The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) will hold four public consultations over the next several weeks to examine possible new exemption concepts, including an exemption to allow crowdfunding.

The OSC said Thursday that it will hold public consultations on Jan. 21, 30, and Feb. 7 & 8, to solicit input from the industry, investors and others into the ideas proposed in a consultation paper released late last year.

That paper set out possible models for four new prospectus exemptions — a crowdfunding exemption, an offering memorandum (OM) exemption, an exemption based on industry experience, and one contingent on investment dealer advice.

The commission stresses that it has not definitively decided to introduce these new exemptions, it is still examining the idea, and seeking public feedback.

The consultation paper is out for comment until Feb. 12; and the OSC will also be collecting input from these upcoming public sessions. The OSC notes that the consultation sessions will have a particular focus on crowdfunding.