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Yes, I said Licensing.

While browsing another Scanning Forum, I came across a feed about a Retailer in Nova Scotia being scolded by an RCMP officer for not telling his customers that Digital Scanner required licenses.  It took a few days for the getleman to confirm the information, and a little longer for Industry Canada to post the related information.

So that you all may judge for yourself, here are the appropriate Industry Canada links:

Gazette Notice SMSE-001-09 -- http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.ns ... 09511.html

RSS-135 - Digital Scanner Receivers -- http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.ns ... 01065.html

RSS-215 - Analogue Scanner Receivers -- http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.ns ... 01943.html

Everything you wanted to know about cellular radiotelephones and privacy...
... but were afraid to ask! -- http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.ns ... 01497.html

As I posted in the other forum, I suspect the Cellular issue may be the main reason for the push.  However, there are very few scanners that receive cellular because the US had enough sense to just outlaw listening to radio phone conversations.

I had always thought that the laws about not profitting from what is heard was enough for our country.  But, it seems that possessing a scanner, with the wrong talk groups in it now qualifies.

And, for clarification, Analog Scanners do not require a license.  And Ham operators, with their appropriate license, may monitor digital ham frequencies.

I have to admit, though. I have been using my scanner listening to poh-leece for personal gain, although not financially. When I hear there is an accident somewhere, I stay the hell away from it. If the cops were digital in my area, I would be required to add to the collection of cars that are bothering them.

Also, note that in the Gazette Notice is an email address to forward comments about the changes.  I will be sending mine.  It will probably be a waste, but I'm allowed my say.

From what I understand, there is no such thing as a digital scanner license. You cannot get one, hence it cannot be enforced.

The link to the license that they are using that was in the other post is:

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/vwapj/ic2365bb-e.pdf/$FILE/ic2365bb-e.pdf

It is not a specific Scanner License.

Oh, and the other group is wondering how enforcable the law will be.

From what I understand, there is no such thing as a digital scanner license. You cannot get one, hence it cannot be enforced.

Or perhaps, hence you can't have one.

Dick