Is Equity Crowdfunding Finally Here In Canada?

Provincial securities regulators across Canada have given emerging companies hope that an existing gap in their ability to raise capital will soon be filled. Following a broad review of the exempt market, the Ontario Securities Commission announced plans on March 20, 2014 for an exemption from certain securities regulatory requirements to finally permit equity crowdfunding¹. The OSC is soliciting comments on its proposal for ninety days² and the details of the OSC's proposals for a crowdfunding exemption and some other exemptions can be found here3. Similar proposed exemptions are being published for comment by securities regulatory authorities in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.