On Dec 21 2016 Transport Canada released new updated Guidance Material for Operating Unmanned Air Vehicle Systems under an Exemption in Advisory Circular AC 600-004, which can be found here – https://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/ca-opssvs/AC-600-004.pdf

The following provides a summary overview of the key elements of the new exemptions.  For full details always reference the Transport Canada document noted above.

EXEMPTION REQUIREMENTS FOR UAVS 1KG OR LESS

• Maximum take-off weight of 1 kilogram or less
• Operated within visual line-of-sight.
• Not operate the UAV further than one-quarter (¼) nautical mile from the location from which the pilot is operating the UAV.
• Minimum of 18 years of age, or be at least 16 years of age and conducting research under the supervision of an academic institution.
• Have no less than $100,000 in liability insurance coverage pertaining to the operation of the UAV system.
• Not use a first person view device.
• Operate no more than one UAV at any one time.
• Below 300 feet above ground level (AGL).
• Only operate a UAV in Class G airspace.
• During daylight hours.
• Not operate a UAV within or over a forest fire area, or over any area that is located within five nautical miles of a forest fire area.
• At least five (5) nautical miles away from the centre of any aerodrome.
• At least three (3) nautical miles away from the centre of any heliport.
• Not operate a UAV over or within a built up area.
• Lateral distance of at least 100 feet away from any building, structure, vehicle, vessel, animal or person unless: (a) The building, structure, vehicle, vessel or animal is the subject of the aerial work; and (b) Only persons inherent to the operation are present.
• Not operate a UAV over or within an open-air assembly of persons.
• Under visual meteorological conditions, clear of cloud with not less than two (2) statute miles ground visibility.
• The pilot have the appropriate knowledge, training on the UAV system and qualifications for the area and type of operation.
• Prior to the commencement of operations, notify the Minister, in writing.

EXEMPTION REQUIREMENTS FOR UAVS EXCEEDING 1KG UP TO 25KG

• Maximum take-off weight of 25 kilogram or less
• Operated within visual line-of-sight.
• Not operate the UAV further than one-half (½) nautical mile from the location from which the pilot is operating the UAV.
• Minimum of 18 years of age, or be at least 16 years of age and conducting research under the supervision of an academic institution.
• Have no less than $100,000 in liability insurance coverage pertaining to the operation of the UAV system.
• Not use a first person view device.
• Operate no more than one UAV at any one time.
• Below 300 feet above ground level (AGL).
• Only operate a UAV in Class G airspace.
• During daylight hours.
• Not operate a UAV within or over a forest fire area, or over any area that is located within five nautical miles of a forest fire area.
• At least five (5) nautical miles away from the centre of any aerodrome.
• At least three (3) nautical miles away from the centre of any heliport.
• Operate a UAV at least three (3) nautical miles away from a built-up area.
• Lateral distance of at least 500 feet away from any building, structure, vehicle, vessel, animal or person unless: (a) The building, structure, vehicle, vessel or animal is the subject of the aerial work; and (b) Only persons inherent to the operation are present.
• Not operate a UAV over or within an open-air assembly of persons.
• Under visual meteorological conditions, clear of cloud with not less than two (2) statute miles ground visibility.
• The pilot successfully completed a pilot ground school program.
• Prior to the commencement of operations, notify the Minister, in writing.