News Release

Calgary– The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) issued today its first joint report on enforcement activities, providing information about proceedings launched and sanctions issued during the six months ended September 30, 2004. 

“Taken alone, our respective records in enforcement each provide a piece of the larger picture in Canada,” said Stephen Sibold, CSA Chair.  “Put together, our records show a strong enforcement presence in our capital markets.  Clearly, our accomplishments in this core CSA responsibility provide protection to investors across Canada.”

By identifying contraventions of securities laws or conduct that is contrary to the public interest and by imposing appropriate sanctions, CSA members deter wrongdoing, protect investors and foster fair and efficient capital markets in which investors have confidence.  Enforcement personnel of CSA member authorities deal with potential violations of securities laws identified through internal CSA compliance and surveillance or as a result of complaints from market participants and the public. 

“During the first six months of 2004, CSA members launched 77 enforcement proceedings that may result in hearings in court or at commission tribunals,” added Mr. Sibold.  “During that same period, 59 cases resulted in sanctioning orders or settlements that frequently included several people or companies.  This sends a strong message of deterrence to people who would consider violating our securities laws.”

Beyond providing greater transparency on CSA enforcement activities, compilation of the information will also provide additional benefits to the regulatory system, including:

• Increased ability to identify trends   in enforcement;
• Identification of Commission and Court decisions in any jurisdiction which might have an impact on the regulatory regime; and
• Improved cross-jurisdictional processes and coordinated inter-jurisdictional investigations.

The CSA Report on Enforcement Activities From April 1 to September 30, 2004  is available on the CSA web site (http://www.csa-acvm.ca) and several provincial and territorial securities regulators’ web sites.  The report will be produced on a biannual basis.

The CSA is the council of the securities regulators of Canada's provinces and territories whose objectives are to improve, coordinate and harmonize regulation of the Canadian capital markets. 

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