The New Brunswick Securities Commission received the award for Best New Initiative from the Canadian Investment Awards in Toronto last night.

The award recognizes the commission’s Fostering Capital Markets initiative, which was launched in response to the NBSC’s legislated mandate to foster New Brunswick’s capital markets.

“Our goal is to develop a successful and consistent strategy for New Brunswick that will result in a dynamic capital market leading to economic independence and wealth for our province,” said Donne Smith, commission chair and CEO.

The upcoming Fullsail Summit, in January, is a major component of the commission’s Fostering Capital Markets initiative, and seeks to strengthen the province’s entrepreneurial culture, enhance stakeholder connections, improve market knowledge, and increase investments.

This is the first time that a government agency has been the recipient of the award, and the first time that the award has been presented to an organization east of Montreal. The Best New Initiative is awarded to an individual or organization serving the financial services industry for any initiative, in any medium, launched from March 1 – Sept. 1, 2006.

“The commission is very passionate about our initiative for New Brunswick,” said Smith. “This award represents national recognition and support from the financial services industry.”