Policy Definitions
The following legend provides explanatory notes for certain frequently seen types of regulatory documents.
- National Instrument (NI)
- Multilateral Instrument (MI)
- B.C. Instrument (BCI)
- Companion Policy (CP)
- National Policy (NP)
- BC Policy (BCP)
- CSA Staff Notice
- BC Notice (BCN)
- CSA Consultation Paper
- B.C. Interpretation Note
National Instrument (NI)
A regulatory instrument in force in every Canadian Securities Administrators' jurisdiction.
Multilateral Instrument (MI)
A regulatory instrument in force in select Canadian Securities Administrators' jurisdictions.
B.C. Instrument (BCI)
A regulatory instrument (rule or blanket order) in force in British Columbia only.
Companion Policy (CP)
A policy that accompanies a national instrument, multilateral instrument or B.C. Instrument, providing guidance from the securities regulatory authorities in Canada about the interpretation and enforcement of the relevant instrument.
National Policy (NP)
A regulatory policy that provides guidance and/or clarification on any particular topic, and that is in effect in every Canadian Securities Administrators' jurisdiction.
BC Policy (BCP)
A regulatory policy that provides guidance and/or clarification on any particular topic, and that is in effect in British Columbia.
CSA Staff Notice
A notice that informs readers on Canadian Securities Administrators' staff’s position and/or staff guidance on any particular topic.
BC Notice (BCN)
A notice that informs readers on BC Securities Commission staff’s position and/or staff guidance on any particular topic.
CSA Consultation Paper
A paper that notifies and seeks feedback from readers on any particular proposed regulatory approach.
B.C. Interpretation Note
A note that provides guidance from the BC Securities Commission about the interpretation of any particular securities law issue in British Columbia.