Canada. Dept. of Communications. Communications Economics Branch : The Communication Economics Branch (DGCE) formed in 1980 as part of the Policy Sector and took on most of the responsibilities of the former Economic Policy and Statistics Branch. DGCE was responsible for analysis and research into the impact of telecommunications and information technologies on the Canadian economy in general, and on the telecommunications industry in particular. It was also responsible for the dissemination and publication of statistical information on elements of the telecommunications industry.
DGCE had four directorates: Economic Policy, Economic Analysis, Economic Development, and Statistical Information Services. At some point, DGCE was also referred to as the Telecommunications Economics Branch (DGTE). After a departmental reorganization in the early 1980s, the Industry and Economic Development Branch became responsible for economic-related activities.
Canada. Dept. of Communications. Industry and Economic Development Branch : The Industry and Economic Development Branch (DGIE) was established in 1983-84 as part of the Technology and Industry Sector (later the Telecommunications and Technology Sector) and taking on the activities of the former Communications Economics Branch. Though the previous branch had some responsibility with industrial development, these roles were expanded in the new branch. DGIE assessed the implications of the department's activities on the Canadian space, telecommunications, and informatics industries while developing strategies to optimize the industrial and economic benefits to be derived from those activities. It also developed programs to assist industry to capitalize on specific opportunities created or identified through departmental activities.
Initially DGIE had three main directorates: Industrial Development, Economic and Marketing Analysis, and Marketing Support. After a reorganization of the department's activities in 1985, the branch was organized by subject area with the following directorates: Technical Marketing Operations, Space and Telecommunications, and Information Industries and Economic Development.
The David Florida Laboratory was initially the responsibility of DGIE, but was moved under the Space Technology and Applications Branch after a 1985 reorganization.
Canada. Dept. of Communications. Economic Policy and Statistics Branch : The Economic Policy and Statistics Branch (DGEPS) formed in 1974-75 as part of the Policy Sector taking over much the work performed by the former Economic Policy Planning Division. With an expanded role, the branch was responsible for analysis and research into the economic aspects of new services, policies, and programs implemented by all areas of the department. It also examined different approaches to regulation, performed market studies forecasting future supply and demand trends, examined the economic activity and relationships between telecommunications carriers, provided statistical information and publications, and studied various other aspects of the industry.
The branch was succeeded by the Communications Economics Branch.
