Stephen B. Acker

Stephen Acker practises primarily in the areas of communications and public law. He articled with Johnston & Buchan LLP and joined that firm in 1989 after a varied and distinguished career in the Federal Government. He became a partner in that firm in 1993 and joined Fasken Martineau as a partner in 2007 with the merger of the two firms.

Stephen's communications practice focuses on spectrum policy and radiocommunication issues. He has represented a wide range of terrestrial and satellite providers in respect of radio licensing, spectrum auctions, international and domestic spectrum allocation, Canadian ownership rules, equipment certification and related matters. Few lawyers in Canada have Stephen's understanding of the policies and procedures governing spectrum management, and knowledge of the professional staff at Industry Canada who administer this highly technical area of communications regulation.

Stephen also represents Canadian and foreign broadcasting companies in respect of their regulatory requirements with both the CRTC and Industry Canada. He frequently represents U.S. radio and television broadcasters in relation to cross-border co-ordination of radio frequencies. More generally, he also advises foreign investment companies on the communications regulatory environment in Canada. On the advocacy side, Stephen has acted as counsel for a number of communications and other clients in judicial review and appellate proceedings in the Federal Court of Canada.

Ancillary to his communications and public law practice, Stephen also provides advice and advocacy services to individuals and business law clients on employment and human rights issues, trade name and trade mark matters, including the prosecution of trade mark applications and the conduct of opposition proceedings.

Selected Experience

• Persona Communications sold to Bragg Communications
• Craig Wireless Systems completes qualifying transaction and $40 million private placement

Publications

• Industry Canada Releases Auction Policy Framework for Advanced Wireless Services Spectrum

Presentations

• Information Communications Technology (ICT) for Reliability and Security
• WiMAX: Canada Sets Its Sights - CWTA Seminar

Membership/Affiliations

• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Carleton County Law Association
• Member, International Trade Mark Association
• Member, Intellectual Property Institute of Canada
  

Community Involvement

• Stephen is active with the Carleton County Law Association/Great Canadian Theatre Company Lawyer Play, a major fundraiser for theatrical and other charities in Ottawa. He has acted in four of their annual productions since 2003.