OSFI Insurance Limits, ISED Spectrum, Trade Consultations

Summary#

This issue of the Canada Gazette (Part I, Vol. 157, No. 1) collects several federal notices from late 2022 and early 2023. It includes public consultations on a possible Canada–Ecuador trade agreement, a set of radio-spectrum decisions and technical publications from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), a temporary change to insurance firms’ investment and lending limits by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), and a list of government appointments and appointment opportunities.

What it does#

• Asks Canadians for input on possible free-trade negotiations with Ecuador, run by Global Affairs Canada. Written submissions were invited by February 21, 2023.
• Publishes several radio and spectrum decisions and technical documents from ISED, including:
  • SMSE-012-22 — decisions on technical and policy rules for devices in the 5850–5895 MHz and 5895–5925 MHz bands.
  • SMSE-015-22 — release of certification and database specifications such as Radio Standards Specification RSS-248, Issue 2, Database Specifications DBS-06, Issue 1, and CPC-4-1-02, Issue 1, plus an amendment to RSS-139, Issue 4.
  • SMSE-017-22 — updates to the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations (2022 edition).
  • SMSE-018-22 — decisions on the technical and policy framework for frequency bands above 95 GHz.
• Announces a temporary Specification from OSFI that raises certain regulatory investment, lending and borrowing limits for federally regulated property and casualty insurers because of the upcoming accounting change to IFRS 17:
  • New interim limits include 2.5%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 31.25%, and 43.75% of total assets (various limits described in the Specification).
  • The Specification came into force on January 1, 2023 and ends on December 31, 2024.
• Lists numerous Governor-in-Council appointments and public openings for appointment applications across federal boards, tribunals and agencies.

Who's affected#

• Exporters, importers, small businesses and advocacy groups (including women, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQI+, people with disabilities, youth and racialized communities) who may want to give input on a potential Canada–Ecuador free trade agreement.
• Companies that make or use wireless equipment, telecommunications and broadcasting firms, and businesses developing connected-vehicle and intelligent-transportation systems. These groups will watch the ISED spectrum decisions and new technical rules.
• Federally regulated property and casualty insurance companies. The OSFI Specification temporarily raises how much they can invest, lend or borrow relative to assets while they adjust to IFRS 17.
• Canadians interested in public service leadership roles. The appointments listing shows vacancies and current appointees for many boards and tribunals.

Why it matters#

• Trade consultations shape what a future Canada–Ecuador agreement might cover. Businesses that sell goods or services overseas could gain new market access if negotiations proceed.
• The ISED decisions set technical and certification rules that affect which wireless devices and services can operate and under what conditions. That can influence the rollout of consumer Wi‑Fi gear, industrial wireless systems, and connected-vehicle technologies.
• OSFI’s temporary increase of insurance limits aims to prevent short-term regulatory non-compliance caused by the switch to IFRS 17. That gives insurers time to adjust without forcing quick asset sales, which helps protect policyholders and financial stability.
• The appointments and open calls show who will help govern public programs and regulate key sectors. These choices can influence policy direction and oversight in areas like transport, culture, finance and human rights.