The federally-appointed Wise Persons’ Committee is seeking public input into securities regulatory reform in Canada. Michael Phelps, chair of the WPC, announced Thursday the release of the committee’s consultation paper designed to elicit the views of participants in Canadian capital markets.

Submissions are due by June 30. Following receipt of submissions, the committee will meet with interested parties in select cities across Canada in July and August.

“Strong capital markets are fundamental to job creation and Canada’s economy,” said Phelps. “Our committee’s objective is to have active involvement of all participants — investors, issuers and intermediaries so we can make recommendations that will enhance our securities and regulatory system and keep Canada competitive in a global economy.”

Established in March 2003 by Finance Minister John Manley, the WPC is seeking views on a number of key securities regulatory issues including:

    the strengths and weaknesses of the current securities regulatory structure in Canada;

  • the effect of Canada’s regulatory structure on the international competitiveness of Canadian capital markets and economy;
  • the costs associated with the current system in Canada;
  • regional and local capital markets considerations; and
  • most importantly what the best securities regulatory system for Canada would be.

    In addition to the consultation process, the committee is commissioning research on a number of issues, including:

      the importance of the securities regulatory structure for Canadian markets and economic growth;

    • an analysis of the securities regulatory structure in other jurisdictions;
    • the costs associated with Canada’s current regulatory structure;
    • local and regional capital markets issues; and
    • the impact of the current system on enforcement.

    The committee has engaged the Capital Markets Institute at the University of Toronto to assist in the design of and to direct the Committee’s research program. Doug Harris, director of the Capital Markets Institute, has joined the staff of the Committee on a part-time basis to carry out this function.

    The mandate of the WPC is to undertake an independent objective review of the current securities regulatory framework and identify an appropriate model for securities regulation in Canada. The WPC will report to the Finance Minister by November 30.