Doing Business in Canada: Drone Regulations for Businesses

As drones, formally referred to as remotely piloted aircraft, become increasingly integrated into industries ranging from construction, infrastructure and real estate to surveying, media and logistics, businesses operating in Canada need to understand the regulatory framework governing their use.

Drone operations in Canada are primarily regulated federally by Transport Canada under the Aeronautics Act and Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (“CARs”). Depending on the business model, the Canadian Transportation Agency (“CTA”) may also regulate services involving the transportation of goods by drone. Businesses must also consider applicable privacy, property, provincial and municipal requirements. Following amendments to Canada’s drone regulations that became effective on November 4, 2025, Canada’s framework now permits medium-drone operations and certain lower-risk beyond visual line-of-sight (“BVLOS”) operations without a Special Flight Operations Certificate (“SFOC”).