Radiocommunication rules: certificates and standards updated

Summary#

These are final changes to the Radiocommunication Regulations made by SOR/2020-278. The rules mainly clean up old references, update a technical standards list, and remove certificates and fees that the government no longer uses. The amendments came into force on December 16, 2020 and were published in the Canada Gazette on December 23, 2020. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) led the changes.

What it does#

• Updates the static reference to the Licence-exempt Radio Apparatus Standards List, April 2020 so the regulations point to more recent technical standards for equipment that does not need a radio licence.
• Removes references to several radio operator certificates that are no longer issued or recognised, including certificates for land, maritime and older first‑ and second‑class operator credentials.
• Treats an old Morse Code (12 w.p.m.) qualification as equivalent to the Basic Qualification with Honours, so people who hold the old Morse code qualification can continue to operate.
• Removes fees and exam references for certificates that are no longer administered by the department.
• Changes wording so the Minister must order a person to stop or change operation of equipment when it is necessary for orderly and efficient radiocommunication (removes ambiguity about when orders can be made).
• Repeals several small, obsolete sections and schedule items that referred to the removed certificates and fees.

Who's affected#

• Radio hobbyists and licensed amateurs (amateur radio operators) — mainly because of the certificate and exam changes and the explicit equivalence for older Morse code holders.
• Manufacturers and sellers of licence‑exempt radio devices — because the technical standards list the regulations point to has been updated.
• People or organisations involved in maritime or commercial radio operations who might have relied on older certificates that are no longer issued.
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and exam bodies — they will update web pages and procedures to match the new rules.

If it’s unclear whether a specific certificate or fee change applies to you, ISED’s website has details and lists of current valid certificates and accredited examiners.

Why it matters#

• It removes confusion. Outdated certificate names and exam fees were left in the regulations and could mislead people about what is required today.
• It brings the technical standard reference up to date so devices that don’t need a licence follow current technical rules. That affects the kinds of equipment sold and used without a licence.
• It protects people who earned older qualifications (like the Morse code one) by recognising an equivalent current qualification.
• It reduces uncertainty about interference enforcement by clarifying when the Department can order operations stopped or altered to keep Canada’s radio systems working well.