On November 12, the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) published OSC Notice 13-708 whereby it informed market participants that after reviewing current fee levels and projected cash flows, it has determined that no changes to OSC Rule 13-502 (Fees) and OSC Rule 13-503 (Commodity Futures Act Fees) (together, the Fee Rules) are required at this time, even as it anticipates an impact on its revenues due to the Covid-19 pandemic. An OSC analysis leads it to believe that maintaining current fee levels and leveraging its cash position will ensure that it can continue to deliver on its priorities. Fees will be reviewed after markets stabilize and the outcomes of the Capital Markets Modernization Taskforce (Taskforce) are known. The final report containing the Taskforce’s recommendations is expected before the end of the year and it will then be up to the provincial government to determine which recommendations to adopt. The OSC typically reviews its fee levels every three years, and recently completed its review for its next fiscal year, which starts in April 2021.

AUM Law will monitor these developments and keep you informed as to any changes to the Fee Rules.

December 11, 2020