Canada
Canada runs daily HF traffic nets (TPN, ONTARS) and a coast-to-coast IRLP net, and RAC sponsors ARES and the National Traffic System just as the ARRL does south of the border.
Spectrum regulator — the FCC equivalent
ISED
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
ISED (formerly Industry Canada) is the FCC equivalent — it issues amateur certificates and callsigns.
National amateur society
RAC
Radio Amateurs of Canada
Exams, band plans and the club network — the local counterpart to the ARRL.
Emergency communications
ARES Canada
RAC-sponsored Amateur Radio Emergency Service groups working with provincial emergency management.
Visit ARES CanadaNets in Canada
No nets published for Canada yet. We add them once a national society or regulator source confirms the schedule and frequency.
Times are as published locally. Club and branch nets shift frequency and time more often than national broadcasts — always check the source link before you tune up.
Licence-free radio here
Notes and gotchas
- Important difference from the US: in Canada both FRS and GMRS are licence-free, so combined FRS/GMRS radios can be used without a licence.
- High-power FRS channels 1-7 and 15-22 run up to 2 W; channels 8-14 stay at 0.5 W.
Official links
Certificates, callsign management, RIC documents and the Canadian band plan.
The standard covering licence-exempt equipment, including FRS/GMRS hand-helds.
Exams and accreditation, ARES, the National Traffic System and provincial sections.