CNQ has received an exemption order from the B.C. Securities Commission, allowing CNQ to carry on business as a stock exchange in B.C. without having to apply and be recognized by the provincial regulator.

The exemption is based on the Ontario Securities Commission prior recognition of CNQ as a stock exchange in May 2004.

The B.C. order finalizes the temporary exemption issued by the BCSC on March 26, which coincided with the opening of CNQ’s office in Vancouver.

CNQ was granted a similar exemption order from the Alberta Securities Commission in January 2005.

“Obtaining exemption orders from the BCSC and the ASC enables CNQ to serve western based issuers and investment dealers and meet their requests for local representation more expeditiously,” says Robert Cook, CEO of CNQ.

“The exchange has seen a steady stream of applications for listing from western based companies who have recognized the benefits of CNQ’s enhanced disclosure and streamlined regulation. We are pleased that the regulatory framework in British Columbia accommodates CNQ’s unique market model,” he says.

To date, 47 companies have listed with the exchange. The average market capitalization of CNQ’s listed companies has grown to $7.7 million, while the largest company boasts a market capitalization of $75 million.

The average financing on CNQ in 2005 to date is $1.25 million.