Department of Labour

The Department of Labour came into existence with the passing of the Conciliation Act of 1900. The original objectives of the Department were the preparation and publication of the "Labour Gazette"; settlement of industrial disputes under the terms of the Conciliation Act; promotion of fair wage payment and proper conditions; and administration of the Alien Labour Acts. Initially, the administration of the Department was the responsibility of the Postmaster General, until 1909, when the Office of the Minister of Labour was established under a separate Cabinet portfolio. Additional responsibilities have been added to the Department over the years. It was involved in the creation of a system of national employment offices after 1918; and after 1926, in the implementation of Canada's first old age pension plan. In 1940, the Department began to administer unemployment insurance. After 1945, it became increasingly involved in the creation, planning, and administration of the Canada Labour Code. (Taken from: "Government Archives Division: General Guide Series." Ottawa: Library and Archives Canada, 1991.)