Federal appointments and spectrum consultation

Summary#

This Canada Gazette issue (Part I, Vol. 157, No. 47) published November 25, 2023 lists a large set of federal appointments and notices. It also includes a consultation from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) on renewing certain radio spectrum licences, with comments due December 19, 2023, and a call from the Privy Council Office for applications to many Governor‑in‑Council positions.

What it does#

• Lists dozens of federal appointments and nominations. These include judges, members of tribunals and boards, and several provincial lieutenant governors and newly summoned senators.
• Announces ISED’s consultation titled SPB-002-23 that proposes to renew eligible spectrum licences in the frequency ranges 24.25–24.45 GHz, 25.05–25.25 GHz, and 37.6–40.0 GHz, and raises preliminary questions about changes to spectrum use in 24.25–26.5 GHz. It asks for written comments by December 19, 2023.
• Publishes a long list of open appointment opportunities being promoted by the Privy Council Office. These are Governor‑in‑Council positions across many federal organizations and agencies (examples include leadership roles at the Bank of Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and various commissions and boards).

Who's affected#

• People named in the appointment lists and the institutions that will gain new members (courts, tribunals, boards, and provincial offices).
• Holders of, or companies interested in, wireless spectrum in the listed bands — for example, mobile network operators, fixed‑wireless providers, equipment vendors and other telecommunications businesses.
• Canadians interested in applying for federal board or agency roles listed by the Privy Council Office.
• The general public insofar as appointments and spectrum decisions influence public services, court workloads, or telecom services.

Why it matters#

• Appointments change who makes decisions on courts, tribunals and public agencies. That can affect legal outcomes, how programs are run, and institutional priorities.
• The ISED spectrum consultation could shape how companies use those frequency bands for services such as 5G or fixed wireless. The outcome can affect network coverage, the pace of new wireless services, and competition.
• The Privy Council Office’s open calls are opportunities for Canadians to be considered for influential public roles; they also signal upcoming leadership changes across many federal bodies.