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Amendments to the Radiocommunication Regulations

Enabling act(s)

Radiocommunication Act

Description

The Radiocommunication Regulations are part of the regulatory framework used to manage the radio frequency spectrum in Canada. The objective of the amendments to the regulations is to improve clarity and ensure the accuracy of information in the regulations. More specifically, this proposal aims to:

  • update the static reference to the Licence-exempt Radio Apparatus Standards List, April 2020 in Section 15 to include newly published radio standards specifications;
  • repeal unused radio licence fees and related information in Part VIII and Schedule III;
  • provide clarifications in sections 15 and 47 related to earth stations conducting telemetry, telecommand and control (TT&C) functions in the amateur-satellite service and,
  • remove or update other obsolete and unnecessary references contained within and include other potential amendments to support modernizing and simplifying licensing processes.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

The proposal is unrelated to a work plan or commitment under a formal regulatory cooperation forum.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

Some of the proposed amendments are anticipated to be mainly administrative in nature and are not expected to have direct impacts. However, amendments that improve clarity, and modernize and simplify licensing processes that could improve efficiencies and reduce regulatory burden may generate positive outcomes for Canadians and/or Canadian businesses.

Consultations

Consultations are conducted with respect to the development or amendments of standards of licence-exempt radio apparatus that would be considered for incorporation by reference in the regulations. Consultations were also undertaken with respect to new fee frameworks which have replaced the radio licence fees to be repealed. Other amendments may be administrative in nature and not require consultation or be subject to upcoming consultations.

Departmental contact information

Senior Director 
Spectrum Operations Directorate
Spectrum Management Operations Branch 
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 
235 Queen Street, 6th Floor, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H5 
Telephone: (613) 220-0976
Email: spectrumregulatory-reglementationduspectre@ised-isde.gc.ca 

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

September 2025

Radiocommunication Act Jammer Exemption Order for Certain Law Enforcement Agencies

Enabling act(s)

Radiocommunication Act, subsection 14(1)

Description

Certain law enforcement agencies require the ability to use radiocommunication jammers to meet their lawful mandates related to public safety and national security and to ensure the safety of their employees and the general public. The Radiocommunication Act (the RA) prohibits jammer-related activities in Canada but provides the Minister of Industry with the authority to exempt, by order, persons or entities from these prohibitions. These regulatory jammer exemption orders may only be issued for the purposes outlined in subsection 14(1) of the RA, such as those related to the mandates of law enforcement agencies.

To date, jammer exemption orders have been granted to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and certain correctional institutions on a pilot basis.

The objective of this regulatory proposal is to exempt employees of certain law enforcement agencies who are required to carry out specific jammer-related activities as part of their duties or training from the jammer-related prohibitions in the RA, subject to terms and conditions. This exemption would also extend to classes of persons and entities participating in the procurement of jammers on behalf of these agencies as well as suppliers and subcontracted suppliers of goods and services related to jammers for these agencies.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

The proposal is unrelated to a work plan or commitment under a formal regulatory cooperation forum.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed exemption aims to strengthen public safety by enabling law enforcement agencies to mitigate threats involving illicit communications, drones, or other radio-enabled devices. The exemption will be subject to conditions to ensure that unintended interference with the radiofrequency spectrum is minimized and that ISED retains the ability to effectively manage the spectrum for the benefit of all Canadians.

The exemption is not anticipated to impose burdens on Canadian businesses, though equipment suppliers may be indirectly affected through procurement with respect to jammers or jammer-related services.

Consultations

Targeted engagement is ongoing with law enforcement agencies and other key stakeholders to refine ISED's proposed approach, including associated conditions and safeguards.

The proposed regulation is planned for a 30-day pre-publication period in Part I of the Canada Gazette website to allow for public comment.

Further information

Departmental contact information

Senior Director
Spectrum Operations Directorate
Spectrum Management Operations Branch
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
235 Queen Street, 6th Floor, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H5
Telephone: (613) 220-0976
Email: spectrumregulatory-reglementationduspectre@ised-isde.gc.ca 

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

April 2026

Radiocommunication Act Jammer Exemption Order for Suppliers

Enabling act(s)

Radiocommunication Act, subsection 14(1)

Description

There is a need to enable a tightly controlled regime for the manufacture, importation, possession, testing, servicing and transfer of radiocommunication jammers by suppliers (e.g., manufacturers, distributors, and accredited testing/integration facilities) in Canada. The Radiocommunication Act (the RA) prohibits jammer-related activities in Canada but provides the Minister of Industry with the authority to exempt, by order, persons or entities from these prohibitions. These regulatory jammer exemption orders are subject to terms and conditions and may only be issued for the purposes outlined in subsection 14(1) of the RA, such as public safety and national security.

To date, jammer exemption orders have been granted to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and certain correctional institutions on a pilot basis. The intent of this proposal is to enable legitimate supply chain activities that support public safety clients who have received a Ministerial jammer exemption order while preserving strong safeguards against harmful interference.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

The proposal is unrelated to a work plan or commitment under a formal regulatory cooperation forum.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed exemption may pose impacts on businesses and, as such, the small business lens and the One-for-One Rule may apply. Suppliers and subcontracted suppliers may experience costs to comply with the conditions of the proposed Order. ISED expects that costs experienced by suppliers would be minor compared to the financial benefits they may derive from an ability to provide specific jammer-related goods and services that they would otherwise not be able to engage in. The objective of the supplier exemption order is to enable a highly regulated domestic ecosystem. That means creating pathways for Canadian companies to conduct research, testing, manufacturing and sales — but within a controlled framework.

Consultations

Targeted engagement with suppliers is ongoing to refine operational conditions and safeguards. The proposed regulation is planned for a 30-day pre-publication period in Part I of the Canada Gazette website to allow for public comment.

Further information

Departmental contact information

Senior Director
Spectrum Operations Directorate
Spectrum Management Operations Branch
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
235 Queen Street, 6th Floor, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H5
Telephone: (613) 220-0976
Email: spectrumregulatory-reglementationduspectre@ised-isde.gc.ca 

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

April 2026

Consult ISED's acts and regulations web page for:

  • a list of acts and regulations administered by ISED
  • further information on ISED's implementation of government-wide regulatory management initiatives

Consult the following for links to the Cabinet Directive on Regulation and supporting policies and guidance, and for information on government-wide regulatory initiatives implemented by departments and agencies across the Government of Canada:

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit:

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