Your radiotelephony test is part of your flighttest, in addition to the written test to Industry Canada
As for the interpretation of the ICAO process... well most countries interpret some of the rules differently (fligth/duty times, requirements for ratings, license renewals and so on) so if this is different too?? Well that is how it goes.
I believe it is the same test for Pilots as ATC. And current license holders will have been assesed in some way, be it through correspondence and previous tests, or even as simple as a phone-conversation with someone from TC.
In Canada it will most likely affect student pilots more than anyone. And like what was said previously in this thread, if english is NOT you first/native language, perhaps a brush up on listening skills, and immersion are the advices I'd give.