News Release - Manitoba

May 8, 2008

PROVINCE PROCLAIMS CHANGES TO THE SECURITIES ACT


Manitoba investors and companies will have better access to Canadian markets and increased investor protection as a result of amendments to the Securities Act that will come into force May 15, Finance Minister Greg Selinger announced today.
 
“These changes will help create a true single window of access to Canada’s capital markets,” said Selinger. “The amended legislation facilitates Manitoba’s implementation of the passport system, harmonized and streamlined securities laws with other jurisdictions in Canada, and strengthened protection for investors.”
 
Amendments coming into effect will:
·         harmonize prospectus requirements for companies raising capital across Canada,
·         provide more tools to protect Manitoba investors, and
·         provide more tools to further enable and enhance single-window access for provincial companies to raise capital in Manitoba and across Canada.
 
“The passport system demonstrates an unprecedented level of co-ordination between provincial governments in Canada to improve securities regulation,” said Selinger. “All participating provinces have made much progress in harmonizing their securities laws and we will continue to work with our partners on further enhancements.”
 
The Securities Act is administered by the Manitoba Securities Commission, a special operating agency of the Manitoba government.  More information about the commission is available at www.msc.gov.mb.ca/.
 
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