4, 1903 to August 31, 1905).

On December 18, 1897, John Alexander Reid, Clerk of the Executive Council, was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture. The government felt that work relating to the department could be handled by Reid in connection with his office as Clerk. In June, six months later, the workload necessitated the temporary appointment of Charles Walter Peterson as a dedicated Deputy Commissioner and this position was confirmed on October 13, 1898. Peterson held the position until June 30, 1903. John Rothes Charles Honeyman took over as Deputy Commissioner on July 1, 1903 and held this post until August 31, 1905 (provincial status for Saskatchewan and Alberta).

The first annual report of the department was delivered in 1899. It described little of the accomplishments of the fledgling department but focused primarily on what could be accomplished by the fledgling agricultural industry if given support by government. It promoted the value of experimental farms including test irrigation, the importance of meteorological observations and the need for noxious weed ordinances.

Broad categories of departmental activities included reports on various livestock, registration of livestock brands, support for agricultural societies, fire suppression, wildlife and game and territorial hospitals.

The report for 1899-1900 included an expansion of activities relating to public health.

By 1900-1901, as individual clerks were given specific responsibilities, the roots of distinct branches could be seen:
Statistical - agricultural, meteorological, medical and vital statistics Brands - registration of cattle brands
Accountants - accounts, remittances and deposits
Agricultural Organizations - support for various farming and livestock groups
Records Branch - incoming and outgoing correspondence.

The Department continued until the creation of the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta in 1905 at which time responsibility devolved to the respective provincial jurisdictions.

The Agriculture Department already established in the North-West Territories was continued upon the formation of the new province of Alberta in 1905. The Agricultural Department Act officially established the Alberta Department of Agriculture in 1906 with the function and duties related to matters of agriculture, colonization, statistics, wildlife management, and public health, including hospitals.