Portable electronic devices

The aircraft operator controls portable electronic devices (PEDs) on board (CAR 602.08):

• The operator must not permit the use of a PED whose use could adversely affect the operation of the aircraft or the functioning of its systems or equipment (602.08(1)).
• No person may use a PED on board except with the operator's permission (602.08(2)).

So the authority sits with the operator, not the passenger, not ATC, and not a per-flight regulator sign-off. The test for permitting a device is interference with the aircraft, not the phase of flight or the altitude.

Trap: thinking a passenger decides for their own device, or that the restriction only applies at takeoff and landing.

Practice