The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is seeking to kickstart activity in the province’s capital markets as it struggles through an extended downturn with a new self-certified investor prospectus exemption.
Under Ontario Instrument 45-107, the exemption will allow issuers with head offices in Ontario to conduct sales of securities without a prospectus to “self-certified investors” or investors who can confirm certain prescribed professional designations and levels of education or industry experience from a list of qualifying criteria.
A self-certified investor can invest up to $30,000 per calendar year, provided they meet the required criteria.
The exemption will widen Ontario’s investor pool, giving an opportunity to investors who do not meet the threshold required to qualify for accreditation to participate in private offerings. The temporary offering will be available for 18 months and will expire on April 25, 2024.
The provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan implemented similar exemptions, albeit longer-lasting at three years, last year. The prospectus exemptions for self-certified investors in these two provinces will expire also in April of 2024.
Information for this briefing was found via OSC, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
