Government Appointments and Spectrum Consultation

Summary#

This Canada Gazette issue (Part I, Vol. 157, No. 47) published on November 25, 2023 lists a number of government appointments and notices. It includes a consultation by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on renewing certain spectrum licences (document SPB-002-23) and an open call from the Privy Council Office for applications to many Governor in Council positions.

What it does#

• Lists many new or announced public appointments made through the Office of the Registrar General, including judicial and other federal posts.
• Announces that Her Excellency the Governor General has summoned several people to the Senate.
• Publishes SPB-002-23, a consultation from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada that proposes to renew eligible 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 in 24.25–26.5 GHz.
  • Requests written comments by December 19, 2023.
  • Gives an email address for submissions and says comments will be posted publicly after the deadline.
• Notes that the Privy Council Office is accepting applications for many Governor in Council appointment opportunities (a long list of boards, commissions, and leadership posts).

Who's affected#

• People named in the appointments and the institutions they join (courts, tribunals, boards).
• The individuals summoned to the Senate.
• Holders of current spectrum licences in the listed 24 GHz and 38 GHz bands, and companies or groups with an interest in those frequencies (telecom and wireless service providers, equipment makers, and other spectrum users).
• Canadians interested in applying for the many Governor in Council positions announced by the Privy Council Office.

Why it matters#

• Appointments change who runs courts, agencies, and public bodies; that can affect how those institutions operate.
• The spectrum consultation matters for businesses planning wireless services (for example, high‑capacity fixed wireless or 5G‑related uses) because renewal rules and any band changes influence access to and long‑term certainty for these radio frequencies.
• The call for applicants to many federal boards and agencies is a chance for professionals and community leaders to shape public institutions.