Canadian Securities Regulators seek comments on proposed amendments related to gender diversity

Montréal – The securities regulatory authorities in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories and Nunavut (the Participating Jurisdictions) today published for comment proposed amendments to Form 58-101F1 Corporate Governance Disclosure (Form 58-101F1) of National Instrument 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices (NI 58-101) (the Proposed Amendments). These amendments were previously published for comment by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) on January 16, 2014. 

The Proposed Amendments would require all TSX-listed issuers and other non-venture issuers reporting in the Participating Jurisdictions and in Ontario to make disclosure regarding the representation of women on their boards and in their executive officer positions using a “comply or explain” approach. This approach is consistent with existing corporate governance disclosure requirements for non-venture issuers in Form 58-101F1. 

These amendments are intended to increase transparency for investors and other stakeholders regarding the representation of women on boards and in senior management of all TSX-listed issuers and other non-venture issuers. This transparency is intended to assist investors when making investment and voting decisions. 

The CSA notice and the proposed amendments are available on websites of the Participating Jurisdictions and the OSC. The comment period is open until September 2, 2014. Staff of the Participating Jurisdictions and the OSC are coordinating their efforts with respect to the Proposed Amendments.

The CSA, the council of the securities regulators of Canada’s provinces and territories, co-ordinates and harmonizes regulation for the Canadian capital markets.

For more information: 

Sylvain Théberge
Autorité des marchés financiers
514-940-2176

Carolyn Shaw-Rimmington
Ontario Securities Commission
416-593-2361

Kevan Hannah
Manitoba Securities Commission
204-945-1513

Michelle Robichaud
Financial and Consumer Services
Commission
New Brunswick
506-643-7045

Tanya Wiltshire
Nova Scotia Securities Commission
902-424-8586

Don Boyle
Office of the Superintendent of Securities
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-4501

Daniela Machuca
Financial and Consumer Affairs
Authority of Saskatchewan
306-798-4160

Louis Arki
Nunavut Securities Office
867-975-6587

Gary MacDougall
Northwest Territories Securities Office
867-920-3318