About the OSC
Enforcement
The Enforcement Branch is responsible for investigating and litigating breaches of securities laws in Ontario. By enforcing securities laws, the Branch promotes investor protection and fosters public confidence in capital markets.
Enforcement staff gather and assess information received from various sources both internal and external to the OSC. Staff may determine that a matter requires further investigation by the Enforcement Branch or recommend that another OSC Branch undertake regulatory or compliance action. In situations where staff believe that certain matters are better investigated by another regulator or a law-enforcement agency, staff make the appropriate referrals.
After the initial assessment of the facts, staff determine if the matter should proceed to an investigation. Thereafter, Enforcement staff make recommendations as to the most appropriate course of action. In certain situations, staff may make recommendations to seek temporary cease-trade orders or freeze orders to protect investors from losses or prevent assets from being dissipated.
Litigation staff present cases before adjudicative panels of the OSC to seek the protective orders available under the Securities Act. Litigation staff also prosecute Securities Act offences before the Ontario Court of Justice and represent the OSC before the courts on appeal or in respect of other securities-related matters. Another major responsibility of litigation staff is to negotiate and recommend settlements for approval by the OSC Executive Director or adjudicative panels of the OSC, as appropriate.
The OSC believes that co-operation is a key strategy to prevent, detect and deter wrongdoing in the capital markets. The Enforcement Branch works closely with other securities regulators, self-regulatory organizations and law-enforcement agencies to enhance initiatives to fight misconduct.
The provincial legislature has given the OSC the responsibility and the powers to enforce securities laws in Ontario. The Enforcement Branch supports the OSC in delivering fair, vigorous and timely enforcement. A strong enforcement presence assists in protecting investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices and fostering fair and efficient markets.
