HEARINGS

Many of the provincial securities commissions hold hearings which are similar to court proceedings. In our justice system most court rooms are open to the public so that justice can be seen to be done. Although many of the regulators hearings are behind closed doors, some hearings are open to the public. Investors are encouraged to attend a hearing to learn about how the industry operates.

You should check on the schedule for hearings if they are to be held near where you live. While the hearings may take some time, you will find that you can learn more about the investment industry by spending a day at a hearing than you will by attending many seminars on investing. You may be surprised to find your broker is being interviewed.

The seminars will tend to be sales pitches sponsored by industry members, while the hearings will generally disclose practices and behaviour in the real world of the investment industry. Make attending a hearing an integral part of your investor education. 

Schedules for hearings are provided on the provincial securities administrators’ websites.

Feedback

When you attend a hearing, let SIPA know what you learned. Send an e-mail to SIPA@sipa.ca with the subject "Regulator Hearing". We will appreciate your feedback.