MFSA Operations During COVID-19

WINNIPEG – The Government of Manitoba has issued new orders under the Public Health Act effective September 2, 2021. Under the order, workplaces engaged in capital markets, real estate services, insurance and financial service activities provide essential services and remain open.

MFSA staff continue to operate at the level necessary to deliver crucial services to stakeholders and to protect the Manitoba public.

The Agency continues to take all necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of its employees and the public as we respond to the ongoing challenges of COVID.

·       Social distancing continues to be observed.

·       Masks must be worn at all times by staff and the public while in public spaces at the MSC and FIRB offices.

·       Sanitization procedures are to be used while in the MSC and FIRB offices

Neither MSC nor FIRB are providing direct in-person service to the public at this time unless an appointment has been arranged prior to arriving at our offices.

We continue to encourage the use of mail, email, and fax to convey important documents to our office wherever possible. MSC’s Securities and Real Estate Divisions are accepting deliveries of documents and packages via our main entrance only. Upon arrival at our office, please ring for service or contact our office directly at 204-945-2548. The Financial Institutions Regulation Branch (FIRB) is also accepting deliveries of documents and packages. Upon arrival, please contact FIRB at 204-945-2542.

We will continue to be flexible during this extraordinary time. Questions with respect to regulatory expectations should be directed to our staff contacts:

Compliance
Paula White, Deputy Director

Corporate Finance
Wayne Bridgeman, Deputy Director

Education & Communications
Ainsley Cunningham, Manager

Financial Institutions Regulation Branch
Scott Moore, Superintendent

Investigations
Jason Roy, Senior Investigator

Legal
Chris Besko, Director

Real Estate
Keith Schinkel, Registrar

Registration
Sue Henderson, Deputy Director

Investor protections and regulatory requirements remain fully in place and are critical to Manitoba’s capital markets functioning fairly and efficiently.

We will publish further updates on our operations, as the situation develops.

The mandate of the MSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair and efficient capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. Investors are urged to check the registration of any persons or company offering an investment opportunity and to review the MSC investor materials available at http://www.mbsecurities.ca.

The Manitoba Securities Commission and FIRB are divisions of the Manitoba Financial Services Agency, a Special Operating Agency of the Government of Manitoba that protects investors and promotes fair and efficient capital markets throughout the province.
 

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