Radiocommunication Regulations
Telecommunications Apparatus Regulations
Regulations Specifying Publicly Available Information
1. What is the purpose of this regulation?
The Radiocommunication Regulations are part of the regulatory framework used to manage the radio frequency spectrum in Canada with the objective of maximizing the social and economic benefits that Canadians derive from the use of this resource.
2. What are the key elements of this regulation?
Radiocommunication Regulations address radio authorizations, exemptions from authorizations and the operation of radio apparatus, radio-sensitive equipment and interference-causing equipment in Canada. The Regulations also set fees for radio licences, radio apparatus and examinations for radio operator certificates.
3. How does this regulation affect Canadian businesses?
The Radiocommunication Regulations affect business by regulating and establishing rules and procedures along with applicable fees relating to the following areas of radio spectrum management:
- Radio licenses;
- Broadcasting undertakings;
- Technical acceptance certification and compliance with applicable standards;
- Radio operator certificates;
- Requirements for the operation of radio apparatus.
4. What is the timeline for implementation?
The most recent amendments to the Radiocommunication Regulations were published in Part II of the Canada Gazette and came into effect on April 1, 2014.
5. Where can I get more information?
For more information please visit Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications homepage.
6. Additional FAQs , as appropriate SITT currently has a number of FAQs published on its website relating to various aspects of spectrum management:
- Low-power Licence-exempt Radiocommunication Devices — Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs ) on Radiofrequency ( RF ) Energy and Health
- Frequently Asked Questions (in support of CPC -2-0-03—Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems)
- Spectrum Direct® On-line Help
Telecommunications Apparatus Regulations
1. What is the status of the Telecommunications Apparatus Regulations?
Following the recent coming into force of amendments to the Telecommunications Act, the Telecommunications Apparatus Regulations (TARs) were rendered obsolete. The Terminal Apparatus Regulations are currently in the process of being repealed.
Regulations Specifying Publicly Available Information
1. What is the purpose of this regulation?
PIPEDA , the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, sets the rules private sector organizations must follow when collecting, using or disclosing personal information in the course of business. Generally, PIPEDA requires the consent of an individual whose personal information is collected, used or disclosed, however, there are exceptions to this requirement in section 7 of the Act. One such exception is for the collection, use or disclosure of "publicly available information", as defined in the regulations. Generally speaking, no consent is required as long as the collection, use and disclosure of such information relates directly to the purposes for which it was made publicly available.
2. What are the key elements of this regulation?
The Regulations create a list of publicly available personal information that is found, contained in or acquired from specified locations, in any format and specifies the circumstances under which each type of publicly available information may be collected, used or disclosed. The list contains five classes of information:
- personal information in a telephone directory where a subscriber can refuse to have his information appear;
- personal information in a professional or business directory where collection, use or disclosure relates to the purpose for which it is there;
- personal information in a statutorily authorized registry where there is a consistent collection, use and disclosure with purpose of the registry;
- a publicly available judicial or quasi-judicial record or document where there is consistency of purpose in the personal information collected, used or disclosed; and
- Where the individual has provided his own personal information that appears in a publication, a magazine, book or newspaper in print or electronic form.
3. How does this regulation affect Canadian businesses?
This regulation allows organizations to collect, use or disclose publicly available personal information in the course of commercial activity from the sources listed in the regulation, without the consent of the individual.
4. What is the timeline for implementation?
This regulation has already been passed and has been in force since 2001.
5. Where can I get more information?
More information can be obtained regarding Regulations Specifying Publicly Available Information from the ISED website, as well as on the website of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
6. Additional FAQs , as appropriate