Industry Minister James Moore Approves Rule Changes to Reduce Red Tape and Decrease Fees for Using Canada's Radio Airwaves

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 14, 2014) - Industry Canada

Rule changes introduced by the Government will cut red tape for small businesses and reduce fees for radio licensees.

The changes announced today remove the ownership and control requirements that carriers already need to meet under the Telecommunications Act. Removing this unnecessary and repetitive rule will reduce paperwork, lowering the administrative burden for small businesses across Canada. Approximately 98 percent of wireless service providers are considered small businesses.

These improvements will also get rid of obsolete issuance and reinstatement fees, which is expected to save a total of $3 million per year for licensees. These licensees include businesses and first responders such as police, fire and ambulance services.

Quick fact

• The amendment eliminates duplicate ownership and control requirements, therefore counting as a "removed regulation" under the Harper Government's One-for-One Rule, which requires the Government to eliminate at least one regulation every time a new one is created.

Quote

"Today's announcement eliminates unnecessary rules for ordinary Canadians and small businesses that use Canada's radio airwaves. Our government is committed to breaking down barriers that exist for Canadian businesses to succeed. Today's announcement means that businesses can better focus on what they do best for Canada's economy: create jobs and economic growth."

- James Moore, Minister of Industry

Associated link

- Industry Canada: Regulations Amending the Radiocommunication Regulations

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