Canada’s amateur radio service is governed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) under the Radiocommunication Act. Unlike commercial or personal radio services (e.g., FRS/GMRS), ham radio has unique rules tailored for licensed operators. This guide covers:
- ISED’s exclusive regulations for hams
- License types (Basic/Advanced)
- Dos & Don’ts
- Penalties for violations
Ham Radio Regulations in Canada: Key Rules
The following rules apply only to licensed amateur operators (not public users):
Legal Requirements
✔ Licensing: Transmitting without an ISED-issued amateur license is illegal (RBR-4, Section 3).
✔ Call Signs: Announce your full call sign (e.g., VE3ABC) at:
- Start/end of communication
- Every 30 minutes during prolonged exchanges (RIC-3, Section 4)
✔ Logkeeping: Maintain a station log with: - Date/time
- Frequency/Mode
- Call signs contacted (RBR-4, Section 6.2)
Technical Restrictions
✔ Power Limits:
- Basic: 250W PEP
- Advanced: 1,000W PEP (except where lower limits apply, e.g., 60m band)
✔ Band Plans: Operate only within ISED-allocated amateur bands (e.g., 144–148 MHz for 2m).
✔ No Encryption: All communications must be decipherable by the public (RBR-4, Section 5.4).
Prohibited Activities
✖ Commercial Use: Cannot transmit ads or conduct business (Radiocommunication Act, Section 9).
✖ Broadcasting: No music, news feeds, or one-way transmissions (RIC-3, Section 5).
✖ Interference: Must avoid disrupting other services (e.g., emergency, aviation).
Special Canadian Rules
1. 60m Band (5.330–5.405 MHz)
- 5 channelized frequencies only
- Max 100W ERP
- Priority: Yield to government users (RBR-4, Annex A)
2. Third-Party Traffic
- Allowed within Canada
- International: Restricted to countries with reciprocal agreements (ITU Region 2 rules)
3. Antenna Restrictions
- Municipal bylaws may apply (e.g., height limits), but ISED protects hams from unreasonable restrictions (RBR-4, Section 8).
Penalties for Violations
ISED monitors the airwaves and may:
- Issue warnings
- Suspend licenses
- Impose fines up to $25,000 (for repeat offenders)
Real Case (2021): A BC operator lost their license for persistent interference on marine emergency channels.
Dos & Don’ts for Canadian Hams
Do:
✅ Use phonetics for clarity (e.g., “VE3 Alpha Bravo Charlie”).
✅ Monitor 146.520 MHz (national 2m calling frequency).
✅ Join Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) for updates.
Don’t:
❌ Modify radios to transmit outside amateur bands.
❌ Engage in political debates or obscene language.
❌ Ignore emergency traffic (always yield to “Mayday” calls).
Final Thought
“Ham radio is a privilege, not a right. Follow the rules, and you’ll enjoy decades of trouble-free operating.”
Need Help?
- Download ISED’s RBR-4 Official PDF
- Explore our Canadian License Study Guide
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