Canadian securities regulators provide update on changes to regulatory work in light of COVID-19

For Immediate Release CSA

Toronto – The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) is currently focusing its regulatory efforts on helping market participants and investors address challenges created by COVID-19.

On March 18, the CSA announced that all CSA proposals currently out for comment would have their comment periods extended by 45 days. Until at least May 30, 2020, the CSA will also not publish any new proposals for comment.

CSA members continue to be in close contact with the companies and firms they regulate, and based on these discussions, will consider proceeding with burden reduction initiatives if they are immediately helpful to businesses in responding to COVID-19.

As the situation evolves, the CSA will consider whether additional relief for market participants is warranted. We will also consider actions to support investors and ensure they are treated fairly during this difficult time. The needs of both stakeholder groups are important, and CSA members will consider and balance these needs as we fulfil our mandates.

“We are mindful that most market participants are working remotely and weathering unprecedented challenges to their business,” said Louis Morisset, CSA Chair and President and CEO of the Autorité des marchés financiers. “We are hopeful that these actions will free up resources, allowing firms to focus on front-line activities and serving the needs of investors.”

The CSA continues to monitor the situation and will reassess the need to further defer its consultations and publications.

The CSA, the council of the securities regulators of Canada’s provinces and territories, co- ordinates and harmonizes regulation for the Canadian capital markets.

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For investor inquiries:

Please refer to your respective securities regulator. You can contact them here.

For media inquiries: Please refer to the list of provincial and territorial representatives below or contact us at [email protected].

Hilary McMeekin
Alberta Securities Commission
403-592-8186

Kristen Rose
Ontario Securities Commission
416-593-2336

Brian Kladko
British Columbia Securities Commission
604-899-6713

Sylvain Théberge
Autorité des marchés financiers
514-940-2176

Jason (Jay) Booth
Manitoba Securities Commission
204-945-1660

Shannon McMillan
Financial and Consumer Affairs
Authority of Saskatchewan
306-798-4160

Sara Wilson
Financial and Consumer Services
Commission, New Brunswick
506-643-7045

Steve Dowling
Government of Prince Edward Island,
Superintendent of Securities
902-368-4550

David Harrison
Nova Scotia Securities Commission
902-424-8586

Renée Dyer
Office of the Superintendent of Securities
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-4909

Jeff Mason
Nunavut Securities Office
867-975-6591

Tom Hall
Office of the Superintendent of Securities
Northwest Territories
867-767-9305

Rhonda Horte
Office of the Yukon Superintendent
of Securities
867-667-5466