Notice of Rule/Regulation: NI - 31-101 - National Registration System

Notice of Rule/Regulation: NI - 31-101 - National Registration System

Notice of Commission Approval National Instrument

 

NOTICE OF RULE/REGULATION

NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 31-101 NATIONAL REGISTRATION SYSTEM,

AND FORM 31-101F1, FORM 31-101F2, AND

NATIONAL POLICY 31-201 NATIONAL REGISTRATION SYSTEM

Introduction

National Instrument 31-101 National Registration System and National Policy 31-201 National Registration System are an initiative of the Canadian Securities Administrators (the CSA or we). The CSA has developed the National Registration System (the NRS), which may be used by investment dealers, advisers, mutual fund dealers and their sponsored individuals in connection with their application for initial registration, amendments to registration or reinstatement of registration or for the approval or review of certain sponsored individuals. The requirements and procedure under the NRS are set out in National Instrument 31-101 National Registration System, Form 31-101F1 Election to use the NRS and Determination of Principal Regulator, Form 31-101F2 Notice of Change (collectively, the Instrument) and National Policy 31-201 National Registration System (the Policy).

The Instrument has been made or is expected to be made by each member of the CSA, and will be implemented as

• a rule in each of Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island,

• a regulation in Nunavut, Québec and Saskatchewan,

• an exemption in British Columbia,

• a code in the Northwest Territories, and

• a policy in all other jurisdictions represented by the CSA.

We expect the Policy will be adopted as a policy in all jurisdictions.

The NRS is being implemented pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding for the Mutual Reliance Review System signed as of October 14, 1999 between members of the CSA (the MOU). We expect that all jurisdictions will confirm the inclusion of the Instrument and the Policy in the MOU.

In Ontario, the Instrument and other required materials were delivered to the Chair of Management Board of Cabinet (the Minister) in December. The Minister may approve or reject the Instrument or return it for further consideration. If the Minister approves the Instrument or does not take any further action, the Instrument and Policy will come into force on the date indicated below.

In Québec, a regulation under the Securities Act (Québec) (the QSA) is adopted by the Autorité des marchés financiers and, thereafter, must be approved, with or without amendment, by the Minister of Finance while a regulation under an Act respecting the distribution of financial products and services (the LDPSF) is adopted by the Autorité des marchés financiers and must, thereafter, be approved, with or without amendment, by the government. The Instrument was published for comments under the Securities Act in January 2004 and will not need further publication under the QSA Act. Under the LDPSF, the Instrument must be published for a 45-day comment period prior to being submitted for governmental approval. The Instrument will come into force on the date of its publication in the Gazette officielle du Québec or on any later date specified in the regulations. It must also be published in the Bulletin of the Autorité des marchés financiers.

In Nova Scotia, the Instrument will be delivered to the Minister for non-objection by the Governor in Council in accordance with Nova Scotia securities law after it is adopted as a rule by the Commission. If the Instrument is not objected to by the Governor in Council, it will come into force in on the date indicated below.

In Nunavut, a Request for Decision to Cabinet will be required to adopt the Instrument as a regulation under the Securities Act (Nunavut).

Provided all necessary ministerial or other governmental approvals are obtained, we expect to implement the Instrument on April 4, 2005. We will implement the Policy at the same time as the Instrument.

Substance and Purpose

The purpose of the NRS is to improve the current registration system through a mutual reliance process. Principles of mutual reliance will be applied to the analysis of registration applications or applications for approval or review of investment dealers, advisers and mutual fund dealers and their sponsored individuals in order to reduce unnecessary duplication in the analysis of applications made in multiple jurisdictions or in subsequent jurisdictions.

The Instrument sets out the eligibility requirements for firm filers and individual filers to be able to use the NRS. An eligible firm filer elects to use the NRS by submitting a Form 31-101F1. Eligible individual filers whose sponsoring firm has elected to use the NRS must use the NRS when submitting an application to a non-principal regulator.

The Instrument provides exemptive relief so that filers under the NRS only have to satisfy or comply with the fit and proper requirements, notice requirements and filing requirements applicable in their principal jurisdiction. Fit and proper requirements relate to a filer's suitability to be registered or to be approved. Filers will continue to be subject to the conduct rules applicable in each jurisdiction where they are registered. The Instrument and Policy contain further description of fit and proper requirements and of conduct rules.

The Policy sets out the procedure to be followed by filers who are submitting applications under the NRS. A filer's principal regulator is generally the securities regulatory authority or regulator of the jurisdiction where the firm filer's head office and directing mind and management is located and where the individual filer's working office is located.

Generally, when submitting an application under the NRS, filers will only file the materials required by their principal regulator. Further, filers will normally only deal with their principal regulator on their initial application and when seeking to register in additional jurisdictions. Once the principal regulator has reached a decision on the application, non-principal regulators may opt in or opt out of the NRS in connection with that application. Opting out is expected to happen on an exceptional basis.

Application for registration or approval of individual filers will be made through the National Registration Database (the NRD) implemented under Multilateral Instrument 31-102 National Registration Database and Multilateral Instrument 31-109 Registration Information. In order to allow efficient implementation and application of the NRS, three key changes will be made to technology underlying the NRD. These changes relate to the selection of principal regulator, opt in / opt out function and unique designation of the NRS submissions.

Québec anticipates adopting Regulation 31-102 National Registration Database and Regulation 33-109 Registration Information, which reflect the equivalent Multilateral Instruments, on or before the effective date of the Instrument. However, if for any reason, the technology underlying the NRD is not available in Québec as of the effective date or if the Regulations have not been adopted, the Instrument provides for transitional measures with respect to the filing of material in and outside of Québec.

The NRS does not apply to renewals of registrations as the CSA feels that processing renewals under current legislation through the NRS could be lengthier than the current process.

Background

The Instrument and Policy were published for comment in January and February, 2004. The comment period expired in April, 2004.

Summary of Written Comments Received by the CSA

During the comment period, the CSA received submissions from nine commentors on the Instrument and Policy. We have considered the comments received and thank all the commentors. The names of the nine commentors and a summary of the comments on the Instrument and Policy, together with our responses, are contained in Appendix A and Appendix B to this Notice.

After considering the comments, we have made amendments to the Instrument and Policy to improve the clarity and consistency of the Instrument and Policy. However, as these changes are not material, we are not republishing the Instrument or Policy for a further comment period.

Summary of Changes to the Proposed Instrument and Policy

See Appendix C to this Notice for a description of the changes made to the versions of the Instrument and Policy since they were published.

Local Amendments

We are amending or repealing elements of local securities legislation and securities directions in conjunction with implementing the NRS. The provincial and territorial securities regulatory authorities may publish, or may have published, these local changes or proposed changes separately in their local jurisdiction.

Questions

Please refer your questions to any of:

Jim Wahl
Manager, Registration & Compliance
Alberta Securities Commission
4th Floor, 300 - 5th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, AB T2P 3C4
Direct: (403)297-4281
Fax: (403)297-4113
 
Susan Toews
Senior Legal Counsel
Capital Market Regulations
British Columbia Securities Commission
P.O. Box 10142, Pacific Centre
701 - West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1L2
Direct: (604)899-6764
Fax: (604)899-6814
 
Douglas R. Brown
General Counsel &
Director - Legal, Enforcement & Registration
The Manitoba Securities Commission
1130 - 405 Broadway
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3L6
Direct: (204) 945-0605
Fax: (204) 945-0330
 
Andrew Nicholson
Director Market Regulation
New Brunswick Securities Commission
606 - 133 Prince William Street
Saint John, NB E2L 2B5
Direct: (506) 658-3021
Fax: (506) 658-3059
 
Susan W. Powell
Manager, Corporate Finance and Market Conduct
Securities Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
2nd Floor, West Block
Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St.John's, NL A1B 4J6
Direct: (709)729-4875
Fax: (709)729-6187
 
Brian W. Murphy
Deputy Director, Capital Markets
Nova Scotia Securities Commission
Joseph Howe Building
2nd Floor, P.O. Box 458
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2P8
Direct: (902) 424-4592
Fax: (902) 424-4625
 
David M. Gilkes, BA, MA, CFE
Manager, Registrant Regulation
Capital Markets Branch
Ontario Securities Commission
18th Floor, 20 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 3S8
Direct: (416)593-8104
Fax: (416)593-8240
 
Mark Gallant
Registrar of Securities
PEI Securities Division
Office of the Attorney General
P.O. Box 2000
95 Rochford Street
4th Floor, Shaw Building
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
Direct: (902) 368-4552
Fax: (902) 368-5283
 
Sophie Jean
Conseillère en réglementation
Direction de l'encadrement de la distribution
Autorité des marchés financiers
800 square Victoria, 22e étage
C.P. 246, tour de la Bourse
Montréal, QC H4Z 1G3
Direct: (514) 940-2199 ext. 4786
Fax: (514) 864-7854
 
Gary Crowe
Registrar of Securities
Legal Registries Division, Department of Justice
Government of Nunavut
P.O. Box 1000, STN 570
1st Floor, Brown Building
Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0
Direct: (867) 975-6586
Fax: (867) 975-6594
 
M. Richard Roberts
Manager, Corporate Affairs
Registrar of Securities
Corporate Affairs / Community Services
Government of Yukon
P.O. Box 2703
2134 Second Avenue
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5H6
Direct: (867) 667-5225
Fax: (867) 393-6251

Instrument and Policy

The text of the Instrument and Policy follow.

January 7, 2005.

 

APPENDIX A

COMMENT TABLE

NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 31-101

NATIONAL REGISTRATION SYSTEM

Commentors

Canadian Bankers Association
Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada
Royal Bank of Canada
Edward Jones
National Bank of Canada
Investment Funds Institute of Canada
Wayne A. Robinson
Fidelity Investments Canada Limited
Investment Dealers Association of Canada
 

 

Category

 

Comment

 

Response

 

1.

31-101 Definitions

 

Guidance was requested as to the definition of "unrestricted adviser" for the purposes of determining eligibility to use NRS, as many advisers have registrations that are subject to both general and specific terms and conditions. Clarification is requested as to the difference between "terms and conditions" and "restrictions".

 

The term "unrestricted adviser" is used in a general fashion to identify the various categories of adviser registrations that can be sought under NRS (as listed in Appendix A to NI 31-101). The fact that a filer has certain terms and conditions attached to its registration will not prevent the filer from using NRS. This is clarified in the interpretation section of NP 31-201.

 

2.

31-101 Application of the NRS

 

Guidance was requested as to the situation of firms with more than one category of registration, one of which is not governed by NRS. Would these firms be excluded from NRS or would they be subject to NRS only insofar as their unrestricted practice registration is concerned?

 

Such firms would be able to use NRS only with regard to the category that is eligible under NRS and would have to apply locally, as they currently must do, when applying in a category that is not eligible under NRS. The CSA is of the view that no other registration category was common enough between the jurisdictions to be included in NRS. A principal regulator in one jurisdiction would not be qualified to register a registrant in a category that does not exist in its jurisdiction.

 

3.

31-101 Eligibility

 

It was questioned why non-resident individuals are not able to use NRS, and the CSA is encouraged to consider permitting non-resident individuals to use NRS in connection with individual registrations associated with NRS eligible registrant firms.

 

Certain members of the CSA currently have certain residency requirements in connection with registration as an adviser or as a dealer. As this is a requirement that cannot be exempted on a general basis, NRS has to be limited to Canadian residents. Further, as certain regulators who register non-resident individuals impose specific terms and conditions, the NRS registration procedure for non-residents would have been too complex.

 

4.

31-101 Applicable Requirements

 

Because both firm and individual registrants will be tied to their "home jurisdiction", firms operating in multiple provinces will need to be aware of differences in rules of each jurisdiction plus IDA and other applicable SROs. Moreover, the proposed policy does not address jurisdictional variations. The CSA is urged to harmonize registration requirements.

 

The CSA's goal with regard to NRS is not to harmonize legislation, but rather to quickly implement a centralized registration process (i.e. an industry participant dealing with only one regulator). Harmonization will be achieved through other efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The CSA is of the view that it is important to implement NRS even if harmonization is not yet reached, as NRS has benefits of its own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As it is important to link the filer with the jurisdiction in which it is anticipated that most of its business will be conducted, it is inevitable that firms operating in multiple provinces and who have a centralized registration office will need to be aware of the specific fit and proper requirements for individuals in each jurisdiction.

 

5.

31-101 Temporary Exemption

 

It was submitted that there should be a possibility of having the six month delay, to comply with a new principal regulator's requirements, extended in certain situations and addressed in NI 31-101 so that a formal exemption request would not be required. It may be difficult for the filer to meet all necessary proficiency requirements within the prescribed six month period.

 

The CSA realizes that in certain situations where there is a change of principal regulator, the requirements of the new principal regulator may not be satisfied within a six-month period. Members of the CSA will be open to the possibility of extending this temporary exemption to allow for the registrant to satisfy the new principal regulator's fit and proper requirements on a case-by-case basis. To grant this relief, regulators could take into consideration the period of time during which the registrant has been registered. However, the CSA is of the view that a lengthier general temporary exemption could increase the risk of jurisdiction-shopping.

 

APPENDIX B

COMMENT TABLE

NATIONAL POLICY 31-201

NATIONAL REGISTRATION SYSTEM

Commentors

Canadian Bankers Association
Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada
Royal Bank of Canada
Edward Jones
National Bank of Canada
Investment Funds Institute of Canada
Wayne A. Robinson
Fidelity Investments Canada Limited
Investment Dealers Association of Canada
 

 

Category

 

Comment

 

Response

 

1.

31-201 General Comment

 

In general, NRS is strongly endorsed by commentors as there is a consensus that there are numerous shortcomings with the current regulatory regime. The CSA is encouraged to do whatever it can in order to make the system as streamlined and efficient as possible.

 

N/A

 

2.

31-201 General Comment

 

It was submitted that to the extent that the proposal retains unnecessary elements of local regulation or provincial discretion, that such items be limited or removed so that NRS may be a true "one stop shop" for firms carrying on business across Canada.

 

The CSA's goal with regard to NRS is not to harmonize legislation, but rather to quickly implement a centralized registration process (i.e. an industry participant dealing with only one regulator). Harmonization will be achieved through other efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The CSA is of the view that it is important to implement NRS even if harmonization is not yet reached, as NRS has benefits of its own.

 

3.

31-201 General Comment -- Advisor Registration

 

The effectiveness of NRS for adviser registration was questioned as there are significant differences in the proficiency requirements for such category of registration maintained by different jurisdictions.

 

The effectiveness of NRS should not be questioned for adviser registration as members of the CSA are aware of these differences in fit and proper requirements and do not expect to opt out of NRS on the basis of such differences.

 

4.

31-201 General Comment -- Fees

 

The industry has seen no cost savings with NRD. In fact, some costs have actually increased. It is hoped that registration fees will be reduced by non-principal regulators.

 

The CSA is of the view that most of the cost savings from NRD and the proposed NRS come from a reduction of time and effort spent on registration. The fee covers a registrant's access to the market and is not simply based on the cost of processing registrations. At this time, the CSA is unable to confirm whether a reduction of registration fees is foreseeable.

 

5.

31-201 General Comment

 

It has been submitted that the benefits are restricted to firm registration and not individuals seeking registration in additional jurisdictions. In addition, firms already registered in Canada would gain no advantage by using the NRS, with the exception of filing amendments.

 

The purpose of NRS is to allow individual and firm registrants to deal only with one regulator and to only satisfy one set of fit and proper requirements. This should greatly facilitate an individual filer's registration. Further, the CSA is of the view that registered firms will also benefit from NRS when seeking registration in additional jurisdictions or in connection with the firm's role in the registration of its individuals.

 

6.

31-201 General Comment -- Registration Transfers

 

In order to reduce hardship resulting from delays in processing transfers, regulators should permit individual registrants to commence working, perhaps on a conditional approval basis, as soon as they are notified of the termination by the originating firm and transfer to the receiving firm.

 

Changes in the registration transfer process are not part of the NRS project. As regulators are of the view that it is important to know why an individual is transferring firms, they are not ready to grant immediate conditional approvals to a transfer upon notice of the termination.

 

7.

31-201 General Comment -- Opt out

 

The opting out process could entail that a jurisdiction may never be the non-principal regulator. It would also mean that within the same firm, individuals may not be subject to the same requirements for any particular application, and thus would not know what the requirements are in advance. Accordingly, they would adhere to the most stringent registration criteria, and the most demanding jurisdiction would be the principal regulator in all cases.

 

In the absence of a full delegation system, the ability to opt out is necessary, as regulators must meet the requirements of their securities legislation to make a decision in connection with an application. None of the regulators intends to opt out on a regular basis. Opting out is expected to happen on an exceptional basis, as is the case with the MRRS under NP 12-201 and NP 43-201.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is true that within the same firm, individuals who work in different jurisdictions will have different fit and proper requirements applicable to them. However, the CSA does not believe that individuals will adhere to the most stringent criteria. National firms should adapt their registration procedure to advise their individuals as to which set of requirements is applicable to them.

 

8.

31-201 General Comment

 

Clarification is requested with respect to individuals who reside in Ottawa but work in Hull. Since the principal regulator would be Québec, would such individuals be required to be registered in Ontario as well?

 

If the individuals are doing business with clients in Ontario, then the answer is yes. Otherwise, no. Residency alone does not create a requirement to register. NRS does not change any obligation to register.

 

9.

31-201 Applicable requirements

 

Having firms and each of their individual registrants tied to their respective "home jurisdiction" is problematic. This is of particular concern for members who operate a centralized registration function. Having to deal with local variations will cause inefficiencies. It is submitted that it would be preferable for individuals to adhere to the firm's principal jurisdiction.

 

The CSA chose a client-centered perspective for NRS instead of a firm-oriented approach. An individual is likely to do more business with clients residing in the same jurisdiction as the individual's working office than clients of other jurisdictions. Therefore, pending harmoni-zation of legislation, it is important that such individuals satisfy the requirements of their jurisdiction. Moreover, if individuals were to adhere to the requirements of the firm's principal jurisdiction, changing firms could result in a change in the individual's fit and proper requirements.

 

10.

31-201 Change of Factors used to Determine Significant Connection with a Jurisdiction

 

The usefulness of Form 31-201F2 (now Form 31-101F2) is questioned since this information would be submitted through the NRD. In addition, clarification is requested as to whether the requirement to file a Form 31-201F2 (now Form 31-101F2) presupposes the filing of a Form 31-201F1 (now Form 31-101F1) for each individual. If not, it is difficult to understand why such form must be filed upon change in registration when one is not required upon registration. On the other hand, if a Form 31-201F1 (now Form 31-101F1) is required, this would represent an important additional burden.

 

Both Forms 31-101F1 and 31-101F2 must only be filed by firm filers. A firm will be required to file a Form 31-101F1 upon its first use of NRS and upon seeking registration in any additional jurisdictions (the latter being a new requirement). A Form 31-101F2 Notice of Change is only required to be filed by firm filers when the factors used in the determination of the jurisdiction with which a firm has the most significant connection change. This is required, as regulators need to be notified when such factors change as it could result in a change of principal regulator. This should occur only on limited occasions.

 

11.

31-201 Materials to be Filed

 

In some instances, such as section 4.2(3), NRS appears to duplicate work rather than streamline the process.

 

The CSA agrees that the requirement to file the letter contemplated by section 4.2(3) creates an additional requirement. As this letter is not necessary, a revision to section 4.2(3) is made to remove the requirement.

 

12.

31-201 Review and Determination

 

Part 5 and Part 6 set out the process, and time frames for the review of the file. It was noted that there are two separate 5-day waiting periods built into the review process, and that they should be shortened:

 

A revision will be made in section 5.2 and section 6.1 to remove the first five-day waiting period. A principal regulator will not have to wait until the end of a five-day period before making its determination on the registration being sought. The second five-day waiting period is a maximum period and in general non-principal regulators will not use the full five days. As a result, the CSA does not anticipate that processing registrations under NRS will be lengthier than under the current system.

 

 

 

 

1) Under sections 5.2 and 6.1, the principal regulator must wait 5 business days, after the receipt of the submission under NRS, in order for the non-principal regulators to advise they have completed their own review and/or to provide any material information they may have with respect to the filer, that was not disclosed in the materials. Under 6.1, the principal regulator cannot arrive at a decision until after this 5-business day period ends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) The second waiting period, as listed in 6.3(1), occurs after the principal regulator has forwarded its proposed decision to the non-principal regulators. The principal regulator must wait a maximum of 5 business days for each non-principal regulator to advise as to whether it has opted in or opted out.

 

 

 

13.

31-201 Review Process

 

It is suggested that when a regulator has a concern with an application, it should notify the registrant and / or firm within 24 hours of receipt of the application, if it believes that the registration application review process will require more time.

 

Normal service standards will apply under NRS. Members of the CSA will advise filers diligently of any concerns they may have in connection with an application. However, members of the CSA cannot commit to any time constraints, as concerns in connection with an application can arise at any time.

 

14.

31-201 Review and Determination

 

Although NRS does contain short deadlines, the CSA is encouraged to consider amending the policy to create strong incentives for individual jurisdictions to meet those requirements. It is suggested that the failure to meet deadlines imposed by the policy should disentitle that regulator from the opportunity to provide comments or "opt out". Silence would be interpreted as consent and a regulator who has not responded by the deadline would be deemed to "opt in".

 

Most regulators are required by law to make a decision in connection with a registration. As a consequence, such regulators' silence cannot be deemed to mean that the regulator is opting into NRS. However, changes are made to the policy whereby "silence will equal opt-in" for the regulators in the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

 

15.

31-201 Review and Determination

 

Greater clarity is requested concerning the length of time it may take between the date at which the filing of materials is undertaken and the date at which an NRS document is issued.

 

Normal service standards will apply under NRS. No indication of length of time may be given as this varies greatly depending upon the type of application and how well it has been prepared. The CSA does not anticipate any increase in length of time as a result of using NRS.

 

16.

31-201 Review and Determination

 

There is a concern that applications submitted to principal regulators through NRS would be processed before non-NRS applications due to the five business day opt-in / opt-out response deadline.

 

NRS should not, as a whole, create more work for regulators. The CSA does not anticipate that non-NRS applications would be processed after NRS applications.

 

17.

31-201 Local Terms and Conditions

 

One commentor does not support that the proposed rules would permit the non-principal regulator to opt-in to the principal regulator's decision, but to impose local terms and conditions upon a registration. Where a non-principal regulator wishes to deviate from the terms and conditions imposed by the principal regulator, the non-principal regulator should be required to opt-out.

 

As conduct rules apply locally, it is important to allow local regulators to impose local terms and conditions with regard to such conduct rules, where necessary. Not allowing the non-principal regulators to do so would create more opt-outs and reduce the efficiency of the system.

 

18.

31-201 Opportunity to be Heard

 

It is suggested that hearings be conducted with the concerned regulators all together so as to avoid duplication of procedures and additional delays in registration.

 

It is the intent of members of the CSA to hold joint hearings, whenever feasible. However, this cannot be imposed through the Policy.

 

19.

31-201 Opt out

 

The availability of an opt-out provision is a serious detriment to the ability of NI 31-101 and NP 31-201 to achieve their stated goals.

 

As stated above, it is unavoidable to have an opt-out provision in the context of a registration system based on mutual reliance instead of delegation. As mentioned, opting out will be the exception, not the rule.

 

20.

31-201 Renewal of Registration

 

When read together subsections 9.1(1) and 9.1(2) are confusing particularly if the renewal requirements of the principal regulator are to be followed, and this regulator has no renewal requirements. It would be unclear what requirements are to be followed. It is also unclear as to whether additional documents typically required by certain non-principal regulators further to renewals should be submitted.

 

After review of this issue, the CSA has decided that renewals will not be processed through NRS, as there is practically no benefit in doing so. Part 9 of the Policy (which is renumbered as section 6.6) provides further guidance. In short, a filer will have to renew its registration in accordance with the requirements, if any, of the legislation of all jurisdictions in which it is registered. The exemption from local filing requirements will not apply in connection with renewals and renewal fees will still have to be submitted through NRD. The exemption from fit and proper requirements will continue in effect at the time of renewals.

 

21.

31-201 NRD -- Québec

 

It was submitted that it might be desirable to wait until Québec can technically participate in the project before implementing it.

 

The Autorité des marchés financiers is currently working on its integration into the National Registration Database (NRD). Contrary to what has been previously published, the Autorité des marchés financiers now expects to be part of NRD by the time that NRS is implemented. Part 9 (previously Part 10) of the Policy is amended to reflect this. Should the Autorité des marchés financiers not have integrated NRD by the time the NRS is effective, guidance will be provided with regards to applications involving Québec.

 

22.

31-201 Québec - IDA

 

The role of the IDA in applications involving Québec should be clarified.

 

The IDA has been recognized as an SRO by the Autorité des marchés financiers in July 2004 and was further delegated the power to register representatives the same month. In addition to the IDA, the Montreal Exchange is also a recognized SRO in the province of Québec authorized, through delegation of powers, to register representatives. Consequently, unless further changes occur prior to the coming in force of the Instrument, both the Montreal Exchange and the IDA will be processing registration of representatives.

 

APPENDIX C

SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO THE

PROPOSED INSTRUMENT/POLICY

This Appendix briefly summarizes the changes made in the Instrument and in the Policy since they were published. The CSA made changes to respond to comments received from industry participants and following the CSA members' staff review.

The Instrument

Part 1 -- Definitions

• The definition of filing requirements was changed to include requirements applicable to applicants and to exclude any requirement in connection with a renewal of registration.

• The definitions of filing requirements and notice requirements were reworded to clarify CSA's intent which is that filing and notice requirements only relate to a filer's fit and proper requirements.

• The term registrant was replaced with the term registered filer, as the term registrant is defined differently in securities legislation.

• We removed the definition of regulator, as this term is defined in National Instrument 14-101 and as we no longer needed to specifically refer to SROs.

• The definition of securities legislation was amended to include the Act respecting the Agence nationale d'encadrement du secteur financier (Québec). We also added a reference to the regulations under that act and under the Act respecting the distribution of financial products and services (Québec) and the blanket rulings and orders issued by the securities regulatory authority. We also amended the definition to exclude any regulation adopted by or for SROs.

• We removed the definition of securities regulatory authority for the same reason that we removed the definition of regulator.

• We added a definition for the term sponsored individual in order to clearly establish which individuals are associated with a firm.

Part 2 -- Application

• We redrafted sections 2.1 and 2.2 to be clearer, but have not made any material changes to the application of the NRS or the eligibility criteria.

• We made the filing of Forms 31-101F1 and 31-101F2 requirements under the Instrument instead of the Policy. We also now require that a new completed Form 31-101F1 be submitted when a registered firm is seeking registration in further jurisdictions.

Part 3 -- Local Exemptions

• We redrafted Section 3.1 to be clearer, but have not made any noteworthy changes other than as relates making liability insurance in Québec a conduct rule (see below under The Policy -- Part 1). For a firm filer submitting an application as a mutual fund dealer with Québec as its principal regulator, the fit and proper, filing and notice requirement exemptions are conditional on that firm filer maintaining insurance or bonding in non-principal jurisdictions.

Form 31-101F1

• This Form was moved from the Policy to the Instrument. We also modified the way that firm filers disclose their reasons for determining the principal regulator by having the firm filers provide a description of these reasons instead of checking boxes.

• We removed the disclosure regarding notice of collection and use of personal information, as it was not necessary, but have added a submission to jurisdiction.

• We added a submission to jurisdiction, which is an existing requirement for every jurisdiction.

Form 31-101F2

• This Form was also moved from the Policy to the Instrument and the disclosure regarding notice of collection and use of personal information was removed.

The Policy

Part 1 -- Definitions and Interpretation

• The definition of conduct rules was changed to include rules relating to membership with SROs. As well, the requirement to maintain liability insurance for mutual fund dealers registered in Québec is now considered a conduct rule. Therefore, all mutual fund dealers and their sponsored individuals registered in Québec will have to maintain liability insurance in Québec.

• Consequential amendments were made to the interpretation of the term fit and proper requirements.

Part 2 -- Overview and Application

• Sections 2.1 and 2.2 were redrafted to provide a better description of the NRS, although no substantive changes were made.

• In Section 2.2, we added a clarification to the effect that the CSA does not consider a requirement applicable if a blanket ruling or order providing for general relief from this requirement was issued by the filer's principal regulator.

Part 4 -- Filing Materials under the NRS

• We removed the requirement for firm filers to file, with each non-principal regulator, a letter describing the nature of their application and identifying the jurisdictions with which it is submitted. We also clarified that supporting materials for an application are not required to be sent to non-principal regulators.

• In Section 4.3, we added a requirement to file a new completed Form 31-101F1 when seeking registration in further jurisdictions.

Part 5 -- Review of Materials

• We removed reference to the review that is made by non-principal regulators, as this reference related to internal relationships between regulators.

Part 6 -- Registration

• We modified Section 6.1 to remove the requirement for the principal regulator to wait until the end of a five business-day period before making its determination on an application.

• As the regulators of the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut can automatically opt into the NRS with respect to any particular application without sending a confirmation to the principal regulator, we did not subject these regulators to the rule that non-principal regulators must confirm to the principal regulator whether they are opting into the NRS for an application or whether they are opting out. A consequential amendment to Section 8.1 was also made.

• We added a new Section 6.6 on renewals to explain that the NRS no longer covers renewals of registrations as the CSA is of the view that processing renewals through the NRS did not increase efficiency. Filers will have to meet the renewal requirements, if any, of each jurisdiction in which they are registered. Part 9 -- Renewals of Registration was consequently removed.

Part 9 -- Transition

• Section 9.1 was amended to reflect the fact that Québec anticipates being part of the National Registration Database prior to or concurrently with the implementation of the NRS.

Forms 31-201F1 and 31-201F2