Adam Scott is the Director General of Spectrum Policy at Innovation, Science and Economic Development. ISED is the federal government department that works with Canadians to improve conditions for investment, enhance Canada’s innovation performance, increase Canada’s share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace.
Adam is responsible for delivering key elements of the government’s Innovation Agenda, providing policy advice on wireless communications issues and running spectrum auctions. For many years, he developed government programs to improve broadband access in rural and remote parts of Canada, and advised the government on how to respond to CRTC decisions. Adam and his team drafted amendments to the Telecommunications Act that give the CRTC the power to impose monetary penalties on companies that break the rules and banned the practice of charging a fee for a paper bill. When asked “what do you do?” at cocktail parties, Adam’s answer is: I help people get high quality internet and phone service at reasonable prices.
Adam has worked at ISED (aka Industry Canada) since 2001, including an assignment as the director of International Telecom Policy. In that capacity, he was responsible for developing strategies for Canadian participation at various International Telecommunications Union fora and for advancing Canada’s internet governance policy. He served as Senior Advisor to Associate Deputy in 2009/10. Adam has also worked for Human Resources and Development Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Adam served for 4 years as an advisor to the board of CIRA, the not-for-profit, member-driven organization that manages Canada’s .CA domain name registry and supports Canada’s Internet community.
Adam is a graduate of the University of Waterloo. He lives in Ottawa with his wonderful wife and two adorable sons. He enjoys spending time in the outdoors and is a registered beekeeper. No, he is not a golfer.
