Radiocommunications

Act: Radiocommunication Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. R-2
Regulation: Radiocommunications Regulations, SOR/96-484 

To Whom Does This Apply?

Anyone who uses the radio waves (service providers and users) as well as manufacturers, importers, distributors of radio equipment, and those engaged in providing radiocommunication services to the public. 

Summary

The Radiocommunication Act governs the use of the radio frequency spectrum in Canada. The main purpose of the Act is to ensure the development and efficient operation of radiocommunication in Canada by managing the allocation of radio frequency spectrum for individuals and businesses who require radiocommunication systems or services.

Industry Canada manages the use and development of the radio frequency spectrum. The radio frequency spectrum is the basis for the Canadian radiocommunication and telecommunications industry and is also essential to broadcasting, mobile radio, satellite, cellular and public safety services.

The Radiocommunication Regulations govern the following: 

• licensing of radio apparatus for radiocommunication users and radiocommunication service providers;
• broadcast undertakings;
• technical acceptance certification and compliance with technical standards;
• radio operator certificates;
• requirements for the operation of radio apparatus;
• interference;
• privacy of communications;
• radio licence fees; and
• amateur radio service.

Through its district and regional offices, Industry Canada's Spectrum Management Operations provide radio station authorization and inspection, radio interference suppression and radio operator certification services to the general public.

The department's regional and district offices: 

• issue, renew and amend radio licenses for radio apparatus and certificates for professional and amateur radio station operators;
• assign radio frequencies to various users;
• monitor and inspect radio stations to ensure regulatory compliance;
• collect fees for radio licenses and services;
• investigate complaints concerning complex cases of interference caused by radio transmitters;
• provide information on spectrum programs;
• approve antenna sites, masts, towers and systems;
• test radio apparatus for regulatory compliance.

The following is a list of regional offices.
 

Atlantic Spectrum Regional Office Industry Canada 4th Floor 103-1045 Main Street Moncton, New Brunswick  E1C 1H1 Telephone: 506-851-6521 Fax: 506-851-7444 E-mail: spectrum.atlantic.region@ic.gc.ca	Quebec Regional Office Industry Canada 7th Floor 5 Place Ville-Marie Montréal, Quebec  H3B 2G2 Telephone: 514-496-1797 Fax: 514-283-5157 Toll-free (information): 1-888-237-3037 E-mail: spectre.region.quebec@ic.gc.ca
Ontario Regional Office Industry Canada 4th Floor 151 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario  M5C 2W7 Telephone: 416-973-5000 Fax: 416-973-6272 E-mail: spectrum-ontario-region@ic.gc.ca	Pacific Regional Office Industry Canada Suite 2000 300 West Georgia Street Vancouver, British Columbia  V6B 6E1 Telephone: 604-666-5000 Fax: 604-666-8330 E-mail: pacificreg.spectrum@ic.gc.ca
Prairie and Northern Region Industry Canada 4th Floor 400 St. Mary Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C 4K5 Telephone: 204-983-5851 Fax: 204-983-3182 / 204-984-4329 (Provincial Director Office / Bureau-directeur) E-mail: spectrum.wpg@ic.gc.ca

For a listing of district and sub-offices, please see below.

Note: Please refer to appropriate district and sub-offices listed below regarding the issuance of licenses for radio apparatus and of certificates of proficiency for radio operators, resolution of interference complaints, the inspection of radio stations and the enforcement of the Radiocommunication Act and its regulations.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this section is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. For particular questions, the users are invited to contact their lawyer. For additional information, see contact(s) listed below.

Manitoba Contact(s):
Manitoba District Office
Industry Canada
4th Floor
400 St. Mary Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C 4K5
Telephone: 204-983-5851
Fax: 204-984-6045
E-mail: spectrum.wpg@ic.gc.ca 

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National Contact(s):
Manager
Industry Canada
300 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0C8
Telephone: 613-990-4737