Funding & Accountability

Funding

As a self-funded Crown corporation, the BC Securities Commission (BCSC) is accountable to the provincial legislature and the public through the Minister of Finance. Our operations are funded through fees paid by market participants under the Securities Act.

The BCSC's enabling legislation is the Securities Act, RSBC 1996, c. 418.

Reporting

At the beginning of each year, we prepare and submit a Three-Year Service Plan to the provincial Ministry of Finance as required by the Securities Act and the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act. The Service Plan commits us to performance targets for each year.

At the end of each year, we prepare and submit to the Minister of Finance an Annual Report on our performance against the Service Plan. The Annual Report includes our annual audited financial statements and is tabled in the British Columbia Legislature. We also prepare an annual Financial Information Act Report, and annual Executive Compensation Disclosure and Appointee Remuneration Disclosure.

Mandate Letter

Each year, the BCSC Chair and commissioners, and the Minister of Finance sign a Mandate Letter. This letter sets out the respective roles and responsibilities of the BCSC and the province of British Columbia and, at a high level, the government’s expectations of the BCSC. 

Accessibility

Our Accessibility Plan provides a framework to strengthen accessibility standards at the BCSC and will guide us on a journey to becoming a more inclusive organization. It reinforces our commitment to identify, remove, and prevent barriers, in conjunction with our goal to strengthen market integrity and public confidence so British Columbians can thrive.

BC Ombudsperson and the Public Interest Disclosure Act

The BCSC strives to act fairly and reasonably in its dealings with members of the public. The BCSC restricts communications with the public in accordance with the attached Policy.

The Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) is British Columbia’s whistleblower protection legislation for current and former employees of eligible public bodies.

The Office of the Ombudsperson is an independent office of the legislature mandated under PIDA to investigate allegations of wrongdoing from public sector employees.

The BCSC has guidance on PIDA for current employees. Former BCSC employees can contact the Ombudsperson about allegations of wrongdoing, as defined in PIDA, relating to the BCSC at 1-800-567-3247, or by email at report@bcombudsperson.ca.

Privacy and Freedom of Information Requests

The BCSC is committed to protecting your privacy through responsible information management practices. We manage and protect personal information according to provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Securities Act, and BCSC policies. Read more about our  Privacy Policy.

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act also makes public bodies more accountable by giving the public a right of access to records. If you would like to make a freedom of information request for records in the custody or control of the BCSC, you can send us an electronic request. Read more about making a request.