The Department of Western Economic Diversification was created by Statute 35-36-37 Elizabeth II, c. 17, and assented to on 8 June 1988, in force on 28 June 1988.
Pursuant to Order in Council P.C. 1987-1621 dated 4 August 1987, the appropriate Minister with respect to the Western Diversification Office was the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.