{
  "node_id": "canada-radiocommunication-act",
  "title": "Canada Radiocommunication Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. R-2): Radio Authorization, Technical Standards and Offences",
  "domain": "Telecoms & Digital Infrastructure",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "last_updated": "2026-05-26",
  "bluf": "The Radiocommunication Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. R-2) governs the regulation of radio apparatus, the radio-frequency spectrum and radiocommunication in Canada, administered by the Minister of Industry through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Section 2 supplies the definitions, including radiocommunication (any transmission, emission or reception of intelligence by means of electromagnetic waves), radio apparatus and radio-sensitive equipment. Section 4 sets the core prohibitions: no person may install, operate or possess radio apparatus except under and in accordance with an authorization or a radio licence (with an exception for receive-only broadcasting apparatus), and no person may manufacture, import, distribute or offer for sale radio apparatus that does not meet the applicable technical standards or lacks the required technical acceptance certificate. Section 5 sets out the powers of the Minister, including issuing radio authorizations and spectrum licences, assigning frequencies, planning spectrum allocation, approving antenna sites, setting technical standards and addressing harmful interference. Section 9 sets out the offences, including causing harmful interference, sending false or fraudulent distress signals, and decoding an encrypted subscription programming signal without authorization. Section 10 provides the penalties, with summary conviction punishable by a fine of up to 5,000 dollars or one year imprisonment for an individual and up to 25,000 dollars for a corporation, and enhanced penalties of up to 20,000 dollars for an individual and 200,000 dollars for a corporation for encrypted-signal offences. The Act is the legal foundation of Canadian spectrum management and radio-equipment regulation.",
  "paywall": {
    "status": "LOCKED",
    "unlock_cost_usd": "0.01",
    "skyfire_id": "41779894-ece2-4163-9761-b3b1b76e19b0"
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  "crosswalks": {
    "_available_keys": [
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    "_note": "Full crosswalk values included in vault response"
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  "primary_citations_count": 8
}