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location: 45 minutes west of "Hog Town" here - on a good day)
Mininiska - there is nothing YET as to everyone registering or requiring permission to fly (recreationally) up to 25kg. Having said that, and as you mentioned, if you are using a UAV/UAS for any form of work or research you are legally required to apply for and obtain an SFOC (safe flying operations certificate). There is presently an "exemption" up to 25kg weight of the UAV (for working with) that we can apply for and you must supply them with your usual personal info along with the s/n of your UAV, a description of what type of operation you will be using it for and the geographical boundaries you will be flying in (
basically registering them at that point).
As is right now the following applies (soon to change however).................

From everything I have read I believe that is all about to change sometime this year to include registration for all UAV's...........
In 2016, Transport Canada intends to introduce regulatory requirements for UAVs 25kgs or less that are operated within visual line-of-sight. The proposed regulatory amendments are intended to ensure the safe and reliable operation of UAVs in Canadian airspace and will:
- establish classifications including a proposal for the possibility of having a very small (lower threshold) category of aircraft;
- clarify terminology;
- establish aircraft marking & registration requirements;
- address personnel licensing & training;
- create flight rules
The SFOC will remain as far as I understand and to obtain that you must have completed an accredited and recognized flight/ground school in safe operation & maintenance of the UAV, airspace classification and structure, meteorological and NOTAM reporting services, interpretation of aeronautical charts and the Canada Flight Supplement applicable content of the Canadian Aviation Regulations
. You must also have a limited use license for RC and understanding of radio frequencies. You must pass an exam given at the course and even then it is dependent on the type of work you are using the UAV for (risk) whether they will issue you an SFOC.
I have completed one course with another to follow since I plan (hope) on adding to my business the Inspire 1 Pro or a Mattrice 100 combo with the new DJI Zenmuse XT Flir IR camera (whenever it comes out). With the info I have been getting however I don't know for certain just how much "red tape" will be involved as to the ever changing regulations and restrictions that are on the way. Adding this service to my existing commercial liability insurance coverage is quite another story - not to mention what WSIB may add as to cost --- more fingers in the pie lol.