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)

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, competition, copyright, patents and trade-marks and policies as they relate to internal trade. The goal of the branch is to ensure that the marketplace frameworks within its responsibility are modern, support competitive markets and adapted to new technologies and market conditions.

The Patent and Trade-mark Policy Directorate advises the Minister of Industry and senior departmental officials and the Minister of Industry on patent and trade-mark policy, and together with other interested federal departments, develops specific policy proposals and legislative initiatives in these areas. The directorate also represents Canada's intellectual property interests in these areas internationally.

The Copyright and International Intellectual Property Policy Directorate advises the Minister of Industry and senior departmental officials on copyright and international intellectual property matters other than patents and trade-marks, and together with other interested federal departments, develops specific policy proposals and legislative initiatives in these areas. The directorate represents Canada's international property interests internationally. It also works with Aboriginal communities to develop policy based on Traditional Knowledge.

The International Investment Policy and Branch Planning Directorate conducts research and advises on foreign investment and competition policy. The directorate develops policy proposals and legislative initiatives to ensure that Canada's investment regime attracts foreign investments while protecting Canada's interests. The directorate also provides a competition policy perspective on policy files for which Marketplace Framework Policy Branch is responsible, actively participates in competition policy discussions in international fora, and is a centre of expertise in the development of competition policy within the Government of Canada.

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. ERPA conducts short and medium term research in the areas of productivity, competitiveness, market structure, framework policies, business innovation, and sectoral trends and issues. ERPA also contributes to the medium-term planning process of the Department, and provides secretariat support for the department-wide Research Coordination Committee.

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 including: economic policy think tanks, the academic community, and other government departments. ERPA also organizes conferences, workshops and seminars throughout the year, and maintains a Working Paper Series, under which research papers produced by ERPA are published on the departmental website: ic.gc.ca/eic/site/eas-aes.nsf/eng/home.

ERPA has a dedicated staff of about 39 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 of Industry, Senior Management and the Industry Portfolio by providing policy advice on a range of key micro-economic policy issues in the international and domestic context. The branch is responsible for providing strategic policy leadership by managing and coordinating the departmental policy and planning process to ensure timely, informed and consistent decisions on department-wide policy priorities. The branch also provides Ministerial support for Cabinet.

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.

The Branch has led or contributed to some key telecom policy initiatives that have affected all Canadians, such as those below:

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. It 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.

Business and Regulatory Analysis (DBR)

The Business and Regulatory Analysis directorate (DBR) provides analysis of Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) telecommunications proceedings and responds to requirements for action by the Governor in Council. DBR is responsible for the Network Infrastructure element of Canada’s digital economy strategy. The directorate also provides advice on broadcasting issues where they converge with telecommunications policy.

Industry Framework Policy (DIF)

This Directorate (DIF) analyzes and reports on a number of issues including the financial position of the Canadian telecommunications industry, its evolving market structure, proposals for liberalization of foreign investment restrictions, inclusion of telecommunications commitments in trade agreements, as well as consumer issues, licensing of international submarine cables, rights-of-way, numbering, lawful access and public procurement of telecommunication services.

International Telecommunications Policy (DIT)

The International Telecommunications Policy and Coordination directorate (DIT) is responsible for analyzing issues to support development and coordination of international Canadian telecommunications policy and strategies. 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 — DIT 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. DIT also has a significant role in the oversight and governance of organizations such as the ITU.

DIT 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.

Radiocommunications Policy (DSRS)

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 Spectrum and Radio Policy directorate (DSRS) 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. DSRS 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. For further details about wireless policies, see Policies under Spectrum Management and Telecommunications.

Strategic Planning and Corporate Services

Strategic Planning and Corporate Services provides centralized corporate management and administrative services to both the Science and Innovation Sector and the Strategic Policy Sector. On behalf of its clients, the directorate administers sector budgets and finances, manages integrated business planning processes, reports to the Comptrollership and Administration Sector on financial and corporate management accountabilities, and provides direct support to talent management activities, including employee development, HR planning, and recruitment. By doing this, SPCS enables its clients to make sound business and people management decisions and meet their legal obligations.

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