Department Structure

Strategic Policy Sector (SPS)

The Strategic Policy Sector leads the Department in economic policy by achieving excellence in applied economic research and analysis; providing policy advice based on a strong analytical foundation; and engaging with think tanks, leaders and academics to bring new perspectives into policy discussions.

• Marketplace Framework Policy Branch (MFPB)
• Economic Research and Policy Analysis Branch (ERPA)
• Strategic Policy Branch (SP)
• Telecommunications Policy Branch
• Strategic Planning and Corporate Services

---

Marketplace Framework Policy Branch (MFPB)

The Marketplace Framework Policy Branch is responsible for the development and coordination of policies, laws and regulations in the areas of corporate and insolvency law, foreign investment, copyright, patents and trade-marks, international intellectual property, traditional knowledge and policies as they relate to internal trade.

The Branch supports departmental and government priorities by ensuring that Canada's marketplace frameworks help promote competitive markets and instill consumer confidence. The Branch achieves these objectives by assessing the need for legislative, regulatory and policy improvement; monitoring domestic and international developments; undertaking research and consulting with stakeholders; facilitating the legislative process and working to enhance public and stakeholder understanding; and by participating in international discussions and negotiations in its areas of responsibility.

Economic Research and Policy Analysis Branch (ERPA)

The Economic Research and Policy Analysis Branch (ERPA) conducts and disseminates economic research and policy analysis in areas under the purview of Industry Canada, in support of the policy development process. In carrying out these activities, ERPA consults other areas of the department, other government departments and external economic think-tanks, as appropriate. ERPA targets its research on topics that are relevant to current government priorities, such as the future of Canada's telecommunications sector, the evolution of the automotive industry, business innovation and commercialization, and how Canadian firms can move up the global value chain. ERPA also contributes to the medium-term planning process of the Department.

To help foster an evidence-based dialogue on policy issues of the Canadian economy, ERPA ensures that its research is broadly circulated and maintains an ongoing discussion with external stakeholders. It runs a Working Paper Series, under which research papers produced by the Branch are published on the departmental website. It organizes conferences, workshops and seminars throughout the year, and consults, as needed, with economic policy think tanks, the academic community and other levels of government. The Branch represents the Department at meetings of the Government of Canada's Policy Research Initiative and at meetings of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

ERPA also provides secretariat support for a department-wide research coordinating committee, the Economic Research Advisory Committee, and organizes policy seminars to help disseminate research results and policy analysis within the department.

ERPA has a dedicated staff of about 40 professional researchers, the majority of which hold masters or doctoral degrees in economics. The Director General of ERPA is also Industry Canada's Chief Economist.

Strategic Policy Branch (SP)

The Strategic Policy Branch supports the Minister, senior management and the Department by providing analysis and advice on micro-economic policy framework issues. It is responsible for strategic policy leadership, within Industry Canada and interdepartmentally, with respect to the micro-economic policy agenda. The Branch leads the Department's policy priority planning, including transition and Speech from the Throne and Budget work. Support is also provided through the management of the Department's internal policy-making apparatus as well as Cabinet briefings. The Branch also leads Industry Canada-wide initiatives of a horizontal nature, such as skills, immigration, standards, environment and corporate social responsibility, and provides strategic policy advice on initiatives championed by other departments that relate to Industry Canada's mandate. In addition, Strategic Policy Branch has the mandated lead for developing and monitoring implementation of the Department's tri-annual Sustainable Development Strategy.

The International and Intergovernmental Affairs Directorate acts as Industry Canada's central point of contact for other government departments and outside clients, and prepares advice to the Minister and Deputy Minister on broad international and intergovernmental issues that cut across the responsibilities of the department's sectors.

Telecommunications Policy Branch

Communications is a $50-billion-a-year industry in Canada, driving innovation, economic growth and connectedness across the country. It encompasses wired and wireless voice services, data services, broadcast distribution and forms of new media such as social networking and online video. The goal of telecommunications policy is to ensure a competitive and innovative industry that meets the needs of Canadian consumers and businesses.

The Telecommunications Policy Branch formulates policies, recommendations, regulations and legislation governing and promoting the development and efficient operation and competitiveness of the telecommunications facilities and services required by Canadians for national and international communications, including the present and future use of the radio frequency spectrum and use of geostationary orbits.

The Branch develops policy proposals related to the structure of the telecommunications services industry and to the development and use of Canadian national and international telecommunications facilities and networks, including radio licensing policies and technical standards. As well, it assumes policy development, coordination and representational functions in multilateral and bilateral telecommunications negotiations; develops business and regulatory policy proposals affecting the telecommunications industry, new media and the Internet, including regulatory reform proposals; and develops analysis and recommendations respecting the possible review of regulatory decisions by the Governor in Council.

The Telecommunications Policy Branch is responsible for the exercise of the government's responsibilities under the Telecommunications Act and for those powers under the Radiocommunication Act that relate to the allocation of radio spectrum.

Business and Regulatory Analysis

The Business and Regulatory Analysis directorate is responsible for ensuring that Canada's telecommunications policy and regulatory framework reflects changing marketplace and technological developments, in order to meet needs of both consumers and industry. Key objectives include promoting competition and innovation, and ensuring universal and affordable access to telecommunications services. The directorate provides analysis of Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) telecommunications proceedings and responds to requirements for action by the Governor in Council. It also provides advice on broadcasting and convergence issues.

Telecommunications Framework Policy

The business and regulatory environment for telecommunications is constantly evolving. The Telecommunications Policy Branch analyses the impact of advances in technology, changes in market conditions and new regulatory decisions to help determine what government action might be required to meet the social and economic objectives of Canada's telecommunication policy.

The Branch is responsible for ensuring that Canada's telecommunications policy and regulatory framework reflects changing marketplace and technological developments, in order to meet the needs of both consumers and industry. Key objectives include promoting competition and innovation, and ensuring universal and affordable access to telecommunications services. The Branch also provides analysis of CRTC telecommunications proceedings and decisions, and responds to requirements for action by the Governor in Council. It also provides advice on broadcasting and convergence issues.

The Branch also develops and maintains framework policies for telecommunications, in regards to trade, foreign ownership and investment, consumer issues, submarine cables, rights-of-way, network interconnection, numbering, lawful access and public procurement of telecommunication services. The Branch also provides telecommunications market intelligence and policy analysis.

Telecom framework policy is the responsibility of the Industry Framework Policy directorate and the Business and Regulatory Analysis directorate, which are part of the Telecommunications Policy Branch.

The Branch has led or contributed to some key telecom policy initiatives that have affected all Canadians, some of which are described below.

Direction to the CRTC on Implementing the Canadian Telecommunications Policy Objectives

In 2006, the government issued a policy direction — Order Issuing a Direction to the CRTC on Implementing the Canadian Telecommunications Policy Objectives — aimed primarily at reducing unnecessary regulation and at streamlining those regulations that were to remain. A policy direction is a formal tool available to the government under the Telecommunications Act to provide telecommunications policy guidance to the CRTC. The 2006 order marked the first time this power was used. The order called on the CRTC to rely on market forces to the maximum extent feasible to achieve telecommunications policy objectives, to regulate in as non-intrusive a manner as possible when regulation is deemed to be required and to launch a review of its regulatory framework and processes. Further information, including the complete text of the order, is available online.

Deregulation of Local Telephone Service

Both the government and the CRTC are committed to eliminating unnecessary regulation. In markets where competition is strong enough to protect the interests of consumers, efforts have been made to reduce the regulatory burden. For example, prices for long distance telephone calls, Internet access and wireless phone services are not regulated. In recent years, the government has worked with the CRTC to deregulate local phone service in areas where competitors are present. This deregulatory approach frees companies to compete on price and to offer discounted bundles of services, while ensuring that basic stand-alone local service remains affordable. In areas where competitors are not present, local phone service rates remains regulated.

The Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services

The government considered that an independent agency with a mandate to resolve complaints from individual and small business customers should be an integral part component of a deregulated telecommunications market. The Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services was established and is an independent agency with a mandate to receive, to facilitate the resolution of and, if necessary, to resolve eligible consumer and small business complaints relating to certain retail telecommunications services.

National Do Not Call List

The Telecommunications Policy Branch contributed to the amendments to the Telecommunications Act that seek to reduce the volume of unsolicited telemarketing calls Canadians receive. The amendments provide the CRTC with the ability to establish a National Do Not Call List, which became operational in September 2008. Anyone wishing to register should visit the website.

International Telecommunications Policy

The Telecommunications Policy Branch is responsible for analyzing issues to support development and coordination of international Canadian telecommunications policy and strategies. It negotiates multilateral and bilateral government-to-government treaty-binding agreements for Canada, pertaining in particular to the International Telecommunication Union. The Branch promotes and defends Canadian interests and objectives in international negotiations and discussions pertaining to telecommunications and spectrum policy. It also coordinates and develops Canadian policies on Internet governance, and ensures that Canada's views and interests are put forward in the development of global and domestic Internet policy, particularly those associated with the Internet's Domain Name System.

Representing Canada's interest in international telecommunication policy

Through representation in a number of international bilateral and multilateral forums — such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Telecommunications and Information Working Group, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, the International Mobile Satellite Organization, the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization, and the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission — the Telecommunications Policy Branch coordinates and negotiates Canadian government and industry positions, encourages discussion of international marketplace issues and the impact of emerging technologies, and facilitates trade policy issues in the international telecommunication arena. It also has a significant role in the oversight and governance of organizations such as the ITU. With regard to matters related to the ITU, it serves as lead coordinator. The Branch also has the responsibility for chairing all national committees of the Canadian National Organization for the ITU dealing with all facets of ITU work in an effort to develop coherent and defensible Canadian proposals and positions at international meetings, conferences and assemblies.

Radiocommunications Policy

The radio frequency spectrum is a unique resource that provides access for Canadians to a range of private, commercial, consumer, defence, national security, scientific and public safety applications. The radio frequency spectrum is divided into different bands that are used by a variety of communications services including broadcasting, cellular, satellite, public safety and two-way radio. It is the Government of Canada's responsibility to decide how it is to be managed to best meet the growing and diverse needs of Canadians.

The Telecommunications Policy Branch is responsible for managing the allocation of the radio frequency spectrum and its use. Its mandate includes developing policies on radio services and facilities, such as advanced mobile telephones, satellites, microwave systems, public safety communications, subscriber wireless access and consumer products. The Branch is also responsible for ensuring that consideration is given in the provision of the radiocommunication services to competition, safety and security, harmonization with international allocations, flexibility, social and economic benefits, and market force issues.

Spectrum and radio services policy is managed by the Spectrum and Radio Policy directorate, which is part of the Telecommunications Policy Branch. For further details about wireless policies, see Policies under Spectrum Management and Telecommunications.

Auction of Advanced Wireless Services

The most recent accomplishment in wireless policy by the Branch was the successful Advanced Wireless Services spectrum auction that ran from May to July 2008, which raised $4.3 billion and should encourage competition among cellphone service providers. The auction released 105 megahertz of radio spectrum, which can provide access to a growing range of innovative wireless applications. It enables next-generation technologies, such as high-speed Internet and video, and provides faster access for mobile phones and other hand-held devices. See Spectrum Auctions for further details.

In advance of the auction, the Telecommunications Policy Branch was responsible for ensuring that consideration was given to the current state of the wireless market, levels of competition and industry structure, barriers to entry and the applicable legislation, including the Radiocommunication Act, the Telecommunications Act and the Competition Act, as they apply to the largely deregulated wireless market. Specific measures were carefully considered to address the concerns expressed by both potential new entrants and incumbent operators, and the interests of consumers. The policy measures were consistent with the government's policy to rely on market forces to the maximum extent feasible.

Strategic Planning and Corporate Services

Strategic Planning and Corporate Services provides centralized corporate management and administrative services to the Science and Innovation and Strategic Policy sectors. The directorate manages the development of integrated, strategic business, financial and human resources plans and reports for both sectors; provides advice to sector management on corporate matters; plays a stewardship role for sector resources and finances; and is the central point of contact between both sectors and departmental corporate service providers such as the Human Resources Branch, the Comptrollership and Administration Sector and the Chief Informatics Office.