Notice and Request for Comment - Application for Recognition of Alpha Trading Systems Limited Partnership and Alpha Exchange Inc. as an Exchange

Market Regulation Document Type
Alpha Exchange Inc. recognition orders

I. INTRODUCTION

Since November 2008, Alpha ATS L.P. (Alpha ATS) has been operating an alternative trading system in Ontario under National Instrument 21-101 Marketplace Operation. Alpha ATS facilitates the trading of equity securities listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) through a transparent, continuous matching platform.

Alpha Trading Systems Limited Partnership (Alpha LP) and Alpha Exchange Inc. (Alpha Exchange) (together, Alpha Group) have applied to the Commission for recognition of Alpha LP and Alpha Exchange as an exchange pursuant to section 21 of the Securities Act (Ontario). The general partner of Alpha LP, Alpha Trading Systems Inc. (Alpha GP), has agreed to also be subject to terms and conditions of any recognition of Alpha Group as an exchange. It is proposed that Alpha Exchange will be responsible for carrying out the exchange business and that Alpha LP, the parent of Alpha Exchange, will have direct influence over the strategic direction of Alpha Exchange.

Alpha Group proposes to operate an electronic, automated exchange to trade securities of qualified issuers listed on Alpha Exchange as well as those listed on other recognized exchanges.

In connection with the application from Alpha Group for recognition as an exchange (the application), OSC staff (Staff or we) are publishing for a 45-day public comment period:

• The following documents prepared by Alpha Group:

• application letter (Appendix A),

• proposed Listing Handbook and related Forms (Appendix B),

• proposed Trading Policies (Appendix C), and

• proposed member agreement (Appendix D); and

• Draft terms and conditions of recognition, as prepared by Staff (Appendix E).

Based upon comments received and further Staff review, all terms and conditions, and in particular those relating to corporate governance and the regulation of listed issuers, may be modified or new ones may be added.

The comment period will end on May 30, 2011. Please refer to Part V of this notice for information on the means for providing feedback.

II. APPLICATION

In its application letter (Appendix A), Alpha Group has made representations to the Commission regarding how it will meet each of the exchange recognition criteria related to: governance, fees, access, regulation of members and listed issuers, due process, systems and technology and information technology risk management procedures, financial viability and reporting, clearing and settlement, transparency, outsourcing, information sharing and regulatory cooperation. The specific criteria can be found in Schedule 2 of Appendix E.

Staff are seeking comment on all aspects of the application, but invite specific comment on the matters discussed below.

A. Governance Structure

(i) Independent representation on Alpha Exchange board

Because of their regulatory responsibilities, exchanges have a public interest mandate that must be considered in the context of many of the decisions made by the exchange. Independence on the board is a key component in ensuring that adequate consideration is given to the exchange's general public interest mandate. In our view, independent board representation is important to provide objectivity to the board and to exercise effective oversight of management. The separation between ownership and governance through independent representation helps to ensure that another perspective, a non-industry perspective that is reflective of the broader stakeholder group, is considered. It is important to have representation that can speak for and represent other stakeholders, investors and the public interest, and we believe that this is more likely to be achieved when independent representation is at least 50%. We recognize the principles in the Canadian Securities Administrators' (CSA's) SRO Oversight Committee Report published in 2006{1} and the support given to the notion that alternative governance structures with less than 50% representation may be appropriate.{2} However, in our view, these principles need to be applied with regard to the particular circumstances of an entity.

The circumstances relating to the recognition of Alpha Exchange relate to its ownership structure.

In connection with this, Staff are of the view that requiring at least 50% independent representation on the board of Alpha Exchange would help to address various associated potential conflicts of interest including those:

• between its commercial and regulatory operations, generally;

• between the interests of the dealer members of Alpha Exchange that are, or are owned by, the limited partners of Alpha LP (the dealer-owners){3} and the interests of the other dealer members (where those interests might not be aligned);

• between the interests of the dealer-owners and other stakeholders; and

• that might arise by virtue of the fact that Alpha Exchange will have regulatory responsibilities vis-à-vis its dealer-owners.

Alpha Group has proposed a level of independent representation on the board of Alpha Exchange that will be less than 50%. Specifically, Alpha Group proposes that Alpha Exchange will have a board of eight directors comprised of four non-independent "industry" directors (i.e., directors that are representatives of dealer members), three independent directors and a chief executive officer. At this point, Alpha Group proposes that the four industry directors would be dealer-owner representatives.

Alpha Group's rationale for its proposal is set out in its application letter found in Appendix A. Staff's concerns are set out below.

Board composition -- We understand that it is likely that all four of the non-independent "industry" directors will be representatives from the larger dealer-owners of Alpha LP. Staff question whether de facto control by the dealer-owners is achieved considering that the CEO is considered to be neither independent nor non-independent.

Effect of proposed Regulatory Oversight Committee (ROC) -- We acknowledge that the ROC proposed by Alpha Group will have certain decision-making powers in relation to the application of Alpha Exchange's code of conduct and conflict policies and on appeals of decisions taken under the proposed Trading Policies or proposed Listing Handbook. In addition, we believe that the ROC will help to ensure that there is adequate oversight of and attention paid to the regulation functions to be performed by Alpha Exchange. However, in relation to other activities that are important from a regulatory perspective, such as: rule-making; the setting of a regulation budget; and changes to the regulation and compliance programs of Alpha Exchange, the ROC's role is advisory in nature. This raises questions as to the degree of the authority of the ROC to actually influence the decision-making of the Alpha Exchange board in relation to these activities. We therefore question whether the ROC as proposed is an appropriate substitute for 50% independent representation on the board.

Effect of competitive pressures -- We acknowledge Alpha Group's argument that competitive pressures can aid in addressing the potential conflicts of interest. However, in our view, this is not a substitute for independent representation. We also note that competition has the potential to create results that are detrimental to the public interest - for example, to the extent that competition could create incentives to lower listing standards.

Existing literature and international experience -- We acknowledge that existing literature and international experience indicates that there might not be a one-size-fits-all governance structure for exchanges. However, the current precedent in Canada for equities exchanges is a requirement for at least 50% independent representation. Further, we note that a standard has evolved in the U.S. for 50% independent representation on the board of an equities exchange. While we accept that there may be circumstances that would justify a departure from this standard, in the circumstances of this application, and in particular the proposed ownership structure and potential conflicts of interest, we question whether there is sufficient justification to deviate from the standard.

Role played by securities regulators -- While we recognize the important role played by securities regulators in ensuring that an exchange operates in a manner that is consistent with the public interest, we note that an exchange is also responsible for regulatory functions and therefore has responsibility to ensure its regulatory functions are being carried out in a manner that is consistent with its public interest mandate and in compliance with the terms and conditions of its recognition order.

Question 1: Is Alpha Group's proposed governance structure, including its proposed role for a ROC, appropriate in the context of Alpha Group's ownership structure and regulatory responsibilities? Does it adequately address the potential conflicts of interest? Alternatively, is requiring 50% independent representation on the Alpha Exchange board of directors appropriate? If so, would a ROC still be appropriate or necessary, and with what level of authority over regulatory matters?

(ii) Meaning of "independence"

Together with considering the appropriate level of independent representation on the board of Alpha Exchange, Staff have been considering what should constitute "independence", in the context and the nature of the structure of Alpha Exchange.

We note that Alpha is proposing that a materiality threshold be applied for representatives of owners. This threshold would have the effect of applying only to representatives of owners that are not members of Alpha Exchange. More specifically, Alpha proposes that owners that are not members but own less than 10% should be able to act as independent directors.{4}

Question 2: Is the definition of independence proposed by Alpha Group to be applied to Alpha Exchange's board directors appropriate in the context and nature of their proposed structure? Are there any other exclusions that would be warranted?

(iii) Conflicts of interest

Staff have proposed specific terms and conditions of recognition regarding conflicts of interest to ensure that Alpha Group establishes appropriate mechanisms to address potential conflicts of interest. These would require Alpha Group to establish, maintain and ensure compliance with policies and procedures that:

• identify and manage any conflicts of interest arising from the operation of the exchange or the services it provides, including those that may arise from the involvement of any partner, director, officer or employee of a limited partner of Alpha LP in the management or oversight of the exchange operations or regulation functions of Alpha Exchange and the services it provides; and

• require that information regarding exchange operations, regulation functions or a member or issuer that is obtained by a partner, director, officer or employee of a limited partner of Alpha LP through their involvement in the management or oversight of exchange operations or regulation functions be kept separate and confidential from the business or other operations of the limited partner of Alpha LP and not be used to provide an advantage to the limited partner of Alpha LP.

We are of the view that due to the nature of the ownership of the Alpha Group, more specificity is required as to the potential conflicts of interest that should be addressed by the policies and procedures. We note that the term and condition requiring certain information to be kept separate and confidential provides an exception where disclosure of information regarding exchange operations is necessary to carry out the individual's responsibilities for the management or oversight of exchange operations and the individual can and does exercise due care in its disclosure of the information.

Question 3: Are the proposed terms and conditions of recognition that deal with conflicts of interest and confidentiality appropriate in light of the potential conflicts of interest associated with Alpha Exchange's ownership structure? If not, why not? Would other or additional terms and conditions be more appropriate?

(iv) Prior Commission approval for any changes in ownership

To ensure that there is an opportunity to consider the continued adequacy of the ownership and governance structure of Alpha Group in the context of any recognition of Alpha Exchange, Staff have proposed terms and conditions of recognition (draft terms and conditions of recognition are in Schedule A of Appendix E) that would require prior approval from the Commission before any person or company could effectively own or control more than a certain percentage of Alpha LP, Alpha GP or Alpha Exchange (the ownership threshold). Staff believe that for Alpha Group, which is intended to be privately-held with nine beneficial owners, a reasonable ownership threshold for significant influence would be at the point of acquiring a 20% or more interest. Staff note that for a widely-held publicly-traded exchange, a lower threshold is more appropriate.

As at the date of the application, each limited partner of Alpha LP held less than a 20% interest in each of Alpha LP and Alpha GP.{5} The term and condition we have proposed would be intended to apply to any owner, current or future, before it surpasses the ownership threshold post-recognition.

Question 4: Is it appropriate to impose a term and condition of recognition requiring Commission approval before a person or company obtains a certain percentage interest in Alpha Group, in order to consider the continued appropriateness of its ownership and governance structure? If so, what percentage of ownership is appropriate in the context of a privately-held exchange?

B. Issuer Regulation

(i) Level of listed issuer regulation

Alpha Exchange's proposed Listing Handbook, a copy of which is attached as Appendix B, sets out the requirements for issuers listed on Alpha Exchange. These include requirements relating to listing standards, suspensions, disclosure, corporate finance and capital structure changes, corporate governance and security holder approval.

We understand that Alpha Exchange's listing model is based on certain assumptions, including the following:

• The Canadian regulatory structure allows for competing listing standards.

• Every issuer can apply to any exchange for a listing, provided it meets the listing standards of that exchange.

• Listing requirements have traditionally been based on commercial and branding considerations.

• The exchanges' regulatory functions focus on issuer "regulation" to the extent of their requirements, but exchanges do not have any mandated minimum level for their requirements (provided the exchange's listing requirements are not inconsistent with the securities regulators' requirements).

Staff agree that the Canadian regulatory structure allows for competing listing standards. However, to date, these competing listing standards have varied by exchange to suit the type of issuer listing on the particular exchange.

Question 5: Should issuers of the same size and quality be subject to an equivalent level of listed issuer regulation by competing exchanges? Are some elements of listed issuer regulation merely "branding" and if so, what are those areas?

(ii) Venture and non-venture issuer status

The CSA have adopted proportionate regulation for listed issuers, which impose appropriate levels of regulation for issuers of different sizes. The CSA determine whether an issuer is junior or senior based on what exchange the issuer is listed. For example, issuers listed on the TSX are senior, or "non-venture issuers" while issuers listed on the TSX-V and CNSX are junior, or "venture issuers".

As set out in its application, Alpha Exchange seeks to establish a mid tier exchange which would target issuers at the upper tiers of the venture issuers as well as more senior issuers. Alpha Exchange proposes classifying its listed issuers into two tiers. It proposes that the securities regulators classify tier 1 issuers as "non-venture" issuers and tier 2 issuers as "venture" issuers for the purposes of securities regulation.

Staff and the Commission have not determined how issuers listed on Alpha Exchange should be classified for the purposes of issuer regulation under Ontario securities legislation. Depending on the decision made by the Commission, changes may be required to Alpha Exchange's listing handbook to ensure consistency with Ontario securities legislation.

Question 6: Given the listing requirements proposed by Alpha Exchange, is it appropriate to classify tier 1 issuers as "non-venture" issuers and tier 2 issuers as "venture" issuers under applicable securities legislation? Should the CSA reconsider its current issuer "venture"I"non-venture" classification in light of the application by Alpha Exchange?

(iii) Exercise of discretion by exchange

In our view, the most significant difference in how Alpha Exchange proposes to regulate its listed issuers and how the TSX and TSX-V regulate their listed issuers is the exchanges' use of discretion. For example, under the TSX listed issuer rules, the TSX may exercise its discretion in reviewing certain listed issuer transactions. In exercising its discretion, the TSX may impose conditions on transactions, including the requirement to obtain shareholder approval.

Alpha Exchange does not propose to exercise discretion in reviewing listed issuer transactions. Rather, it proposes to rely upon the objective standards set out in their Listing Handbook, together with both shareholder approval and the mandated involvement of independent directors to address transactions by listed issuers which could have a material impact on dilution or involve insiders/related parties. While Alpha Exchange will review transactions, the focus of the review will not be to "approve/disapprove" the transaction, but rather to determine whether the issuer is in compliance with disclosure and shareholder requirements.

Question 7: Is an exchange's ability to exercise discretion necessary for regulating its listed issuers? Or can shareholder approval and the role of independent directors be a substitute to ensure the maintenance of a quality marketplace?

(iv) Securityholder approval requirements for investment fund acquisitions

Alpha Exchange proposes to require securityholder approval of an acquisition of a listed issuer that is an investment fund unless certain conditions are met.

It is our view that the securityholder approval requirements for acquisitions of listed issuers that are non-redeemable investment funds should be substantially similar to the requirements in NI 81-102 for mutual funds, including the requirement that the investment funds participating in the acquisition bear none of the costs and expenses associated with the transaction. We understand this approach is followed by other exchanges that have listed issuers that are investment funds. Alpha Exchange is proposing to allow the costs and expenses associated with the transaction to be borne by the investment fund if the fund's independent review committee has determined that the payment is in the best interest of the investment fund. Staff's view is that since the investment fund manager arguably benefits from an acquisition at least as much as the securityholders of the investment funds, the costs and expenses of an acquisition are, in Staff's view, more properly borne by the manager as opposed to the security holders. We are further concerned that not having a consistent approach to investment fund acquisitions will create opportunities for regulatory arbitrage.

Question 8: Should a listed issuer that is an investment fund be subject to the same securityholder approval requirements for acquisitions as mutual funds? In particular, should the investment fund manager bear the costs and expenses associated with an acquisition of a listed issuer that is an investment fund?

(v) Inter-listed investment funds and structured products

Alpha Exchange proposes to permit foreign issuers listed on a recognized foreign exchange to apply for listing. This will include listed issuers that are investment funds and other comparable listed structured products such as exchange-traded notes. To minimize opportunities for regulatory arbitrage, it is our view that there should be a process or protocol established to inform Staff of applications by such foreign listed issuers prior to listing, which should be included in the Listing Handbook. The purpose of this protocol would be to allow Staff to assess whether we have in the past recommended or would recommend a receipt for a similar investment fund product offered by prospectus in Canada. While Alpha Group has agreed to inform us when they receive such applications and provide for this in their policies and procedures, they have not agreed to include Staff's assessment as one of the criteria to be considered in determining to inter-list a foreign investment fund or structured product.

Question 9: Should Alpha Exchange's Listing Handbook contain specific criteria relating to listing applications from foreign special purpose issuers, such as investment funds or exchange-traded notes? Should this criteria require Alpha Exchange to consider Staff's assessment that it would be in the public interest to approve such a listing application?

C. Member Regulation

(i) Cancellation and amendment of orders and trades

Section 5.8 of Alpha Exchange's proposed Trading Policies provides Alpha Exchange with the broad discretion to "change and/or cancel any order or trade that has not yet been submitted by Alpha [Exchange] to the clearing agency clearance and settlement process for the purposes of mitigating errors made in order execution and maintaining market quality." Staff have concerns with the broad nature of the discretion provided, and the lack of clarity around what would constitute an "error in order execution", or the circumstances that would necessitate a change or cancellation to "maintain market quality". We are also concerned with how Alpha Exchange proposes that it might exercise this discretion without prior the involvement of the Market Regulator or the affected parties.

On April 8, 2011, the CSA published for comment proposed National Instrument 23-103 Electronic Trading and Direct Electronic Access to Marketplaces that include provisions setting out the conditions under which a marketplace would be able to cancel, vary or correct a trade. Should the proposed National Instrument be implemented with these provisions as proposed, Alpha Exchange may need to make revisions to its policies on the amendment and cancellation of trades to ensure consistency with these provisions.

D. Other Outstanding Issues

While Staff have reviewed Alpha Group's application, we have not yet received all information necessary to make a recommendation to the Commission regarding recognition. Similarly, to the extent that there are any outstanding issues with, or any inconsistencies or errors remaining in or between, Alpha Exchange's proposed Trading Policies, Member Agreement, Listing Handbook and related forms, these will have to be addressed.

III. DRAFT TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RECOGNITION

The draft terms and conditions of recognition are also being published at this time for comment. Based upon comments received and further Staff review, all terms and conditions, and in particular those relating to corporate governance and the regulation of listed issuers, may be modified or new ones may be added.

We note that the draft terms and conditions of recognition include a requirement that Alpha Exchange adhere to a rule review process, as amended from time to time, that will set out the procedure to be followed in connection with the Commission's approval of changes to Alpha Exchange's rules. In connection with amendments made to NI 21-101{6}, Staff are developing a rule review process and form filing process that will be applicable to all recognized exchanges and alternative trading systems. The process will be developed with input from the marketplaces. The process would outline timelines for proposed changes to rules and forms and the circumstances requiring publication for comment of a proposed change. It is anticipated that material changes to Alpha Exchange's rules will be published for public comment and will be subject to Commission approval.

OSC staff's existing process for reviewing initial filings and changes to certain of the operations of exchanges is described in OSC staff Notice 21-703 Transparency of the Operations of Stock Exchanges and Alternative Trading Systems (Revised - Previously Published October 9, 2009).{7} To the extent that commentary in Alpha Exchange's proposed rules includes information that should be considered to be part of or akin to a rule, Staff would require that it be treated as a rule change under these rule review processes.

IV. EVOLUTION OF THE EXCHANGE ENVIRONMENT

A. The Alpha Group Application and the Global Exchange Environment

We are considering the Alpha Group application during a time of change in the environment for exchanges. In response to increased competition from alternative trading venues, exchanges globally are merging and consolidating. Regulators are examining the issues associated with these consolidations to determine the impact on their markets and whether the resulting structures are in the public interest. In Canada, the proposed transaction between the TMX Group and London Stock Exchange Group may impact the structure of our market. The issues associated with that transaction will be examined separately from those related to this notice. However, we must examine the issues associated with Alpha Group in the context of the changing Canadian market.

Question 10: Does the changing environment impact the Alpha Group application? If so, how?

V. COMMENT PROCESS

We are seeking comment on all aspects of the application and the draft recognition order, and are seeking specific comment on the issues identified above (for which specific questions have been posed).

You are asked to provide your comments in writing, via e-mail and delivered on or before May 30, 2011 addressed to the attention of the Secretary of the Commission, Ontario Securities Commission, 20 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3S8, e-mail: [email protected].

The confidentiality of submissions cannot be maintained as a summary of written comments received during the comment period will be published.

Questions on the content of this notice and the draft recognition order may be referred to:

Jonathan Sylvestre
Senior Accountant, Market Regulation
(416) 593-2378
 
Sonali GuptaBhaya
Legal Counsel, Market Regulation
(416) 593-2331
 
Shannon O'Hearn
Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate Finance
(416) 595-8944
 
Ian Kearsey
Legal Counsel, Investment Funds
(416) 593-2169

Questions on the content of Alpha Group's application may be referred to:

Randee Pavalow
Head of Legal and Operations, Alpha Group
(647) 259-0420
 
Stacey Hoisak
Senior Legal Counsel, Alpha Group
(647) 259-0408

April 15, 2011

{1} CSA Notice 24-303 -- CSA SRO Oversight Project -- Review of Oversight of Self-Regulatory Organizations and Market Infrastructure Entities - Report of the CSA SRO Oversight Project Committee, published on December 8, 2006 at (2006) 29 OSCB 9462.

{2} The recommendation in the report being referred to here states that: "An entity may have an alternative governance structure that does not comply with recommendations (a) [at least 50% independent representation on the board] and (b) [establish a ROC for any market infrastructure entity, such as an exchange]; however, it should assess the appropriateness of having 50% independent directors or a ROC, and explain how its alternative governance structure would ensure effective and independent oversight of the entity and management of any conflicts of interest without such tools."

{3} Eight out of the nine current limited partners of Alpha LP are investment dealers or wholly own an investment dealer. When we refer to the "dealer-owners", we are referring to these eight limited partners.

{4} We note that, based on the current ownership structure, seven of the nine limited partners of Alpha LP are investment dealers that would likely be members of Alpha Exchange, and therefore representatives from these members (or from any member) would already be precluded from independence based on the proposed terms and conditions of recognition. Of the two limited partners that are not investment dealers, representatives from only one might be precluded from independence under Alpha.s proposed materiality threshold.

{5} Alpha LP owns 100% of Alpha Exchange.

{6} Published on March 18, 2010 at (2011) 34 OSCB 3168.

{7} Available at http://www.osc.gov.on.ca/en/28679.htm

 

APPENDIX A

April 4, 2011

Ontario Securities Commission
20 Queen Street West, Suite 1903
Toronto, Ontario
M5H 3S8

Attention: Susan Greenglass, Director of Market Regulation

Dear Ms. Greenglass

Re: Application for Recognition of Alpha Exchange Inc. ("Alpha Exchange")

This letter sets out the application (the "Application") of Alpha Exchange to the Ontario Securities Commission (the "Commission") for recognition as a stock exchange in accordance with section 21(2) of the Securities Act (Ontario), R.S.O. 1990, c. S-5 (the "Act").

I. Application for Recognition

Alpha Trading Systems Limited Partnership ("Alpha LP") with its General Partner, Alpha Trading Systems Inc., owns all of the shares of Alpha Exchange. Alpha LP{1} is applying for recognition as an exchange for the specific purpose of complying with the following conditions{2}:

• Alpha LP will commit to allocate sufficient resources to Alpha Exchange to ensure that it can carry out its functions in a manner that is consistent with the public interest and will notify the Commission if it is unable to do so.

• Alpha LP will provide to the Commission quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements.

• Alpha LP, as permitted by its legal authority, will cause Alpha Exchange to carry out its activities as a recognized stock exchange.

• Alpha LP will provide to the Commission access to any information that is required for the assessment by the Commission of the performance by Alpha Exchange of its regulatory obligations.

• Alpha LP will establish, maintain and ensure compliance with policies and procedures that identify and manage any conflicts of interest and maintains confidentiality of information arising from Alpha LP's interest in Alpha Exchange. Alpha LP believes that these requirements should be set by the board of Alpha LP (the "Board"), subject to review and approval by the regulator, and published on its web site. Alpha LP does not believe it is appropriate to include the content of these policies in the recognition order because it undermines the authority of the Board and is inefficient because any changes proposed by the Board would require an amendment to the recognition order.

• Alpha LP will ensure that each person or company which has more than a 10% partnership interest in Alpha LP and each officer or director of the general partner of Alpha LP is fit and proper so that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the business of Alpha LP will be conducted with integrity.

• Alpha LP will ensure that no person or company together with any associated and affiliated entities will own or control 20% or more of any class or series of voting shares of Alpha Exchange without having prior Commission approval.

Alpha Exchange is applying for recognition as an operating exchange subject to all of the criteria that are applicable to such operating entities in accordance with s. 21 of the Securities Act (Ontario).

At this time, the following issues have been identified for specific comment by the Ontario Securities Commission:

• What is an appropriate governance structure for a privately owned exchange?

• Whether listing standards which include additional governance standards and greater specificity are an acceptable alternative to the use of discretion by the exchange in regards to issuer transactions.

• Whether the use of two tiers for issuers achieves Alpha's objective of differentiating itself from other exchanges and providing alternatives to issuers.

• Whether a special review process is required when the issuer is a foreign issuer or is offering a structured product.

• Whether exchanges should be allowed to retain discretion to take action against issuers or members in the case of unanticipated events in order to protect the market quality or other participants' rights, provided such exercise of discretion is subject to commercial and regulatory remedies, as well as regulatory oversight.

II. Background and Introduction to Alpha Exchange Application

A. Current Operations

Currently, Alpha ATS LP operates an alternative trading system ("Alpha ATS") created to facilitate trading of TSX and TSXV listed equities in the Canadian capital markets. Alpha ATS features a transparent, continuous matching platform where trading occurs through a Central Limit Order Book (CLOB) and other special order books, such as an odd lot facility.

Alpha ATS began operating in November, 2008. It currently has 92 subscribers and active trading of over 1,700 securities. The following tables{3} set out the trading volume for TSX and TSXV securities from December 2010 through February 2011:

December, 2010

TSX-Listed{•}

TSX-V Listed{•}

Debentures

 

Volume

3,247,784,651

1,108,400,429

94,571,000

 

Trades

5,405,669

265,403

9,693

 

Value

$36,552,861,003

$617,248,219

$97,486,167

 

Average Daily Volume

158,428,520

54,068,314

4,613,220

 

Average Daily Trades

263,691

12,946

473

 

Average Daily Value

$1,783,066,390

30,109,669

$4,755,423

 

Alpha ATS Market Share

 

Volume

22.1%

11.7%

15.1%

 

Trades

20.2%

17.1%

34.8%

 

Value

19.4%

11.5%

13.1%

{•} Excludes debentures

January, 2011

TSX-Listed{•}

TSX-V Listed{•}

Debentures

 

Volume

3,496,298,220

1,260,995,226

129,099,980

 

Trades

5,748,133

294,971

12,314

 

Value

$37,431,200,925

$737,023,450

$137,407,104

 

Average Daily Volume

174,814,911

63,049,761

6,297,560

 

Average Daily Trades

287,407

14,749

601

 

Average Daily Value

$1,871,560,046

36,851,172

$6,702,786

 

Alpha ATS Market Share

 

Volume

22.4%

12.9%

17.6%

 

Trades

20.0%

17.9%

36.3%

 

Value

19.0%

12.1%

15.7%

{•} Excludes debentures

February, 2011

TSX-Listed{•}

TSX-V Listed{•}

Debentures

 

Volume

3,210,735,413

1,548,491,441

115,851,845

 

Trades

5,207,372

480,316

6,417

 

Value

$37,959,279,805

$1,078,441,647

$121,321,321

 

Average Daily Volume

152,892,163

73,737,688

5,651,310

 

Average Daily Trades

247,970

22,872

313

 

Average Daily Value

$1,807,584,753

51,354,364

$5,918,113

 

Alpha ATS Market Share

 

Volume

22.2%

14.3%

19.6%

 

Trades

18.8%

22.1%

41.5%

 

Value

19.0%

14.8%

17.6%

{•} Excludes debentures

Upon recognition of Alpha Exchange and the reorganization of the Alpha Group entities in connection with such recognition, Alpha ATS will be dissolved. Existing agreements with the current Alpha Group entities will be assigned to Alpha Exchange or Alpha LP (or a new legal entity), unless there are changes requiring the parties to execute another agreement. Notice will be provided in accordance with the current agreements. At this time, we expect that only dealers will have to execute a new agreement, i.e. an Alpha Exchange Member Agreement in replacement of the current Alpha ATS Subscriber Agreement, and that all other agreements will be assigned since there will be no material changes to them.

B. Participants / Membership

Alpha Exchange will operate an electronic automated marketplace for participating investment dealers who are members of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada ("IIROC") ("Members" of Alpha Exchange) to trade securities of qualified listed issuers on substantially the same basis as Alpha ATS has been operating. It is expected that current Alpha ATS Subscribers will execute the proposed Alpha Exchange Member Agreement, which is available on the Alpha web site in the section related to the Exchange Application. As part of the proposed Alpha Exchange Member Agreement, Alpha Exchange Members will agree to be bound by Alpha Exchange's policies, as more fully described further on in this Application.

The proposed Alpha Exchange Member Agreement is based on the Subscriber Agreement that is currently in use by Alpha ATS. The key differences between the two agreements are as follows:

• A schedule has been added for those parties who want to become Market Makers.

• Some sections were moved to the Trading Policies at the request of the regulators, who believed that this would provide for better transparency to users.

A copy of the proposed Alpha Exchange Member Agreement is published with this Application and a black-lined version of the proposed Agreement, in comparison to the current Alpha ATS Subscriber Agreement, is available on Alpha's website.

We encourage parties to review the proposed Alpha Exchange Member Agreement as quickly as possible so that they can execute it as soon as recognition has been granted to Alpha Exchange.

C. Trading Policies

Alpha ATS has always been a proponent of providing public information on how its marketplace operates to encourage and facilitate informed choices regarding trading. Alpha ATS' Trading Policies have been published and placed on its website since it began operations. Alpha Exchange will adopt the Trading Policies of Alpha ATS as revised to reflect any changes in relation to this Application, and will follow the same principles of transparency.

The key differences between the proposed Alpha Exchange Trading Policies and the current Alpha ATS Trading Policies can be summarized as follows:

• Some sections of the current Alpha ATS Subscriber Agreement have been moved into the proposed Alpha Exchange Trading Policies.

• A section on Market Makers has been added.

• Policies regarding Members' suspension, termination and rights of appeal have been clarified.

A copy of the proposed Alpha Exchange Trading Policies is published with this Application and a version is available on Alpha's website.

D. Listing and Listing Handbook

Alpha Exchange is entering the listings business in order to increase competition for listings in the Canadian capital markets and thereby decrease associated costs, minimize inefficiencies, provide choice and promote a more vibrant Canadian capital market that will benefit all stakeholders. This is in keeping with Alpha's overall business objective, which is to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs to market participants and promote the Canadian capital markets; while being at the same time a profitable and commercially successful market operator that allows the industry to benefit from true competition.

Alpha Exchange will trade securities that are listed on Alpha Exchange ("Alpha Listed Securities") as well as those listed on other recognized exchanges ("Other Traded Securities" or "OTS"). Issuers that meet the criteria set out in Alpha Exchange's Listing Handbook can apply to Alpha Exchange to qualify their securities for listing ("Listed Issuers").

See Part III D of this Application for a more detailed description of the Alpha Exchange listing standards and current issues for discussion.

The proposed Alpha Exchange Listing Handbook and Forms will be available on the Alpha website, and Alpha will follow the same transparency practices with respect to these documents as it does for the Alpha Exchange Trading Policies.

III. Recognition Criteria for Alpha Exchange

A. Governance{4}

Ownership of Alpha Exchange

Alpha Exchange was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the "CBCA") on March 24, 2010.

Alpha Exchange is a separate legal entity. It is a private company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alpha LP. Alpha LP is a limited partnership formed under the laws of Manitoba. Alpha LP has nine limited partners and one general partner, Alpha Trading Systems Inc. ("Alpha GP"), which altogether hold 100% of the interests in Alpha Exchange. Alpha GP is a corporation incorporated under the CBCA and its common shares are held by the limited partners of Alpha LP.

As the general partner of Alpha LP, Alpha GP oversees all businesses of the Alpha Group, including Alpha Exchange, in accordance with legal, financial and regulatory requirements.

The limited partners of Alpha LP (the "Partners") are BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., TD Securities Inc., CPP Investment Board Private Holdings Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., Canaccord Financial Inc. and Desjardins Securities Inc. The Partners are federally regulated financial institutions, provincially regulated dealers and a public pension fund, and represent a diversified group of interests based on their size and the nature and geographic location of their businesses.

Each of the Partners is a highly regulated entity and has strong incentives to provide a market that has high standards of market integrity. Unlike exchanges such as TMX Group and CNSX, Alpha Exchange will not have any individual shareholders.

Objectives of the proposed Alpha Exchange Governance Structure

The governance structure of Alpha Exchange is designed to ensure:

• Effective oversight of Alpha Exchange.

• That Alpha Exchange's business and regulatory decisions are in keeping with its public interest mandate.

• Fair, meaningful and diverse representation on the board of directors of Alpha Exchange (the "Exchange Board") and any committees of the Exchange Board, including a reasonable proportion of independent directors.

• Proper consideration and representation of the interests of the different persons or companies accessing the facilities and/or services of Alpha Exchange.

• That Alpha Exchange has policies and procedures to appropriately identify and manage conflicts of interest.

• That each director and officer of Alpha Exchange and each person or company that owns or controls, directly or indirectly, more than 10 percent of Alpha Exchange, is a fit and proper person.

• That there are appropriate qualifications, remuneration, limitation of liability and indemnity provisions for directors and officers.

Alpha Exchange believes that its corporate governance structure should be designed to enable it to effectively meet the needs of its business model, while at the same time meeting its regulatory obligations. Alpha Exchange's business model is a hybrid model that aims to balance a for-profit approach with an approach based on providing value to its users (which includes, but is not limited to, its owners). In other words, Alpha Exchange's objective is to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce costs to market participants, while being at the same time a profitable and commercially successful market operator that enables the industry to benefit from true competition. For this reason, Alpha Exchange believes that strong user-owner representation on its new board of directors is vital to sustaining its user-focused business model and to ensuring that Alpha Exchange continues to support more efficient - and therefore more successful - Canadian securities markets.

The central objective of a sound corporate governance structure is to ensure effective governance of an organization with a view to supporting the achievement of its mission and objectives. Special considerations apply to a securities exchange, which is a licensed and regulated institution. The governance structure of an exchange should also be designed to ensure that it meets its statutory and regulatory objectives, and its conditions of license, on an ongoing basis. These objectives are often summarized as an obligation to maintain a fair, efficient and orderly market.

In international markets, a wide range of ownership and governance structures for securities exchanges may be observed. These range from public, listed companies with wide share ownership by public investors, to government-owned institutions. Within the range, a large number of mutual exchanges and private commercial exchanges operate. There is no standard model of corporate governance that has proven to be the most successful or effective, or that represents a "best practice" approach.{5}

Regulators apply corporate governance principles flexibly, especially in jurisdictions such as the US and the UK where the regulatory structure must accommodate many different types of exchanges, alternative marketplaces (e.g. ATSs and ECNs) and other market institutions, such as SROs and clearing agencies. The application of the principles to the governance of exchanges must also reflect local conditions, including political considerations, specific regulatory concerns, legal systems and business traditions.

Proposed Alpha Exchange Governance Structure

Alpha Exchange proposes a board comprised of 8 directors (4 non-independent "industry" directors, 3 independent directors and the chief executive officer of Alpha Exchange (the "CEO")), a Regulatory Oversight Committee (the "ROC") (3 independent and 2 non-independent directors), a Nominating Committee (2 independent and 2 non-independent directors) and a Finance and Audit Committee (2 independent and 2 non-independent directors). The chairman of the Exchange Board will be an independent director.

As stated earlier in this Application, there is no standard model of corporate governance that has proven to be the most successful or effective. In the CSA Report on SRO Oversight{6} (the "CSA Report"), the CSA recognizes that a fifty percent independent director standard is not needed in all circumstances. Alpha Exchange believes that its proposed board and governance structure meets the principles enunciated in the CSA Report, as well as international best practices. The outline of principles that follows is based on the "Canadian Approach" that the OSC defined and describes how the proposed Alpha Exchange governance structure meets these principles.

Principles 1 and 2

Ensure an effective governance structure that supports achieving the corporation's objectives and regulatory obligations.

Ensure a reasonable balance between the interests of different stakeholders.

Since Alpha believes that the design of Alpha Exchange's governance structure achieves these two principles in a balanced manner, they are discussed together.

The central objective of the governance structure for any type of organization is to ensure that the structure will be effective in supporting the successful pursuit of the organization's objectives. For a recognized body such as an exchange, those objectives encompass obligations imposed by law and regulation. Therefore, Alpha has strived to design a structure that will be effective both in supporting its business model and objectives, and in responding to its regulatory and public interest obligations.

Two other important objectives of an exchange's corporate governance system are:

• Ensuring that various stakeholders in the market are represented.

• Addressing conflicts of interest.

Alpha Exchange's proposed board and governance structure meet these principles, for the following reasons:

• Fair and appropriate representation of stakeholders is assured by the presence of four user representatives, three independents and one management representative on the Exchange Board.

• Although Alpha Exchange will be a wholly owned subsidiary, it is the Exchange Board that will supervise the business and affairs of Alpha Exchange and that board will have significant independent representation.

• The collective professional qualifications and experience of those individuals elected to the Exchange Board will ensure that Alpha Exchange has an effective board.

• Consideration of the public interest will be a significant obligation not only of independent directors, but also of directors nominated by the shareholders.

• Alpha Exchange will have independent oversight of its regulatory functions through its ROC, which will be comprised of a majority of independent directors, with an independent chair.

• Alpha Exchange will ensure independent, neutral and professional delivery of most regulation functions under a regulation services agreement with IIROC.

Alpha recognizes the value of the presence of independent directors in the governance of Alpha Exchange, especially given its regulated status. We acknowledge the precedents that exist in Canadian exchanges' board structures. Our proposed structure, and specifically the inclusion of the ROC, will give independent directors a predominant position with respect to the regulatory role of Alpha Exchange and an influential role with respect to all other matters, while ensuring that no one group controls the Exchange Board. We believe that this will be the most effective governance structure for Alpha Exchange at this time, and strikes a reasonable balance between all objectives, while also ensuring that independent persons represent other stakeholders' interests on the board.

The proposed Alpha Exchange governance structure has been designed taking into account the current user ownership of Alpha Exchange as well as its particular business model. If either changes, Alpha recognizes that the proposed Alpha Exchange governance structure may need to be adjusted.

Principle 3: Appropriate representation of independent directors on board committees.

Principle 3 is really an extension of Principle 2, and aims to ensure representation of other stakeholders through independent directors and extends to the functions delegated by the board to its committees. The OSC has generally included this principle in the terms and conditions imposed through recognition orders.

This principle is recognized in Alpha Exchange's proposed governance structure. Alpha Exchange will have three board committees: a ROC, a Finance and Audit Committee and a Nominating Committee.

The ROC will oversee Alpha Exchange's regulatory responsibilities and activities. It will play an important role in ensuring that regulation functions are carried out effectively by making final decisions, if requested, regarding any action taken by Alpha against Members or Issuers and in applying the Code of Conduct and Conflict Policies. For this reason, and to ensure potential conflicts of interest in the regulation of Members and Listed Issuers are managed appropriately, the ROC will have a majority of independent directors and an independent chair.

Independent directors will comprise half of each of the Finance and Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee. A quorum for meetings of the Nominating Committee shall be a majority of the members, provided that at least one independent member is present. If there is only one independent member (and two non-independent members) present at a meeting, the independent member that is present may request an adjournment of the meeting until such time as the other independent member is available to attend and, if so requested, the meeting shall be so adjourned. In addition, for any matters involving the nomination of directors to the Exchange Board or the application of Alpha Exchange's independence standards, both independent members of the Nominating Committee must be present for quorum to be attained. A quorum for meetings of the Finance and Audit Committee will be a majority of the members, provided that at least one independent member is present. If there is only one independent member (and two non-independent members) present at a meeting, the independent member that is present may request an adjournment of the meeting until such time as the other independent member is available to attend and, if so requested, the meeting shall be so adjourned.

Principle 4: Fair representation of users in the governance system.

Although IOSCO has adopted few standards on governance of exchanges, its criteria for assessing implementation of the IOSCO principles does state, as a condition of authorization (licensing), that "where applicable, a SRO should assure fair representation of members in selection of its directors and administration of its affairs."{7} IOSCO does not comment on representation of other stakeholders. The importance of user representation on exchange boards has long been recognized, and is specifically covered in the principles set out in US law. The role of users in the governance of some exchanges has been diminished by demutualization, especially at exchanges that are public, listed companies. As such, the SEC and other regulators apply the need for fair user representation in governance in a flexible manner.

Since user directors will comprise fifty percent of the Exchange Board, this principle is well reflected in the proposed governance structure. As discussed earlier, we believe that user representation is particularly important given Alpha's different business model. In addition, Alpha LP currently obtains input from users and other market participants through four advisory committees comprised of representatives of market participants that are Subscribers of Alpha ATS. These committees will be continued as Alpha Exchange advisory committees expanding the membership beyond Members to also include Listed Issuers. The committees and their mandates are:

• The Policies Advisory Committee -- provides ideas and expertise from senior representatives of dealer user firms for direct input to Alpha management on policies and other requirements relating to the operation of Alpha's trading business.

• The User Committee -- provides ideas and expertise on Alpha's business and future business initiatives. Representatives from 15 dealer user firms are on the Committee. It also assists Alpha management in understanding the issues faced by participants, including the impact of regulatory initiatives and important capital markets trends.

• The Technology Advisory Committee -- provides input to Alpha management from IT managers at dealer user firms on issues relating to the implementation of products or other services that could have an impact on in-house and/or third party technology solutions that they use.

• The Vendor Advisory Committee - provides input to Alpha management from technology vendors on issues relating to the implementation of products or other services that could have an impact on the technology solutions that they provide to dealer user firms.

Principle 5: The governance structure supports the effective management of conflicts of interest.

We noted above that an important objective of an exchange's corporate governance structure is to address potential conflicts of interest. For the purpose of this discussion, we will discuss this matter separately for the two areas where potential conflicts of interest could appear:

• Regulatory related potential conflicts of interest.

• User related potential conflicts of interest.

Regulatory related potential conflicts of interest

Two forms of regulatory related potential conflicts of interest may arise: the conflict between the exchange's commercial and regulatory mandates, and the conflict inherent in regulating an exchange's participant, who may be a major customer and/or shareholder.

Managing conflicts between the exchange's commercial and regulatory mandates is the most significant governance issue to arise with the advent of for-profit exchanges. It is now an established best practice for large exchanges with important SRO functions to separate business operations from SRO operations. The structural arrangements vary. Many exchanges that retain in-house regulation departments have established special governance arrangements for SRO operations. For example, exchanges may set up a dedicated board committee, usually called the ROC, to oversee SRO operations. This enables management and the board to focus mainly on business and market matters. Because of the potential conflicts of interest inherent in the regulatory role, special governance arrangements for SRO functions typically involve a majority of independent directors.

Exchanges employ a number of mechanisms in addition to their governance structure to manage potential conflicts of interest. Contracting out of regulatory functions is one of the most significant and effective - it minimizes the potential conflicts of interest by effectively transferring the performance of regulatory activities to another organization such as an independent SRO (for example, IIROC or FINRA in the US). In some markets certain regulation functions of exchanges have been permanently transferred to statutory regulators, partly to address the potential conflicts of interest issue. This has occurred in much of Europe (including the UK) and in some Asian markets (including Hong Kong), and in Australia.

Alpha Exchange will employ both contracting out and the establishment of a ROC to address the regulatory potential conflicts of interest issue, in addition to having independent director representation on the Exchange Board. The Alpha Exchange regulation model minimizes potential conflicts of interest issues between its SRO obligations and investors' interests by contracting out the great majority of SRO functions to IIROC. Most regulation functions will be performed by IIROC under a regulation services agreement, meaning they will be carried out independently, in a neutral manner and using the same standards that apply to the regulation of other marketplaces. Alpha is in discussions with IIROC on the regulation services agreement, and aims to outsource as many functions to IIROC as possible, including full market regulation services.

The Alpha Exchange governance structure is designed to minimize any remaining potential conflicts of interest by creating a ROC to oversee the SRO functions on behalf of the Exchange Board. The mandate of the ROC will encompass the relationship with IIROC. The ROC will have a majority of independent directors and an independent Chair to address any potential conflicts of interest issues with respect to the regulation of Members and Listed Issuers as well as applying the Code of Conduct and Conflict Policies.

User potential conflicts of interest

A second significant source of potential conflicts of interest for an exchange relates to the interaction between an exchange's commercial interests and the interests of its users. The fees applied for services are the classic example. This potential conflict of interest issue is partly addressed by ensuring that users are represented on the exchange's board. See Principle 4 above. Competition also plays an important role in addressing this type of potential conflict of interest. Competition among exchanges mitigates potential conflicts of interest between an exchange and its users by giving users - including both dealers and issuers - alternatives for trading and listing services.

In Alpha Exchange's case, both of the factors cited above will significantly mitigate user related potential conflicts of interest. Firstly, users are well represented on the board under Alpha Exchange's proposed governance structure. Other users' interests are represented through the presence of independent directors.

Secondly, healthy competition has developed among Canadian marketplaces, which gives both dealers and issuers alternatives for trading and listing services. Competition also restricts the ability of Alpha LP's Partners to direct Alpha Exchange to act in their interests over the interests of other users. Moreover, Alpha LP's Partners see their interests as being aligned with the interests of other market users. Alpha ATS has demonstrated this through its current operations and governance structure.

But above all, Alpha Exchange's business model is the critical means of addressing potential conflicts with users. Alpha Exchange's user-based business model aims to ensure that the interests of Alpha Exchange and its users are aligned, which structurally minimizes conflicts between the exchange and its users, as well as between the interests of Alpha LP Partners and other users. The corporate governance structure Alpha is proposing for Alpha Exchange is based on its belief that strong representation of user/partners on the Exchange Board is a vital ingredient in maintaining a successful market under a user-based business model.

Principle 6: Directors possess appropriate qualifications to oversee the operations of a recognized exchange.

Regulators require that officers and directors of licensed entities meet "fit and proper" standards, similar to those applicable to individual registrants with any registered firm. Regulators' approach to setting these specific standards, and the procedures used to ensure they are met, varies.

The OSC has generally imposed a condition in the recognition orders of recognized bodies substantially as follows: "Each officer or director must be a fit and proper person and the past conduct of each officer or director must provide reasonable grounds for belief that such person will perform his or her duties with integrity."

Alpha Exchange proposes to meet this principle in the same way as other recognized exchanges. Given the regulated status of Alpha LP's Partners and the incentives to maintain their strong corporate reputations, Alpha Exchange intends to impose the same high standards of integrity and qualifications for appointment to the Exchange Board that are imposed by Alpha LP today.

Principle 7: The regulators maintain regulatory control and oversight over an exchange's operations.

IOSCO Principle 26 requires "ongoing regulatory supervision of exchanges and trading systems, which should aim to ensure that the integrity of trading is maintained through fair and equitable rules that strike an appropriate balance between the demands of different market participants."{8} Regulators must supervise an exchange's operations and remain satisfied that it continues to meet the conditions of recognition or license, including its obligations in law and regulation. The OSC has an ongoing oversight program in place to supervise the operations of recognized bodies, which includes the operation of the corporate governance structure, handling of regulatory responsibilities, handling of potential conflicts of interest and a number of other criteria.

Alpha recognizes the requirement for ongoing regulatory oversight of Alpha Exchange's operations and has designed its corporate structure to ensure that all regulated operations of the exchange will be carried out by Alpha Exchange. Where an exchange is a subsidiary of a holding company (the model that Alpha proposes to adopt), IOSCO has noted that it is normally an important principle that "an exchange should exist and operate in its own right."{9} This principle is reflected in Alpha Exchange's proposed governance system: exchange operations will be governed at the exchange level by the Exchange Board. The proposed mandates of the boards of Alpha GP and Alpha Exchange will ensure that the Exchange Board will govern its business plans, budgets, rules, SRO functions and operations. This includes management of all Alpha Exchange staff. The role of Alpha GP is primarily to establish Alpha Group's corporate strategy and financial plans, including high-level objectives of the operating subsidiaries.

Alpha Exchange will be subject to ongoing oversight and control of the OSC as provided for in the Act, as well as pursuant to the terms of Alpha Exchange's recognition order. The Act gives the OSC a number of specific powers over a recognized exchange. Oversight includes regular reporting to the regulators, approval of exchange rules and periodic oversight examinations of the exchange.

Proposed Alpha Exchange Board of Directors

The constating documents of Alpha Exchange provide that the Exchange Board will have a minimum of eight and a maximum of 15 directors. Alpha Exchange seeks for the Exchange Board a diverse and well-rounded group of individuals with a combination of experience, management and financial skills, judgment and good character.

The objective of the board structure of any exchange should be to balance its public interest mandate as an exchange with its business model. Permitting different exchange business models promotes competition and the interests of all marketplace participants (issuers, dealers, and investors).

As stated above, Alpha Exchange proposes a board comprised of 8 directors (4 non-independent "industry" directors, 3 independent directors and the CEO), a ROC (3 independent and 2 non-independent directors), a Nominating Committee (2 independent and 2 non-independent directors) and a Finance and Audit Committee (2 independent and 2 non-independent directors). The chairman of the Exchange Board will be an independent director. See discussion above, under "Proposed Alpha Exchange Governance Structure" for a detailed discussion as to why Alpha believes that this proposed structure meets "best practice" governance principles.

In summary, the Alpha Exchange regulation model minimizes potential conflicts of interest issues between its SRO obligations and investors' interests by contracting out the great majority of SRO functions to IIROC. Most regulation functions will be performed by IIROC under a regulation services agreement, meaning they will be carried out independently, in a neutral manner and using the same standards that apply to the regulation of other marketplaces. The governance system is further designed to minimize any remaining potential conflicts of interest. Alpha Exchange will create a ROC to oversee SRO functions on behalf of the Exchange Board. Its mandate will encompass the relationship with IIROC. The ROC will have a majority of independent directors and an independent Chair to address potential conflicts of interest issues with respect to the regulation of Members and Listed Issuers. The Exchange Board and its overall corporate governance structure have been designed to meet the principles of sound corporate governance for an exchange as enunciated by the CSA and as in practice across international markets.

See Section on Board Committees for additional details.

Proposed Alpha Exchange Independence Standards

An independent director is one who does not have a material relationship with Alpha Exchange. We have incorporated the same standards (the "Independence Standards") as those used by most public companies, including other exchanges in Canada.

We have proposed that the following individuals should be considered to have a material relationship with Alpha Exchange:

A partner, director, executive officer or employee of a Member, or an associate of a partner, director, executive officer or employee of a Member.

A partner, director, executive officer or employee of an affiliated entity of a Member, who is responsible for or actively engaged in the Member's day-to-day operations or activities.

An executive officer or employee of Alpha Exchange or any affiliated entity, or a partner or director of any affiliated entity, presently or within the last three years.

A person who is, or has been within the last three years, an associate of a partner, director, officer or employee of Alpha Exchange or any affiliated entity.

A partner, director, officer or employee of a person or company that owns or controls, directly or indirectly, a partnership interest or voting shares representing greater than 10% of a limited partner of Alpha LP or of Alpha Trading Systems Inc., respectively.

A person that received, or a partner, director, executive officer of a company that received, more than $75,000 in direct compensation from Alpha Exchange or any of its affiliated entities during any twelve month period within the last three years (other than director or board committee fees and retirement plan payments or other deferred compensation for prior service, provided the compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service).

Alpha has proposed that there be a materiality requirement (greater than 10% ownership or control) for any partner, director, executive officer or employee of a person or company that owns or controls, directly or indirectly, a partnership interest or voting shares of a limited partner of Alpha LP or of Alpha Trading Systems Inc., respectively. This is consistent with current independence standards at one exchange in Canada and goes further than the other two. Alpha believes that a person should not be disqualified because of an immaterial ownership or partnership interest, and that the same standard should apply to all exchanges.

The Nominating Committee of Alpha Exchange may in special circumstances determine that an individual who is considered to have a material relationship with Alpha Exchange pursuant to the Independence Standards is nonetheless independent, if the Nominating Committee is satisfied that the material relationship will not, in its view, reasonably interfere with the exercise of the individuals' independent judgment. In such cases, prior notice of such determination will be provided to the OSC. Any proposed changes to the Independence Standards are subject to review and approval of the OSC.

The Independence Standards as such will be substantially similar to the independence standards used by other exchanges in Canada. The objective of these standards is to remove anyone who has a material relationship from qualifying as an independent director.

Alpha Exchange believes that these Independence Standards should be set by the Exchange Board subject to review and approval by the regulator and published on its website. Alpha Exchange does not believe it is appropriate to include the content of these policies in the recognition order because it undermines the authority of the Exchange Board and creates inefficiencies by requiring amendments to the recognition order in case of change.

Proposed Alpha Exchange Board Committees

The Alpha Exchange Board will have three committees: the ROC, the Nominating Committee and the Finance and Audit Committee. This structure addresses any concerns that could arise from a potential conflict of interest between the performance of Alpha Exchange's regulatory functions and any commercial interests.{10}

Regulatory Oversight Committee

The Exchange Board has a ROC, comprised of three independent directors and two non-independent directors. The role of the ROC is to provide oversight over the regulatory matters involving Alpha Exchange, and to address any potential conflicts of interest matters.

The ROC's mandate is to oversee the performance of Alpha Exchange's regulatory responsibilities and operations, including the following:

• Receive and review a report, at least annually, from the Chief Compliance Officer on Alpha Exchange's regulatory program, covering, at a minimum:

• The performance of regulation services agreements for surveillance and other regulatory services.

• Material regulatory or compliance issues.

• Material regulatory actions brought against Members and Listed Issuers.

• Staffing and resources of the regulation and compliance functions.

• The results of any OSC or other inspections.

• Review and assess the performance and operation of regulation and compliance programs, at least annually, including the performance of obligations under all regulation services agreements.

• Recommend to the Exchange Board any changes to the regulation and compliance programs that the ROC believes are appropriate.

• Recommend a regulation budget to the Exchange Board annually, including key priorities and initiatives for the regulation and compliance functions.

• Review and recommend to the Exchange Board any annual reporting to the regulators.

• Review and approve Alpha Exchange's response to any material findings of regulatory inspections carried out by the OSC or other bodies.

• Review and make recommendations to the Exchange Board on proposed "regulation rules" (rules that set regulatory requirements or standards, and require OSC approval).

• Review and decide on the resolution of any potential conflicts of interest issues that arise between carrying out Alpha Exchange's regulation responsibilities and its business (including listing matters).

• Review and decide on the resolution of any issues raised by a Member or Issuer as a result of Alpha Exchange's staff's decision regarding that Member or Issuer, if such review is requested by a Member or Issuer.

• The ROC shall have the authority to seek Exchange Board approval to obtain advice and seek assistance from internal or external legal, accounting or other advisors. After receiving approval from the Exchange Board, the ROC shall have the authority to retain and terminate any external consulting firms.

• Review and decide on the resolution of any issue regarding any decision of Alpha Exchange's staff regarding a violation of Alpha Exchange Trading Policies or Listing Handbook.

Thus the ROC will have a significant role in establishing policies, budgets and oversight of Alpha Exchange's regulatory functions and code of conduct and conflict policies. In addition it will have decision making authority in the application of the code of conduct and compliance policies, and with respect to appeals regarding to any matter relating to the Trading Policies and Listing Standards.

A quorum of the ROC consists of a majority of the members, at least two of whom shall be independent directors. In addition, in situations where the ROC is hearing an appeal by a Member or Listed Issuer with respect to a decision of Alpha Exchange, a majority of independent directors of the ROC must be present.

Alpha has proposed a ROC, with a majority of independent directors, retaining final decision making authority over any matter of a regulatory nature because it believes this structure is the best way to address any potential conflicts of interest issues and to ensure that the highest standards are being maintained regarding these matters. We believe this approach is better than the 50% independence requirement for boards of exchanges for the following reasons:

Within the ROC there is a majority of independent directors handling the public interest matters.

The Exchange board has more non-independents to focus on the more commercial and strategic decisions.

Nominating Committee

Alpha Exchange will establish a Nominating Committee, which will consist of two independent and two non-independent members of the Exchange Board. Since it is often the role of the Chair to identify qualities or expertise of directors that would benefit the board, the Chair of the Exchange Board will be one of the two non-independent members. The role of the Nominating Committee will be to identify and put forward for nomination qualified directors to act on the Exchange Board. A quorum for meetings of the Nominating Committee will be at least two members, provided that at least one independent member is present. If there is only one independent member (and two non-independent members) present at a meeting, the independent member that is present may request an adjournment of the meeting until such time as the other independent member is available to attend and, if so requested, the meeting shall be so adjourned. In addition, for any matters involving the nomination of directors to the Exchange Board or the application of the Independence Standards, both independent members of the Nominating Committee must be present for quorum to be attained.

Finance and Audit Committee

The Exchange Board will have a Finance and Audit Committee (the "FAC"), comprised of two independent directors and two non-independent directors. The FAC will perform all of the typical roles of an audit committee, including reviewing and recommending approval of Alpha Exchange's financial statements and overseeing and confirming the integrity of internal controls and audit processes, as well as recommending the appointment of the external auditors. A quorum of the FAC consists of a majority of the members, provided that at least one independent member is present. If there is only one independent member (and two non-independent members) present at a meeting, the independent member that is present may request an adjournment of the meeting until such time as the other independent member is available to attend and, if so requested, the meeting shall be so adjourned.

Alpha Exchange Fitness Requirements

Alpha Exchange will ensure that each major shareholder (any shareholder who holds more than a 10% interest in Alpha Exchange) is a fit and proper person who can provide reasonable grounds for the belief that the business of Alpha Exchange will be conducted with integrity and in the public interest. In addition, any new shareholder that seeks to acquire greater than 20% interest in Alpha Exchange will be subject to receiving consent from the OSC.

Alpha Exchange has determined that its current shareholder (Alpha LP) satisfies the fit and proper requirements because each of the limited partners of Alpha LP is a public company subject to disclosure and regulation by a Securities Commission and/or an entity regulated by a government or quasi-government authority with oversight responsibility (financial institution, dealer or pension fund).

Eight of Alpha GP's nine shareholders are federally regulated financial institutions or provincially regulated dealers, and are subject to regulatory requirements and oversight. These regulatory standards include managing potential conflicts of interests, and heightened responsibilities to its customers.

The ninth shareholder is the largest pension fund in Canada and is subject to regulatory oversight, high standards of fiduciary duty and public scrutiny.

Managing potential conflicts of interest

Alpha Exchange will have appropriate procedures for ensuring that its directors, officers and employees comply with its potential conflicts of interest and confidentiality policies.

It is Alpha's practice to have procedures which, wherever possible, rely on objective criteria to determine what action to take. These policies and this approach avoid conflicts generally and more specifically when dealing with participants from the Alpha LP shareholder group{11}. Alpha ATS currently has in place policies which deal with potential conflicts of interest and require all employees to avoid any action, make any decisions or participate in the making of any decisions in which they know or reasonably ought to know that there is an opportunity to cause a conflict of interest. If the employee is unsure if a conflict of interest exists, they are required to bring the matter to the attention of their direct supervisor, or a member of the senior management.

Alpha Exchange will adopt a conflicts of interest policy which will set out the obligations and expectations imposed upon directors, officers and employees in dealing with conflicts of interest and matters of confidentiality. This policy will, among other things, provide that every director of Alpha Exchange shall, in acting in such capacity, act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of Alpha Exchange, and shall exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In addition, the policy will provide that directors must ensure that their personal interests and their duty to Alpha Exchange are not brought into conflict, and that they do not receive or obtain, directly or indirectly, a personal profit, gain or benefit (other than any fees paid as a result of acting as a director) as a result of their relationship with Alpha Exchange. The conflicts of interest policy will also contain provisions requiring a director to disclose the nature and extent of any interest that he or she has in a material contract or material transaction with Alpha Exchange.

Finally, and as stated above, the ROC will provide oversight over all regulatory matters involving Alpha Exchange, and specifically will address any conflict of interest matters. The structure of the ROC, which will be comprised of a majority of independent directors and will have an independent Chair, is in line with the suggestions made in the recent Canadian Foundation for Advancement of Investor Rights (FAIR Canada) Report - "Managing Conflicts of Interest in TSX Listed Company Regulation"{12} (the "FAIR Report"). One of the approaches suggested by FAIR for managing the potential conflicts of interest at the TSX involved setting up a separate listings regulatory department, which would ostensibly safeguard against conflicts due to the "clear link between business and regulation activities and staff".{13} Alpha believes that the creation of an independent ROC to fully oversee the listings and other regulatory functions of Alpha Exchange will provide this type of safeguard.

B. Fees

All fees imposed by Alpha Exchange will be equitably allocated and will not have the effect of creating unreasonable barriers to access. Alpha Exchange's process for setting fees will be fair, appropriate and fully transparent. In addition, with respect to the execution of an order, Alpha Exchange will not impose terms that have the effect of discriminating between orders that are routed to Alpha Exchange and orders that are entered on Alpha Exchange.

Alpha Exchange's policies and procedures provide that it considers at least the following factors when determining trading fees: value of the security, amount of fee relative to value, and the amount of fees charged on other marketplaces.

Trading Fees

The trading fees are set out as schedule 2 to the Alpha ATS Subscriber Agreement, which is posted on the Alpha website. Currently, Alpha ATS charges a fee of $3,000 for an initial application to become a subscriber, and a monthly access fee of $1,250. In addition, Alpha ATS charges trading fees that are based on the type and amount of the trade. Alpha Exchange will adopt the trading fees of Alpha ATS at the time of recognition, and the fee schedule will be Schedule 2 to the Alpha Exchange Member Agreement.

Alpha has always taken the position that trading fees in Canada are excessive, and is continuously looking for ways to reduce costs for the industry. This links back to the core principles of Alpha, including the fact that Alpha's business model contemplates value optimization rather than value maximization (as discussed above). Acknowledging that good progress has been achieved, with for example the Alpha fee reduction for securities below $1 that was rapidly replicated by Alpha's competition, Alpha is nevertheless of the opinion that trading costs in Canada are still too high. By developing a specific and lower fee structure for securities between $1 and $5, Alpha introduced an innovative approach to trading fees that recognizes that fees must be much more aligned with the value of the securities traded. This allows for the avoidance of a disproportionate surplus cost that makes the lower value securities less attractive for trading and is detrimental to their liquidity, and hence best interests of investors and issuers. Furthermore, effective January 1, 2011, Alpha introduced a new fee structure for Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). For those ETFs with a value greater than or equal to $5, active fees were reduced from 35 mils per share to 25 mils per share and passive fee rebates were reduced from 31 mils per share to 21 mils per share. This fee reduction positions Alpha as the market with the lowest active fees for trading ETFs - a segment that represents a substantial component of the overall volume traded in Canada across all Canadian marketplaces. This is also a segment where Alpha established itself as the dominant marketplace by regularly demonstrating a market share in excess of 50%. For a dealer facing a majority of 'taker' trades, this new fee schedule represents close to 30% savings on these trades. Finally, on March 1st, Alpha again reduced active fees for securities with a value below $1 to 3 mils per share, aligning these fees with those of the TMX while maintaining its higher rebates at 2 mils per share; the net revenue generated by Alpha from its trading activity in these securities is now by far the lowest in Canada and comparable to U.S. standards; this is enabled by its uniquely efficient operating model.

All these fee initiatives come on top of a series of other cost-and market-friendly features at Alpha: free opening trades, full rebates on iceberg orders, an HFT management mechanism, the highest average trade size and the lowest active/passive ratio for dealers posting their resting orders on Alpha. It confirms that Alpha is the trading venue that stands for liquidity at the lowest cost. Alpha Exchange will continue with these types of initiatives in its continued effort to reduce costs, increase efficiencies, increase liquidity and improve quality of execution in the Canadian markets.

Data Fees

Currently, Subscribers of Alpha ATS, as well as other third parties, may purchase any of a variety of data products for internal consumption or redistribution by entering into either a Data Distribution Agreement or a Data Use Agreement. The counterparty for these agreements is Alpha LP. Alpha ATS is a party to a data sales agreement with Alpha LP whereby Alpha ATS assigns all Alpha market data to Alpha LP for distribution to third parties (the "Data Sales Agreement"). Alpha ATS will assign the Data Sales Agreement to Alpha Exchange, and Alpha LP or a newly created legal entity will continue to provide the data sales services to Alpha Exchange. The Data Use Agreements and Data Distribution Agreements that are currently in place with various data users will continue after the recognition of Alpha Exchange, but may be assigned by Alpha LP to a new legal entity. The fees charged for data vary depending on the type of data feed subscribed for and the intended use of such feed. All such fees are set out in schedule 1 to each of the Data Use Agreement and the Data Distribution Agreement, which are posted on the Alpha website.

Alpha is of the opinion that market data fees in Canada are excessive and will continue to work on identifying means to reduce them, including for example providing competitive alternatives where feasible and recommending regulation of fees where anti-competitive behaviour is demonstrated.

Listing Fees

Alpha Exchange will charge initial and ongoing listing fees as set out in the Schedule to the Alpha Exchange Listing Agreement. These fees have not yet been set. It is Alpha Exchange's intent to pursue a fee approach which is consistent with its strategy for trading and data fees: competitive fees that provide choice to issuers.

C. Access - Membership

Alpha Exchange has established appropriate written standards for access to its trading and related services, including requirements that Members are appropriately registered under securities laws and are dealer members of IIROC. The access standards and the process for obtaining, limiting and denying access are fair, transparent and applied reasonably.

Specifically, a dealer is eligible to become a Member on Alpha Exchange if it is a dealer member in good standing of IIROC and a participant of CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. ("CDS") (or it has entered into an arrangement for clearing and settling of trades with a CDS participant). Alpha Exchange may refuse to approve an applicant based on past or present misconduct by the applicant or any related person, or if the applicant refuses to comply with Alpha Exchange requirements or is not qualified by reason of integrity, solvency, training or experience, or it is not otherwise in the public interest to accept such dealer. Any dealer who is refused approval will have a right of appeal to Alpha Exchange's ROC.

Once approved, a Member must comply with all Alpha Exchange requirements as set out in the Alpha Exchange Member Agreement and Trading Policies.

Alpha ATS currently has 92 Subscribers. Each of these Subscribers will become Members of Alpha Exchange after executing the Alpha Exchange Member Agreement. Dealers who are members of IIROC are eligible to become an Alpha Exchange Member by applying for membership and signing the Alpha Exchange Member Agreement.

D. Regulation of Members and Listed Issuers on Alpha Exchange

Alpha Exchange has the authority, capacity, systems and processes to undertake directly or indirectly through a regulatory services provider, its regulation functions by:

• Setting requirements governing the conduct of its Members and Listed Issuers.

• Monitoring their conduct.

• Appropriately disciplining them for violations of Alpha Exchange requirements.

Trading

Subscribers of Alpha ATS have been obligated to comply both with Alpha ATS Trading Policies as well as the UMIRs. Alpha ATS was a dealer and market member of IIROC. Alpha Exchange will enter into a new regulatory services agreement with IIROC, which will be acting as a regulatory services provider, to outsource to IIROC the setting of market requirements in addition to Alpha Exchange's Trading Policies. The UMIRs will be incorporated into the Trading Policies.

Section 5.8 of Alpha Exchange's proposed Trading Policies provides Alpha Exchange with the discretion to change and/or cancel any order or trade that has not yet been submitted by Alpha Exchange for settlement in order to mitigate errors in order execution and maintaining market quality.

OSC Staff have expressed concerns with the broad nature of the discretion provided, and the lack of clarity around what would constitute an "error in order execution", or the circumstances that would necessitate a change and/or cancellation to "maintain market quality". OSC Staff have also indicated concerns that Alpha Exchange might exercise this discretion without prior involvement of IIROC or the affected parties.

The reasons for changing and/or cancelling an order or trade include the violation of regulatory rules (in this case UMIRs or securities legislation such as National Policy 51-201), errors, the malfunctioning of routing or other systems, or incorrect market data dissemination.

Alpha believes that IIROC should intervene where there is a violation of a rule or a market integrity issue, but that a marketplace (particularly an exchange that does have regulatory authority) has the legal right to intervene; moreover it is responsible and should be accountable for its own market quality{14}. Any issues relating to market quality such as errors or malfunctions should be handled either initially by the marketplace or only by the marketplace. The implementation by marketplaces of error trading policies is an example of how marketplaces have identified when they will exercise their legal authority to act without the prior involvement of an overseeing regulator. This example of marketplaces exercising their discretion and authority and has been accepted, if not encouraged, in most other jurisdictions{15}.

Another example where a marketplace would intervene is when a technology defect, preventing the functionality of a marketplace to work as intended, causes a bad fill.

The circumstances in which Alpha Exchange would intervene are very limited, and such intervention should be allowed without seeking IIROC's prior consent but subject to an after-the-fact review by IIROC. In addition, any decision taken by Alpha staff to change and/or cancel any order or trade is subject to review by the ROC and the appeal policies.

Alpha ATS has always had this discretion, and has only in rare circumstances exercised such discretion without contacting IIROC and/or its Subscribers prior to intervention.

Alpha Exchange should be able to intervene i.e. change and/or cancel any order or trade for the purposes of mitigating errors made in order execution and maintaining market quality, without IIROC's prior consent when the following conditions are fulfilled:

The circumstances in which the action can be taken are clear and transparent to Members and regulators (set out in the Trading Policies or rules of the marketplace).

The actions taken are documented and available for review by Members, the ROC and the regulators.

IIROC is informed immediately after the action{16}.

Listing{17}

Issuers that meet the criteria set out in Alpha Exchange's Listing Handbook can apply to Alpha Exchange to qualify their securities for listing and therefore become Alpha Exchange Listed Issuers.

Alpha Exchange's approach to listing is based on the following principles:

Clear, objective standards that provide consistent and efficient decision making.

Listing standards that are equal to or better than current listing standards that exist on different exchanges in Canada.

Rejection of multiple listing categories in favour of two basic categories: Special Purpose Issuers and Other Corporates.

Rejection of the exercise of discretion by the Exchange in the review of transactions. This approach was taken because it was reported that experience has shown that discretion is just as likely to be abused as exercised appropriately, and that the review by the exchange only added time and not necessarily value{18}. Instead, Alpha Exchange has introduced requirements regarding increased governance requirements generally and shareholder approval where an activity could have a material impact on dilution of the value of securities.

Alpha Exchange listing standards target later-stage research and development companies through to companies with an operating history, i.e. the target range overlaps the high end of junior companies through to the most senior companies. A chart comparing the Alpha listing standards to the standards at other exchanges in North America is being published with this application.

Alpha acknowledges that tiered regulation for issuers has been adopted in Canada to reflect the fact that one size does not fit all and to remove some of the barriers to smaller companies raising capital in the public markets. While Alpha acknowledges that approach, it notes that determining requirements based on reference to specific exchanges may no longer be appropriate in a market where there are competing exchanges. In fact, it makes it more difficult for exchanges to differentiate their services.{19}

Securities regulation currently categorizes issuers as either "venture issuers" or "non-venture issuers" (dependent upon the exchange on which the issuer is listed or not listed). Alpha's initially proposed model contained elements of both because our listing strategy intends to cover companies from the upper tiers of the venture issuers through to companies with operating histories. As a result of discussions with the regulators, Alpha is now suggesting a two tiered approach.

We have proposed that Tier 1 Issuers would be regulated as "non-venture issuers" and Tier 2 Issuers would be regulated as "venture issuers" under securities legislation. The two tiers would have different listing standards similar to the way that many other exchanges have different groupings of issuers{20}. There will be clearly differentiated listing and continuing listing requirements and we will have a specific character or characters added to the symbol names so that anyone can easily identify to which Tier the issuer belongs.

The basic requirements of Tier 1 Issuers other than Special Purpose Issuers are shareholder equity of $4,000,000, pre-tax cash flow of at least $700,000 in its last fiscal year, minimum public float of 1,000,000 shares together with a minimum of 400 public board lot holders, and adequate working capital{21}.

The basic requirements for a Tier 1 Special Purpose Issuer that is an investment fund are: net tangible assets of at least $10,000,000, unless it is an investment fund with net tangible assets of at least $1,000,000 and is part of a group of companies that are under the same manager, all of which are listed or are to be listed on Alpha or another exchange, and the group has net tangible assets of at least $20,000,000; there must be at least 100,000 units outstanding prior to the commencement of trading of a series of units on Alpha; units must be redeemable, directly or indirectly from the investment company for securities and/or cash; and a listed Special Purpose Issuer must provide Alpha with a representation that the NAV or index value will be calculated each business day and will be made available to all Members at the same time.

The basic requirements of Tier 2 Issuers are shareholder equity of $2,000,000, pre-tax cash flow of at least $200,000 in its last fiscal year, minimum public float of 1,000,000 shares together with a minimum of 250 public board lot holders, and adequate working capital. An alternative test for Technology and R&D companies is at least $5,000,000 in treasury, bona fide expenses of at least $250,000 in each of the previous two fiscal years, evidence that products are at an advanced stage of development, evidence of management expertise, and minimum public float of 1,000,000 shares together with 200 public board lot holders.

Alpha believes that competition is enhanced by allowing parties to differentiate their services, provided there is compliance with securities regulation. We are of the opinion that the current identification of companies as venture or non-venture rely on the business models of the incumbent exchanges and restrict the ability of new entrants to provide competitive services.

Alpha Exchange's listing standards allow for the listing of investment products and other securities that are also listed on an exchange outside of Canada. It is expected that such issuers will have to comply with Canadian securities regulation and therefore there will not be any regulatory arbitrage. In addition, Alpha Exchange has provided for the listing of structured products such as exchange-traded notes. These products will also have to comply with Canadian securities regulation including the filing of disclosure documents and other requirements. Alpha Exchange has agreed to provide notice to the relevant securities regulators when it receives a listing application from these types of issuers. Alpha Exchange has also been asked by the securities regulators to include in its Listing Handbook the requirements and procedures for review to determine whether the product being offered is similar to or different from previously qualified publicly offered products. Alpha Exchange believes that this determination is best done by the securities regulators who are likely to look at this issue when they receive notice from Alpha. Alpha Exchange believes that any review by it is likely to duplicate the review by the securities regulator and cause unnecessary delay.

E. Outsourcing Regulatory Functions

As stated above, Alpha Exchange will contract with IIROC to provide, as agent for Alpha Exchange, market regulation services, as well as some issuer listing services approved by the Commission. As stated on the IIROC website, "IIROC sets high quality regulatory and investment industry standards, protects investors and strengthens market integrity while maintaining efficient and competitive capital markets. IIROC carries out its regulatory responsibilities through setting and enforcing rules regarding the proficiency, business and financial conduct of dealer firms and their registered employees and through setting and enforcing market integrity rules regarding trading activity on Canadian equity marketplaces."{22}

Alpha Exchange will perform all listing functions except for those arising out of material disclosure which will be performed by IIROC. Alpha Exchange will have sufficient authority over Alpha Exchange Listed Issuers and will have appropriate review procedures in place to monitor and enforce Alpha Exchange Listed Issuer compliance.

The ROC will annually review the performance of IIROC and Alpha Exchange with respect to their regulation functions and report to the Board, together with any recommendations for improvement.

F. Rulemaking

Alpha Exchange will establish rules, policies and other similar instruments ("Alpha Exchange Requirements") designed to govern the operations and activities of Alpha Exchange Members and Listed Issuers and designed to:

• Ensure compliance with securities legislation.

• Prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices.

• Promote just and equitable principles of trade.

• Provide for appropriate sanctions for violations of Alpha Exchange Requirements.

• Provide a framework for disciplinary and enforcement actions.

• Ensure a fair and orderly market.

Alpha ATS has voluntarily established a practice of transparency and consultation when implementing changes to the operations of its trading system and distribution of its data. All changes have been announced and posted on its web site for anyone to see and make comments. In addition, Alpha ATS has various committees comprised of its marketplace participants to provide input on functionality, technology and vendor needs. Alpha Exchange will continue that tradition of transparency of consultation within the regulatory requirements imposed on an exchange. The following summarizes the proposed publication and review process{23}:

• In accordance with Section 5.3 NI 21-101 and the recognition criteria applicable to exchanges, rules adopted by a recognized exchange shall not be contrary to the public interest and shall be designed to: ensure compliance with securities legislation, prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts, promote just and equitable principles of trade and foster co-operation with persons or companies engaged in regulating clearing, settling processing information and facilitating securities transactions. A recognized exchange shall neither permit unreasonable discrimination among clients, issuers and members or among clients, issuers and users nor impose any burden on competition that is not reasonably necessary or appropriate.

• The objective of the rule review process is to ensure appropriate transparency, opportunity for consideration by the public and users of the system, and review by the regulators where necessary. OSC Staff Notice 21-703 states that transparency contributes to the fairness and efficiency of the capital markets.

The level and nature of the process should be balanced against the need of all marketplaces to be able to respond to changes in the capital markets as efficiently and quickly as appropriate. In order to achieve this, a tiered system of treatment of marketplace changes should be implemented. Rules and instruments regarding listing, market making and enforcement should be filed and subject to Commission approval. Rules and instruments regarding new trading functionality including order types, requirements relating to access, and amendments to current listing categories market making activity should be subject to filing and transparency requirements but not Commission approval. Information regarding corporate organization, system operations, company listing updates and marketplace participant updates should be filed on a quarterly basis and reviewed as part of the ordinary oversight process.

G. Due Process

Alpha Exchange's requirements relating to access, listing, exemptions and discipline will be fair and reasonable. For all decisions made by Alpha Exchange that affect an Alpha Exchange Member or Listed Issuer, including those related to Alpha Exchange requirements, parties will be given an opportunity to be heard by members of the ROC or make representations, and Alpha Exchange will keep a record of its reasons for and provide for appeals or reviews of its decisions. In addition, if the affected party wishes to appeal the decision of the ROC, it has the right to pursue either arbitration (if applicable) or its other rights under securities law, including requesting review of the decision by the OSC.

H. Systems and Technology and Information Technology Risk Management Procedures

Each of Alpha Exchange's critical systems (i.e. those that support order entry, order routing, execution, trade reporting, trade comparison, data feeds, market surveillance and trade clearing) has appropriate internal controls to ensure completeness, accuracy, integrity and security of information, and, in addition, has sufficient capacity and business continuity plans to enable Alpha Exchange to properly carry on its business.

Alpha Exchange will comply with the requirements set forth in Part 12 of NI 21-101 with respect to each of its critical systems. An annual independent review will be done in accordance with established audit procedures and standards.

Alpha Exchange will promptly notify the Commission of material systems failures and changes.

The Alpha Exchange systems have been developed to provide the highest possible availability, security and efficiency. Alpha Exchange has appropriate risk management procedures in place, including those that handle change management, capacity planning and stress testing.

Overview of Technology Platform

Alpha monitors its system capacity and latency on a continuous basis, which has in fact led to certain initiatives, including the technology infrastructure upgrade which Alpha implemented in 2010, leveraging some of the latest technologies available and putting Alpha at the forefront of trading technology provided in Canada. Alpha is now in the process of upgrading its trading software itself, which Alpha anticipates will bring it to the level of the best performing trading platforms globally.

Business Continuity

As an integral part of the company's overall risk management strategy, Alpha has established a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to ensure that the essential functions and advanced technology underpinning the delivery of those functions continue to provide services to clients and the industry under any unwanted or adverse circumstances. Alpha has completed a Business Impact Analysis. (BIA) and has identified the potential impacts a disruption could have on its institution and the critical services Alpha delivers to the industry. The BIA document details the critical services. The BCP and arrangements contained in this document are designed to ensure critical service delivery is maintained. The BCP is complementary to a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP), a plan that covers all aspects of recovering the business applications, underlying infrastructure, data, data centre facilities, as well as primary business functions within an expected period of time. Also included in the scope of the BCP and DRP are the third parties involved in the provision of the Alpha services.

The BCP is tested on a regular basis and was invoked during the G8/20 Summit and Alpha ATS was able to operate without any disruptions during this time period.

Requirements and Capacity Testing

Each release of the Alpha system is tested to ensure that functional and non-functional requirements are met. System capacity is planned based on documented projections; it is tested, monitored and revisited on a regular basis, at least annually, to determine any changes needed to continue to meet Alpha Exchange's requirements.

Development and Testing

Alpha reviews and keeps current the development and testing environments of the system on a regular basis, and at least annually. As part of its on-going testing, test cases are created or updated to ensure the functionality and performance of the system meets the requirements. All test artefacts are reviewed and kept with each release.

Financial Viability and Reporting

Alpha Exchange is a for-profit corporation. While Alpha Exchange is a new entity in a corporate legal sense, it will in fact simply be continuing the current business and operations of Alpha ATS, a regulated entity which has met and will continue to meet all regulatory capital requirements set out under the IIROC rules until it becomes an exchange.

Alpha Exchange will maintain sufficient financial resources for the proper performance of its functions and to meet its responsibilities. On a quarterly basis, Alpha Exchange will provide the OSC with financial reports and a calculation of certain liquidity, debt coverage and financial leverage measures as set out in the recognition order. Alpha Exchange will also assess the appropriateness of the calculations and whether any alternative calculations should be considered and report the results of that assessment to the OSC.

Alpha Exchange will file with the OSC annual audited financial statements within 90 days after the end of each financial year.

I. Clearing and Settlement

Alpha Exchange has appropriate arrangements for enabling the clearing and settlement of transactions, and all trades are cleared and settled through a recognized clearing agency.

J. Transparency

Alpha Exchange will be a data contributor to the TMX Datalinx Information Processor. In addition, it has multiple arrangements for satisfying its pre-trade and post-trade information transparency obligations under Part 7 of NI 21-101, and this information will be provided to all Alpha Exchange Members on an equitable basis.{24}

K. Outsourcing

Where Alpha Exchange outsources any of its key functions, it will have appropriate and formal arrangements and processes in place that permit it to meet its obligations and that are in accordance with industry best practices for outsourcing. Alpha's business model is based on the concept of "smart-sourcing":

• It leverages third-party service and product providers in areas where building in-house capabilities cannot outperform such third-party providers.

• It maintains and develops in-house expertise in those areas that are unique to its business e.g. market structure, business and technology operations, etc. or required to manage third-party providers.

L. Information Sharing and Regulatory Cooperation

Alpha Exchange has mechanisms in place to ensure that it is able to cooperate, by sharing information or otherwise, with the OSC and its staff, self-regulatory organizations, other exchanges, investor protection funds and other appropriate regulatory bodies.

M. Conclusion

Alpha Exchange respectfully submits that it meets the criteria for recognition so that recognition will not be contrary to the public interest.

Sincerely,

s/ "Jos Schmitt"
 
Jos Schmitt
Chief Executive Officer,
Alpha ATS LP and
Alpha Exchange Inc.

{1} Alpha Trading Systems Inc., the general partner of Alpha LP, has agreed to be a party to the recognition order for the terms and conditions specific to it.

{2} While in other jurisdictions the parents of exchanges are asked to assume similar obligations without recognition, the Ontario precedent has required the parent to have a recognition to support these obligations.

{3} Alpha ATS Market Share is calculated in comparison to the overall volume traded across all lit markets.

{4} Alpha would like to acknowledge the contributions of both John Carson of Compliax Consulting and William Braithwaite of Stikeman Elliott LLP in respect of governance matters.

{5} Our observations on this point find support in Ruben Lee's book The Governance of Market Infrastructure, 2010, available at www.oxfordfinancegroup.com. See page viii. Lee also asserts "No one governance model is globally optimal for all market infrastructure institutions." (Proposition 9, page xvi)

{6} CSA Notice 24-303 - CSA SRO Oversight Project - Review of Oversight of Self-Regulatory Organizations and Market Infrastructure Entities - Report of the CSA SRO Oversight Project Committee, December 2006.

{7} IOSCO, Methodology for Assessing Implementation of the IOSCO Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation, February 2008, page 34

{8} IOSCO, Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation, February 2008.

{9} IOSCO Technical Committee, Regulatory Issues Arising from Exchange Evolution -- Final Report, November 2006, page 13

{10} We note that Alpha Exchange has outsourced most of its regulatory functions.

{11} The status of a participant as a shareholder or employee of a shareholder is never used as a criteria to make a decision.

{12} John Carson, Compliax Consulting Inc., July 23, 2010

{13} Ibid, Carson page 55.

{14} This is consistent with the provisions in multiple marketplaces' agreements and policies across most jurisdictions, which provide them with the legal authority to take any action regarding an order or trade in their markets.

{15} IOSCO SC 2 issued a paper stating that Exchanges should have policies in place to deal with errors.

{16} When possible, Alpha Exchange will always attempt to contact IIROC prior to intervention.

{17} Alpha would like to acknowledge the contributions made by Timothy Baikie in respect of Listings matters.

{18} It should be noted that the exchanges outside of Canada, particularly in the U.S., do not incorporate discretion as a general rule in the review of transactions.

{19} We hope that going forward the securities regulatory authorities will take an approach like that in NI 51-102 which sets out objective criteria for determining which issuers fit into which category of regulation. However, we also recognize that making those changes may not be feasible in the short run.

{20} An example would be Tier 1 on TSXV and the NEX tier. Those securities part of NEX grouping have a". H" attached to the symbol.

{21} See the Listing Handbook for details including requirements for Tier 1 Special Purpose Issuers: Other.

{22} IIROC website, http://www.iiroc.ca/English/About/OurRole/Pages/default.aspx

{23} While Alpha Exchange has set out this proposal as part of its application, it believes it could be applied to all recognized exchanges.

{24} Additional details have been set out in the discussion on data distribution.


 

[OSC Web Editor's Correction Note dated 2011-05-06: The chart below has been revised by Alpha Trading Systems Limited Partnership and Alpha Exchange Inc. and was re-published on May 6, 2011. Please Visit the Republication of Listing Requirements Comparison Chart for the revised chart]


 

LISTING STANDARDS COMPARISON CHART

Current Information for Alpha and for all other exchanges other than Alpha as of December, 2010

 

Alpha

TSX

TSX VE

CNSX

Nasdaq

Amex

 

I. Original Listing

 

A. Distribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPIs: Investment Funds

For each series or class, at least 100,000 units outstanding.

TSX considers applications from SPIs on a case by case basis and will consider:

Same as TSX

Same as TSX

Global Select: Same as for non SPIs

Investment Trusts: 1,000,000 units held by 800 public shareholders

 

 

 

Objectives & strategy; Nature and size of assets; Anticipated operating and financial results; Track record & expertise of managers & advisors; Level of investor & market support for the issuer.

 

 

Global Market: Generally 1,100,000 shares held by 400 public board lot holders unless traded in $1000 denominations, in which case, 100 shareholders.

Other: At least 1,000,000 units held by 400 public shareholders unless traded in $1000 denominations or redeemable at holder's option on at least a weekly basis, unless the security is treated as equity (e.g. equity linked term notes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nasdaq Capital: SPIs trade on Global market

 

 

Non SPIs

Tier 1: Public float of 500,000 shares held by 800 public board lot holders or public float of 1,000,000 shares held by 400 public board lot holders.

1,000,000 freely tradable shares held by 300 public holders

Tier 1: 1,000,000 freely tradable shares held by 200 public board lot holders

At least 500,000 freely-tradable shares held by 150 public board lot holders.

Global Select: 1,250,000 shares held by at least 2200 public shareholders, 450 of whom hold a board lot.

Equity: At least 500,000 shares held by 800 public shareholders or 1,000,000 shares held by 400 public shareholders. Companies with 500,000 shares held by 400 holders may be eligible if average daily trading volume over past 6 months is 2000 shares.

 

 

Tier 2: Public float of 1,000,000 shares held by 250 public board lot holders.

 

Tier 2: 500,000 freely tradable shares held by 200 public board lot holders

The public float must constitute at least 10% of the outstanding, but can go down to 5% if there are 200 public board lot holders.

Global Market: 1,100,000 shares held by 400 public board lot holders

Preferred: 100,000 publicly held shares if common stock listed on Amex or NYSE, 400,000 shares held by 800 public shareholders if not.

 

 

 

 

Both Tiers: Public float must be at least 10% of the total outstanding and at least 20% of the outstanding securities must be held by public shareholders.

 

Nasdaq Capital: 1,000,000 shares (400,000 ADRs) held by 300 public board lot holders.

Warrants: Considered on a case-by-case basis must have at least 200,000 warrants held by public warrant holders and underlying must be listed on Amex or NYSE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency and Index Warrants: At least 1,000,000 warrants held by 400 public warrant holders or 2,000,000 held by a smaller number determined on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other: At least 1,000,000 units held by 400 public shareholders unless traded in $1000 denominations or redeemable at holder's option on at least a weekly basis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign: Canadian issuers: same as US but both Canadian and US public holders counted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other: 1,000,000 shares held worldwide by 800 worldwide shareholders

 

Initial Listing -- Technology and R&D Alternative Distribution

Not separate Category but alternative test for Tier 2: Public float of 1,000,000 shares held by 200 public board lot holders.

Market value of $50 million and public float of $10 million (technology issuers only)

No alternative test

No alternative test

No alternative test

No alternative test

 

B. Minimum Price/ Float Market Value

 

 

 

 

 

SPIs:

Issuers other than investment funds-- Issuer must be listed and must have a market capitalization of at least $150 million.

 

 

 

Global Select: Minimum Public Float Value: $110 million or $100 million if stockholders' equity of $110 million Closed-end management investment company: $70 million. If listed with other funds in the family, total of $220 million for the family and average of $50 million for each fund and minimum of $35 million.

Closed End Management Investment Companies: $20 million public float value or net asset value or, if part of a group, $10 million public float or net asset value or average for group of $15 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Market: Generally, $4 million.

Other: $4 million public float value

 

Non SPIs

Tier 1: Minimum Public Float Value-- $3,000,000.

Minimum Public Float Value-- $4 million

Tier 1: Minimum Public Float Value --$1,000,000

 

Minimum Public Float Value--$50,000

Global Select: Minimum Public Float Value:

Equity: Minimum Price --Listing standard 3: $2 Listing Standards 1, 2 and 4: $3

 

 

Tier 2: Minimum Public Float Value--$1,000,000.

 

Tier 2: Minimum Public Float Value --$1,000,000

IPO price cannot be less than $0.10 per share

$110 million or $100 million if stockholders' equity of $110 million or market value of $45 million for IPO or spinoff of other Global Select issuer

Public Float Value -- Listing Standard 1: $3,000,000 Listing standards 2 & 3: $10 million Listing Standard 4: $20 million

 

 

 

 

Exchange will use discretion if shares issued at less than $0.005 prior to listing.

Builders shares (shares issued to insiders for which a hard value cannot be established) cannot have been issued for less than $0.005 in the previous 18 months. Exchange will use discretion with respect to builder shares issued between $0.005 and $0.02.

Global Market: See assets

Market Capitalization: Listing standard 3: $50 million Listing standard 4: $75 million

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nasdaq Capital: See assets

Preferred: $10 price, $2 million public float value if common listed on Amex or NYSE, $4 million if not

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency or Index Warrants: Initial price of $6 with aggregate public float value of $12 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds: $5 million public float value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other: $4 million public float value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign: Canadian issuers: same as US but both Canadian and US public holders counted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other: $3 million worldwide

 

Tech/R&D Alternative

Not separate category but alternative test for Tier 2: Minimum Public Float Value -- $1 million.

Market value of $50 million and public float of $10 million (technology issuers only).

No alternative test

No alternative test

No alternative test

No alternative test

 

C. Assets/Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPIs: Investment Funds

Investment funds -- Net tangible assets (NTA) of $10 million or NTA of $1 million that is part of a group with aggregate NTA of $20 million and all are listed.

TSX considers applications from SPIs on a case by case basis and will consider

Real Estate/Investment Tier1: - net tangible assets of $5 million - a publicly-disclosed investment policy and strategy, acceptable to the exchange, the includes the applicant's (i) investment strategies and criteria; (ii) diversi-fication requirements; (iii) conflict of interest provisions; and (iv) contractual rights of access to the books and records of investees; - for invest-ment issuers, a board or advisory board comprised of individuals with adequate backgrounds and experience demonstrating sufficient expertise in making investment decisions; and - for investment issuers, at least 50% of the applicant's available funds have been allocated to a minimum of two specific investments.

Investment companies: NTA of $4 million or NTA of $2 million, at least 50% of which has been allocated to at least 2 specific investments.

Global Select: No requirement for closed-end management investment companies

In addition to the regular original listing requirements:

 

 

 

Objectives & strategy; Nature and size of assets; Anticipated operating and financial results; Track record & expertise of managers & advisors; Level of investor & market support for the issuer.

Tier 2: net tangible assets of $2 million; - a publicly-disclosed investment policy and strategy, acceptable to the exchange, that includes (i) the applicant's investment strategies and criteria; (ii) diversi-fication requirements; (iii) conflict of interest provisions; and (iv) contrac-tual rights of access to the books and records of investees; - for investment issuers, a board or advisory board comprised of individuals with adequate backgrounds and experience demon-strating sufficient expertise in making investment decisions; and - for invest-ment issuers, at least 50% of the applicant's available funds have been allocated to a minimum of two specific investments.

 

Global Market: Generally, if company meets the income test in "other", more than $100 million in assets and stockholders' equity of $10 million. If company does not meet income test, either $200 million in assets and equity of $10 million, or $100 million in assets and equity of $20 million

Closed End Management Investment Companies: $20 million public float value or net asset value or, if part of a group, $10 million public float or net asset value or average for group of $15 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency and Index Warrants: Minimum tangible net worth of $250,000,000 or $150 million and original listed price of all listed warrants is more than 25% of net worth. Specific tests for different types of securities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets of $100 million and stockholders' equity of $10 million or, if unable to satisfy earnings criteria, assets of $200 million and stock holders' equity of $10 million or assets of $100 million and stockholders' equity of $20 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Trusts: Total assets of $100 million and net worth of $10 million

 

Non SPIs

We do not have an asset requirement for non-SPIs.

Industrial Exempt: Net tangible assets of $7.5 million.

Tech/Industrial Tier 1: Category 1: - net tangible assets of $1,000,000; OR Category 2: - net tangible assets of $5,000,000 OR Category 3: No NTA requirement

 

Global Market: Listing Standard 1: Annual income from continuing operations before income taxes of at least $1,000,000 in the most recent fiscal year or two of the three previous, stockholders' equity of $15 million and public float value of $8 million OR Listing Standard 2: Stockholders' equity of $30 million, two year operating history and public float value of $18 million OR Listing Standard 3: Market cap of $75 million (with a minimum price of $4) and public float value of $20 millions OR Listing Standard 4: Total assets and revenues of $75 million each for the most recent fiscal year or two of the three most recent.

Listing Standards 1, 2 & 3: Stockholders' equity of $4 million

 

 

 

Non-exempt: - Profitable companies must have net tangible assets of $2 million,. - Companies with less than $2 million in NTA may qualify if they meet the earnings and cash flow requirements for exempt companies. - Companies forecasting profitability must have net tangible assets of $7.5 million

Tier 2: Category 1: - net tangible assets of $500,000 OR Category 2: - net tangible assets of $750,000; OR Category 3: - net tangible assets of $750,000; - sufficient testing of any technology to demonstrate commercial viability;

 

Nasdaq Capital: Listing Standard 1: Stockholders' equity of $5 million, public float value of $15 million and two-year operating history Listing Standard 2: Market cap of $50 million (minimum price $4), stockholders equity of $4 million and public float worth $15 million Listing Standard 3: Net income from continuing operations of $750,000 in the past fiscal year or two of the three past, stockholders' equity of $4 million and public float worth $5 million

Listing Standard 4: Total assets of $75 million in last fiscal year, of 2 of its last 3 fiscal years.

 

 

 

Tech companies Non-exempt: -Evidence that the company's products and services are at an advanced stage of development of commercialization and that the company has the necessary management expertise and resources to develop the business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R&D companies must have technical expertise and resources to advance its program, and a minimum two-year operating history that includes research and development activities.

 

 

 

 

 

Other -- Mining

We do not have a separate category.

Exempt Net tangible assets of $7.5 million,

Tier1: Category 1: - net tangible assets of $2,000,000 OR Category 2: No NTA requirement

Title to a property on which there has been exploration and a report complying with NI 43-101 recommends further exploration.

No separate category for mining

No separate category for mining

 

 

 

Non-exempt Producing mining companies must have net tangible assets of $4 million. Exploration and development-stage companies must have net tangible assets of $3 million, Must hold or have a right to earn a 50% interest in the qualifying property.

 

 

 

 

 

Other -- Oil & Gas

We do not have a separate category.

See reserves

See reserves

Title to a property on which there has been exploration and a report complying with securities law recommends further exploration.

No separate category for oil & gas

No separate category for oil & gas

 

Other -- R & D

We do not have a separate category.

Tech Exempt Same as industrial

Tier1: - a satisfactory recommended research and development work program of $1 million; - net tangible assets of $5 million; - at least $1 million in expenditures for prior research and development costs (other than general or administrative expenses) on the technology or product which is the subject of the work program

No separate category for R & D

No separate category for R & D

No separate category for R & D

 

 

 

Non-exempt Evidence that the company's products and services are at an advanced stage of development of commercialization and that the company has the necessary management expertise and resources to develop the business. R&D companies must have technical expertise and resources to advance its program. And a minimum two-year operating history that includes research and development activities.

Tier 2: a satisfactory recommended research and development work program of $500,000; - net tangible assets of $750,000; - at least $500,000 in expenditures for prior research and development costs (other than general or administrative expenses) on the technology or product which is the subject of the work program

 

 

 

 

D. Working Capital/Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPIs: Investment Funds

Adequate working capital to carry on business and an appropriate capital structure.

Adequate working capital to carry on business and an appropriate capital structure.

Real Estate/Investment Tier 1: - adequate working capital and financial resources for 18 months.

A recent history as a listed company and working cap of $50,000 or a minimum of $100,000

Global Select: No requirement for closed-end management investment companies

 

 

 

 

 

Tier 2: - adequate working capital and financial resources for 12 months;

 

Global Market See assets

 

 

Non SPIs

Adequate working capital to carry on business and an appropriate capital structure.

Industrial Adequate working capital to carry on business and an appropriate capital structure.

Tier 1: Category 1:{1} - adequate working capital and financial resources to carry on business for 18 months.{2} OR Category 2: - adequate working capital and financial resource to carry out the program identified in the plan, including funding any acquisition, growth or expansion plans; - adequate working capital to satisfy general and administrative expenses for at least 18 months;{3} and - at least $100,000 in unallocated funds. OR Category 3: - adequate working capital and financial resources to carry on business for 18 months; and - net income of $200,000 before extraordinary items and after all charges except income tax in the fiscal year preceding the application or - a minimum average net income of $200,000 for at least two of the three preceding fiscal years.

A recent history as a listed company and working cap of $50,000 or a minimum of $100,000

Global Select: Category 1: Aggregate income from continuing operations before income tax of $11 million over the three prior fiscal years, positive income from continuing operations before income tax in each of the prior three fiscal years and $2.2 million income from continuing operations before income taxes in each of the two most recent fiscal years OR Category 2: Aggregate cash flows of $27.5 million over the prior three fiscal years, average market cap of $550 million over the prior 12 months and total revenue of $110 million in previous fiscal year OR Category 3: Average market cap of at least $850 million over the prior 12 months and total revenue of at least $90 million in the prior fiscal year OR Category 4: Market cap of $160 million, total assets of $80 million and stockholders' equity of $55 million.

Listing Standard 1: Pre tax income from continuing operations of $750,000 in last fiscal year or 2 of 3 last fiscal years.

 

 

 

Technology: Non-exempt: - At least $10 million in the treasury, the majority of which was raised in a prospectus offering, - adequate funds to cover all planned development and capital expenditures and general and administrative expenses for at least one year, Research and Development Companies must have a minimum of $12 million in treasury and Adequate funds to cover operations (including all planned research and development expenditures) for a period of at least 2 years,

Tier 2: Category 1:{4} - adequate financial resources to carry on business for 12 months. OR Category 2: - adequate working capital and financial resource to carry out the program identified in the plan, including funding any acquisition, growth or expansion plans; - adequate working capital to satisfy general and administrative expenses for at least 12 months; and - at least $100,000 in unallocated funds. OR Category 3: - expenditures of $250,000 on the development of the product or technology by the applicant in the preceding 12 months; - adequate working capital and financial resource to carry out the program identified in the plan, including funding any acquisition, growth or expansion plans; - adequate working capital to satisfy general and administrative expenses for at least 12 months; and - at least $100,000 in unallocated funds.

 

Global Market: See assets

Listing Standard 2: No specific requirement, but must have two years of operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nasdaq Capital: See assets

 

 

Other -- Mining

We do not have a separate category.

Exempt: Adequate working capital and an appropriate capital structure.

Tier 1: Category 1:{5} - adequate working capital and financial resources to (a) conduct the recommended work program, (ii) satisfy general and administrative expenses for 18 months, (iii) maintain the property and any other properties on which the applicant will spend more than 20% of its available funds{6} in good standing for 18 months; and - $100,000 in unallocated funds. OR Category 2: - adequate working capital and financial resources to conduct the business plan recommended by the feasibility study and to satisfy general and administrative expenses for at least 18 months; and - at least $100,000 in unallocated funds.

Same as industrial

No separate category for mining

No separate category for mining

 

 

 

Non-exempt: At least $2 million in working capital

Tier 2: - spent a minimum of $100,000 in exploration and development on the qualifying property in the previous year or have made sufficient expenditures to demonstrate that it is an advanced exploration property; - adequate working capital to (i) conduct the recommended work program, (ii) satisfy general and administrative expenses for 12 months, and (iii) maintain the property and any other properties on which the applicant will spend more than 20% of its available funds{7} in good standing for 12 months; and - at least $100,000 in unallocated funds.

 

 

 

 

Other -- Oil & Gas

We do not have a separate category.

Exempt: Adequate working capital and an appropriate capital structure.

Tier 1: - adequate working capital and financial resources to carry out the business, subject to a minimum of $500,000.

Same as industrial

No separate category for oil & gas

No separate category for oil & gas

 

 

 

 

Non-exempt: Adequate funds to execute the program and cover all other capital expenditures as well as general, administrative and debt service expenses, for a period of 18 months with an allowance for contingencies.

Tier 2: Category 1:{8} - adequate working capital and financial resources for 12 months. OR Category 2: - adequate working capital and financial resources to (i) complete the recommended work program (joint venture or otherwise) and (ii) meet general and administrative expenses for 12 months; and - at least $100,000 in unallocated funds. OR Category 3: - allocation of a minimum of $1.5 million of the applicant's funds to a joint venture or other satisfactory recommended exploration program; - adequate working capital to (i) complete the applicant's portion of the work program and (ii) satisfy general and administrative expenses for 12 months; and - at least $100,000 in unallocated funds.

 

 

 

 

Other -- R & D

We do not have a separate category but an alternative test for Technology and R&D for Tier 2: bona fide research and development expenses of at least $250,000 in each of the previous two fiscal years.

No separate category for R & D

Tier 1: - adequate working capital and financial resources to (i) conduct the work program and (ii) satisfy general and administrative expenses for 18 months; and - at least $100,000 in unallocated funds.

No separate category for R & D

No separate category for R & D

No separate category for R & D

 

 

 

 

Tier 2: - adequate working capital and financial resources to (i) conduct the work program and (ii) satisfy general and administrative expenses for 12 months; and - at least $100,000 in unallocated funds.

 

 

 

 

E. Earnings from Ongoing Operations / Cash Flow

 

SPIs: Investment Funds

 

 

 

Same as industrial

Global Select: See working cap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Market See assets

 

 

Non SPIs

Tier 1: Pre-tax cash flow from continuing operations of at least $700,000 in its last fiscal year

Industrial Exempt Earnings from ongoing operations of at least $300,000 - Pre-tax cash flow of at least $700,000 in the preceding fiscal year and an average annual pre-tax cash flow of $500,000 for the two preceding fiscal years.

Tech/Industrial Tier 1: Category 1: - net income of $100,000 before extraordinary items and after all charges except income tax in the fiscal year preceding the application or - a minimum average net income of $100,000 before extraordinary items and after all charges except income tax for at least two of the three preceding fiscal years. OR Category 2: - a 24-month management plan outlining the development of the business demonstrating that the applicant's product, service or technology is sufficiently developed that there is a reasonable expectation of earnings from its business within the next 24 months; OR Category 3: - net income of $200,000 before extraordinary items and after all charges except income tax in the fiscal year preceding the application or - a minimum average net income of $200,000 for at least two of the three preceding fiscal years.

Operating companies must have achieved revenues from the sale of goods and if not profitable, have a business plan that demonstrates a reasonable likelihood of profitability. Non-operating companies must have a reasonable plan to develop an active business and the financial resources to carry out the plan (achieve limited objectives that will advance their development to the stage where financing is typically available.

Global Select: See working cap

 

 

 

Tier 2: Pre-tax cash flow from continuing operations of at least $200,000 in its last fiscal year

Non-exempt Profitable companies must have earnings from ongoing operations of at least $200,000 before taxes and extraordinary items in the fiscal year immediately preceding the application, and - pre-tax cash flow of at least $500,000 in the fiscal year preceding the application. Companies forecasting profitability must have evidence of earnings from ongoing operations for the current or next fiscal year of at least $200,000. - They should also have at least six months of operating history, including gross revenues at commercial levels for the preceding six months.

Tier 2: Category 1: - net income of $50,000 before extraordinary items and after all charges except income tax in the fiscal year preceding the application or - a minimum average net income of $50,000 for at least two of the three preceding fiscal years. OR Category 2: - revenues derived from commercial operations in the previous 12 months of at least $250,000 - a 24-month management plan outlining the development of the business demonstrating that the applicant's product, service or technology is sufficiently developed that there is a reasonable expectation of revenue within the next 24 months; OR Category 3: - a working prototype of any industrial product; - a 24-month management plan outlining the develop-ment of the business demonstrating that the applicant's product, service or technology is sufficiently developed that there is a reasonable expectation of revenue within the next 24 months.

 

Global Market See assets

 

 

 

Commen-tary: if the issuer has experienced significant losses in any of last 3 fiscal years, Alpha will review the pre-tax cash flow for an additional two years.

 

 

 

Nasdaq Capital: See assets

 

 

Other -- Mining

We do not have a separate category.

Exempt Pre-tax profitability from ongoing operations in the fiscal year immediately preceding the filing of the listing application, - Pre-tax cash flow of $700,000 in the previous fiscal year and an average annual pre-tax flow of $500,000 for the two preceding fiscal years.

No specific requirement

Same as industrial

No separate category for mining

No separate category for mining

 

Other -- Oil & Gas

We do not have a separate category.

Exempt Pre-tax profitability from ongoing operations in the fiscal year preceding the application, pre-tax cash flow of $050,000 in the previous fiscal year and an average annual pre-tax cash flow of $500,000 for the two preceding fiscal years.

No specific requirement

Same as industrial

No separate category for oil & gas

No separate category for oil & gas

 

Other - R & D

We do not have a separate category but an alternative test for Tier 2: treasury of at least $5M.

No separate category for R & D

No separate category for R & D

No separate category for R & D

No separate category for R & D

No separate category for R & D

 

F. Reserves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPIs: Investment Funds

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

Non SPIs

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

Other - Mining

N/A (no exploration companies qualify)

Exempt: Proven and profitable reserves to provide a mine life of at least 3 years.

Tier 1: Category 1: a mineral interest in an advanced exploration property, which is one that has substantial geological merit but is not advanced to the point where sufficient engineering and economic data exist to permit an acceptable valuation option an indepen-dent geological report recommends a drilling or detailed sampling program based on the merit of the previous results; a geological report recommending a work program on the property of at least $500,000. OR Category 2: a mineral interest in a property with proven and/or probable reserves providing for a mine life of at least 3 years; and a positive feasibility study.

Title to a property on which there has been exploration and a report complying with NI 43-101 recommends further exploration.

No separate category for mining

No separate category for mining

 

 

 

Non-Exempt: Producing mining companies must have proven and probable reserves to provide a mine life of at least three years, together with evidence indicating a reasonable likelihood of future profitability;

Tier 2: - a minimum 50% interest in a qualifying property, which is the property on which it is relying to meet the minimum listing requirements,{9} or - be the operator of the property with a satisfactory joint venture agreement to protect the applicant's interest in the property; - a geological report recommending a minimum $200,000 non-contingent work program on the property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

be in production or have made a production decision on the qualifying project or mine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial mineral companies (i.e. the minerals produced are not readily marketable) will normally be required to submit commercial contracts to demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of future profitability, unless the company is presently generating revenues from production.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration and development-stage companies must have net tangible assets of $3 million, an advanced property (generally, one in which continuity of mineralization is demonstrated in three dimensions at economically interesting grades),

 

 

 

 

 

Other - Oil & Gas

N/A (no exploration companies qualify)

Exempt: Proved developed reserves of $7.5 million,

Tier 1: a geological report demonstrating proven reserves (producing or non-producing) with a present value of $2 million, based on constant dollar pricing assumptions discounted at 15%.

Title to a property on which there has been exploration and a report complying with securities law recommends further exploration.

No separate category for oil & gas

No separate category for oil & gas

 

 

 

Non-exempt: Proved developed reserves{10} of $3 million a clearly defined program which can reasonably be expected to increase reserves

Tier 2: Category 1: - at least $500,000 proven producing reserves based on constant dollar pricing assumptions discounted at 15%; - a geological report recommending further development or production; OR Category 2: - proven and probable reserves (producing or non-producing) with a present value of $750,000 based on constant dollar pricing assumptions, with proven reserves discounted at 15% and probable reserves discounted a further 50%; - a geological report recommending a minimum development program of $300,000; OR Category 3: - a satisfactorily diversified exploration program recommended by the geological report;{11}

 

 

 

 

G. Escrow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPIs: Investment Funds and Non SPIs

Governed by NP 46-201. Alpha issuers must have an escrow agreement that complies with the provisions of NP 46-201 respecting "established" issuers.

Governed by NP 46-201 and their own rules for non-exempt issuers. TSX junior issuers are considered "established" issuers. For exempt issuers no escrow necessary.

Governed by NP 46-201 and their own rules. TSXV level 1 issuers are considered "established" issuers. All others are "emerging" issuers.

Not required except for backdoor listings. Otherwise, governed by NP 46-201. CNSX issuers are considered "emerging" issuers.

 

 

 

 

 

II. International Companies

 

 

 

SPIs and Non SPIs

Must be listed on a recognized and acceptable foreign exchange. Jurisdictions that are members of the IOSCO Technical Committee are deemed to be acceptable. Exemption from all or some Handbook requirements if subject to substantially similar regulatory and exchange listing regime as in Canada as well as similar requirements as those contained in the Listing Handbook.

Must be listed on a recognized and acceptable exchange. Must demonstrate to exchange that it is able to comply with Canadian reporting and public company standards. This can be done if a board or management member or a consultant or employee is resident in Canada.

No specific requirements

No specific requirements

 

Public distribution requirements modified (see above), otherwise must meet original listing requirements. Exchange may reject companies with foreign ownership restrictions.

 

III. Disclosure

 

General

All exchanges require listed companies to promptly disclose material information publicly. While the list of specific events requiring disclosure vary from market to market, in practice they won't often if ever have a result where something is material to one exchange and not to another. The one exchange that is somewhat different from the others is Nasdaq, as it ties its disclosure requirements to the SEC's Regulation FD and doesn't go beyond that.

 

 

Exchanges generally require listed companies to file any periodic disclosure filed with a securities commission.

 

 

Issuer must give notice of any transaction involving or potentially involving an issuance of listed shares and post details in the appropriate form on the exchange website. Form includes certificate of compliance with applicable rules.

Issuer must give notice of any transaction requiring exchange approval.

Issuer must give notice of any transaction requiring exchange approval.

Issuer must give notice of any transaction involving or potentially involving an issuance of listed shares and post details in the appropriate form on the exchange website. Form includes certificate of compliance with applicable rules.

Issuer must give prior notice of corporate actions affecting listed shareholders but not requiring exchange approval (e.g. dividends, transfer agent changes)

Issuer must give prior notice of corporate actions affecting listed shareholders but not requiring exchange approval (e.g. dividends, transfer agent changes)

 

 

Issuer must give prior notice of corporate actions affecting listed shareholders but not requiring exchange approval (e.g. dividends, transfer agent changes, redemptions).

Issuer must give prior notice of corporate actions affecting listed shareholders but not requiring exchange approval (e.g. dividends, transfer agent changes, redemptions).

Issuer must give prior notice of corporate actions not requiring exchange approval (e.g. dividends, transfer agent changes)

Issuer must give notice of any transaction considered a "significant transaction" and post details in the appropriate form on the exchange website. Form includes certificate of compliance with applicable rules.

Issuer must report share issuance on a monthly basis.

Issuer must report share issuance on a monthly basis.

 

 

Issuer must give notice of any transaction considered a "significant transaction" and post details in the appropriate form on the exchange website. Form includes certificate of compliance with applicable rules.

Issuer must report share issuances on a monthly basis.

Issuer must report share issuances on a monthly basis.

Issuer must file monthly and quarterly updates (which include details of share issuances) and annually update listing statement and MD&A.

 

 

 

 

Above notices have to be posted at least 5 business days before the transaction takes place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuer must report share issuances on a quarterly basis and provide financial statements and MD&A in accordance with the requirements and filing deadlines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IV. Corporate Transactions

 

A. General

Issuer must give notice of any transaction involving or potentially involving an issuance of listed shares, any transaction deemed a "significant transaction" and backdoor listings and post details in the appropriate form on the exchange website. No exchange approval of transactions, shareholder approval of certain transactions (described below)

Issuer must apply to list any shares to be issued and exchange must approve. Non-exempt issuers must obtain approval for material transactions. Shareholder approval required for certain transactions (described below).

Issuers must obtain approval for any share issuances or material transactions. Shareholder approval required for certain transactions (described below).

Issuer must give notice of any transaction involving or potentially involving an issuance of listed shares, any transaction deemed a "significant transaction" and backdoor listings and post details in the appropriate form on the exchange website. No exchange approval of transactions, shareholder approval of backdoor listings

Issuer must give 15 days prior notice before -establishing or materially amending a stock option or other equity compensation plan -issuing securities that may result in a change of control -issuing shares in an M&A transaction if an insider has a 5% interest in the other company or insiders as a group have a 10% interest -transactions that may result in the issuance of more than 10% of the outstanding No specific requirements other than shareholder approval (detailed below)

Issuer must apply to list any shares to be issued. The rules set out required disclosure depending on the transaction, but the forms are not posted on the website. No exchange approval or restrictions on pricing etc., but shareholder approval requirements (detailed below).

 

B. Private Placements

Maximum permitted discount: 25% if market price $0.50 or less, 20% if $0.51-$2, 15% if above $2. Can issue at greater discount with disinterested shareholder approval.

Maximum permitted discount: 25% if market price $0.50 or less, 20% if $0.51-$2, 15% if above $2. Can issue at greater discount with disinterested shareholder approval.

Maximum permitted discount: 25% if market price $0.50 or less, 20% if $0.51-$2, 15% if above $2. Cannot be priced below $0.05.

Maximum permitted discount: 25% if market price $0.50 or less, 20% if $0.51-$2, 15% if above $2. Cannot be priced below $0.05.

 

 

 

C. Warrants

Unlisted Cannot be exercisable at less than market price and cannot allow for purchase of more shares than issued in private placement for which it is a sweetener. Cannot do a bare issuance of warrants.

Unlisted Cannot be exercisable at less than market price and cannot allow for purchase of more shares than issued in private placement for which it is a sweetener. Cannot do a bare issuance of warrants.

Unlisted Cannot be exercisable at less than the greater of the specified premium over market price and $0.10 and cannot allow for purchase of more shares than issued in private placement for which it is a sweetener. Cannot do a bare issuance of warrants.

Unlisted Cannot be exercisable at less than market price and cannot allow for purchase of more shares than issued in private placement for which it is a sweetener. Cannot do a bare issuance of warrants.

Can only be listed if underlying listed

 

 

 

 

Listed Underlying must be listed, must have at least 100 warrant holders holding 100 warrants and 100,000 in total, warrant trust indenture must contain anti-dilution provisions.

Listed Considered on a case-by-case basis. Underlying must be listed, must have at least 100 warrant holders holding 100 warrants and 100,000 in total, warrant trust indenture must contain anti-dilution provisions.

 

 

 

 

 

D. Incentive and Compensation Options

Cannot be at a discount to market at time granted. Cannot be priced if undisclosed material information.

Cannot be at a discount to market at time granted. Cannot be priced if undisclosed material information. Limits on how many options may be subject to the plan or granted to one recipient.

Cannot be at a greater discount to market at time granted than permitted for private placement. Cannot be priced if undisclosed material information. Limits on how many options may be subject to the plan or granted to one recipient.

Cannot be at a discount to market at time granted. Cannot be priced if undisclosed material information. Terms cannot be changed once issued - issuer must cancel and wait 30 days before granting new option.

 

 

 

E. Issued to Charities

 

May be issued for no consideration on a de minimis basis

May be issued for no consideration on a de minimis basis

 

 

 

 

F. Rights Offerings

Rights must be transferable and issued on a one right per share basis. Offering must be unconditional. Beneficial holders must have same rounding up privilege as registered.

Rights must be transferable and issued on a one right per share basis. Offering must be unconditional. Beneficial holders must have same rounding up privilege as registered.

Rights must be transferable and issued on a one right per share basis. Offering must be unconditional. Beneficial holders must have same rounding up privilege as registered.

Rights must be transferable and issued on a one right per share basis. Offering must be unconditional.

 

 

 

G. Prospectus Offerings

Pricing and shareholder approval requirements for private placements apply to prospectus offerings.

Exchange has discretion to apply pricing and shareholder approval requirements for private placements to prospectus offerings.

Price should not be more than 20% discounted from market and cannot be below $0.05. If a unit with warrants, warrants must be exercisable at market price. Agent and underwriter compensation regulated. Exchange also has a short-form offering document that is exempt from the prospectus requirements in some provinces.

 

 

 

 

H. Shares for Debt

Treated as private placements

Treated as private placements

Treated as private placements, but issuer must certify that cash not available to pay the debt

Treated as private placements

 

 

 

I. Other Transactions Regulated

Name Changes Share Reclassifications, Consolidations and Splits, Take-over bids, Issuer bids, Transactions with related parties worth more than 10% of market cap. Loans to issuer other than by a financial institution. Payments of Bonuses, Finders' Fees or Commission. [Note: disclosure requirement only, exchange does not approve transactions].

All issuers: Stock Exchange Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids Normal Course Issuer Bids Sales from Control Block Small Shareholder Arrangements Name Changes Share Reclassifications, Consolidations and Splits

Loans by Issuer Payments of Bonuses, Finders' Fees, Commissions Investor Relations Activities Changes of Business Acquisitions and Dispositions of Non-Cash Assets Stock Exchange Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids Normal Course Issuer Bids Small Shareholder arrangements Name Changes Share Reclassifications, Consolidations and Splits.

Name Changes Share Reclassifications, Consolidations and Splits Transactions to related parties worth more than the lesser of $10,000 and 10% of market cap Loans to issuer other than by a financial institution Payments of Bonuses, Finders' Fees or Commission Investor Relations Activities Changes in business. [Note: disclosure requirement, exchange does not approve transactions].

 

 

 

 

 

Non-exempt issuers: Exchange must approve proposed material changes as defined in timely disclosure policy. If consideration to insiders is more than 2% of market cap, must be approved by board and supported by an independent valuation.

 

 

 

 

 

V. Requirements for Continued Listing (Suspension/Delisting)

 

A. General

All markets have the discretion to delist or suspend a company that has made an assignment in bankruptcy, is no longer operating or that has a going concern note in their financials. Although CNSX doesn't have a specific requirement, it has general discretionary power to suspend or delist in the public interest. All markets can suspend or delist for failure to comply with listing requirements generally or to pay applicable fees.

 

 

The delisting process is generally a two-stage process. In all but egregious cases, the issuer will be suspended for non-compliance and given a period of time (usually one year) to meet the original listing requirements. Generally speaking, the Canadian exchanges do not have extensive procedural provisions other than to ensure that an issuer has an opportunity to be heard prior to a delisting decision. American exchanges have quite extensive procedural requirements.

 

B. SPIs: Investment Funds

Cannot be less than $500,000 if part of group or $5,000,000 in NTA.

Same as Non-SPIs

Same as Non-SPIs

Same as Non-SPIs

 

Closed End Funds Public float value cannot be less than $500,000 for more than 60 days

 

 

Less than 50,000 units.

 

 

 

 

Closed end fund issuers must continue to qualify under the Investment Company Act of 1940 unless it otherwise meets original listing requirements.

 

C. Non SPIs

Pre-tax cash flow of $350,000 or, in the case of technology and resource companies, acceptable expenditures of $350,000.

Assets worth $3,000,000 and revenues of $3,000,000 or Acceptable R&D expenditures of $1,000,000 or Acceptable exploration and development expenses of $350,000 with revenues of $3 million from resource sales

Net Tangible Assets/Property of $250,000 ($100,000 for technology/industrial)

Exchange has discretion to delist if in the public interest.

Global Select: Must meet original listing standards. If not, transferred to Global Market

Stockholder Equity Stockholders' equity of $2,000,000 if such issuer has sustained losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in two of its three most recent fiscal years; or

 

 

Public distribution of 250,000 shares and 200 public board lot holders and public float worth $1,500,000.

Public distribution of 500,000 shares and 150 public board lot holders and a market value of $2 million with a total market cap of $3,000,000.

Public distribution of 300,000 shares held by 150 public board lot holders representing 10% of the total issued and a market cap of $100,000.

 

Global Market: At least 400 shareholders and must meet one of the following tests:

stockholders' equity of $4,000,000 if such issuer has sustained losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in three of its four most recent fiscal years; or stockholders' equity of $6,000,000 if such issuer has sustained losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in its five most recent fiscal years.

 

 

Shareholder equity of less than $2 million.

 

 

 

Standard 1: Stockholders' equity of $10 million, public float of 750,000 shares worth $5 million

However, the Exchange will not normally consider suspending an issuer that does not meet these standards if the issuer has: A total value of market capitalization of $50,000,000; or total assets and revenue of $50,000,000 each in its last fiscal year or in two of its last three fiscal years; and has at least 1,100,000 shares publicly held, a market value of publicly held shares of at least $15,000,000 and 400 board lot shareholders. Issuers falling therein.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard 2: Market cap of $50 million, public float of 1,100,000 shares worth $15 million

Distribution- 200,000 common shares held by 300 public shareholders; 50,000 publicly held warrants or preferred shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard 3: Total assets and revenue of $50 million for the last fiscal year or two of the past three, public float of 1,100,000 shares worth $15 million

Market Value Public float value cannot be less than $1,000,000 for more than 90 consecutive days ($400,000 for bonds)

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPIs must generally have a public float worth $1 million.

Bond issuers must be able to make principal and interest payments on bonds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nasdaq Capital: 500,000 shares held by 300 public shareholders worth $1 million and stockholders' equity of $2.5 million and market cap of $35 million and net income from continuing operations of $500,000 in past fiscal year or two of three past

 

 

VI. Corporate Governance

 

A. General

Listed issuers must comply with NI 58-101.

Listed issuers must comply with NI 58-101 requirements for non-venture issuers.

Listed issuers must comply with NI 58-101 requirements for venture issuers.

Listed issuers must comply with NI 58-101 requirements for venture issuers.

Listed issuers must comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other applicable law

Listed issuers must comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other applicable law

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign issuers must disclose how their governing legislation or constating documents differ materially from Canadian governance requirements.

 

 

 

B. Board and Management Composition

Board should have at least 3 independent directors or 1/3 independent, whichever is higher. Independence defined as in NI 52-110.{12} Controlled corporations, foreign private, AB issuers and other SPIs are exempt. Issuer must have a CEO, CFO who is not also CEO and a secretary.

Board must have at least 2 independent directors. Issuer must have a CEO, CFO who is not also CEO and a secretary.

No requirement

No requirement

Majority of the Board must be independent directors as defined. Controlled corporations and foreign private issuers are exempt.

Majority of the Board must be independent directors as defined. Controlled corporations and foreign private issuers are exempt.

 

C. Audit Committee

NI 52-110

NI 52-110

Must have an audit committee of at least 3 directors, majority independent.

Issuers are encouraged, but not required, to appoint independent members

Audit committee must comprise at least 3 directors, all independent. Committee must have a charter conforming to Nasdaq rules.

Audit committee must comprise at least 3 directors, all independent. Committee must have a charter conforming to Amex rules.

 

D. Compensation Committee

CEO compensation must be determined by an entirely independent compensation committee or by majority of the independent directors in a vote in which only they participate. Reviews and approves incentive compensation plans and determines whether shareholder approval should be obtained. Controlled companies exempted, AB issuers and other SPIs.

No requirement

Shareholders generally must approve amendments to compensation plans.

No requirement

CEO compensation must be determined by an entirely independent compensation committee or by independent directors in a vote in which only they participate.

CEO compensation must be determined by an entirely independent compensation committee or by independent directors in a vote in which only they participate.

 

VII. Security Holder Approval Requirements

 

A. General

Required for backdoor listings.

General discretion to require shareholder approval (or majority of the minority) if a transaction materially affects control of the issuer{13}, or is non arm's length.

Generally required if a security issuance (equity or debt) will result in a new control person. Required for backdoor listings All companies must comply with MI 61-101 re: shareholder approval of related party transactions

Only required for backdoor listings

Shareholder approval required for change of control (no hard and fast definition).

Shareholder approval required for change of control (no hard and fast definition).

 

 

 

Required for backdoor listings.

 

 

 

 

 

B. Private Placements

No requirement for arm's-length placements done at or above the market price.

Required if securities are issued at more than the maximum permitted discount (shareholders participating in the placement are not to vote), the placement involves the issuance or potential issuance of more than 25% of the outstanding securities at any discount; Minority shareholder approval required if insiders increase position by more than 10% in a six-month period.

Disinterested shareholder approval if (i) will result in a new control person, (ii) it appears to be a defensive tactic to a takeover bid or (iii) if it is a related party transaction.

No requirement. Issuers not permitted to issue securities at more than the maximum permitted discount.

Required for placements done below the greater of market and book value if more than 20% of the common stock or voting power is issued or issuable, either by the company alone or together with sales by officers, directors and substantial shareholders.

Required for placements done below the greater of market and book value if more than 20% of the common stock or voting power is issued or issuable, either by the company alone or together with sales by officers, directors and substantial shareholders.

 

 

Shareholder approval required for arm's-length placements if priced at discounts larger than permitted or for potential issuance of 25% or more of the current outstanding at any discount. Minority shareholder approval required if insiders increase position by more than 10% in a twelve-month period.

 

 

 

Exemption for companies in financial distress that cannot wait for shareholder approval. Audit committee or independent directors must approve reliance on the exemption

 

 

C. Public Offering

Rules for private placements apply.

Exchange has discretion to apply rules for private placements.

No requirement.

No requirement.

No requirement Nasdaq has discretion to deem an offering not to be a public offering.

No requirement.

 

D. Defensive Tactics

Poison pill rights plans must be ratified by shareholders within 6 months of adoption.

Poison pill rights plans should be ratified by shareholders within 6 months of adoption.

Required for placements that appear to be defensive measure to a take-over

No specific requirements.

Governed by state law?

Governed by state law?

 

E. Related Party Transactions (Not involving share issuances)

None, but disclosure required if value greater than 10% of market cap.

None for exempt issuers. For non-exempt, board approval with independent valuation if consideration to insiders is greater than 2% of market cap, shareholder approval if greater than 10%.

 

None, but disclosure required if value greater than the lower of 10% of market cap and $10,000.

Governed by state law?

Governed by state law?

 

F. Related Party Transactions that involved share issuances

Shareholder approval needed if transaction provides consideration to insiders in aggregate of 10% or greater of mkt. capitalization of issuer in the preceding 12 months (for private placement and acquisitions). The insiders participating in the transaction are not eligible to vote their securities in respect of such approval.

Shareholder approval needed if transaction provides consideration to insiders in aggregate of 10% or greater of mkt. capitalization of issuer (for Private placements in the preceding 6 months) and has not been negotiated at arm's length. The insiders participating in the transaction are not eligible to vote their securities in respect of such approval.

All issuers must comply with MI 61-101 Related Party Transactions whether or not they are reporting issuers in Ontario or Quebec.

 

 

 

 

G. Qualifying Transaction for SPACs/CPCs

N/A: SPACs/CPCs do not qualify for listing.

Required

Required

N/A: SPACs/CPCs do not qualify for listing.

 

 

 

H. Equity Compensation

Governed by shareholder approval requirement in NI 45-106. Required when grant is for any person not previously employed by issuer and issuable securities exceed 10%. Board approval generally required for amendments to compensation plans and shareholder approval in certain circumstances.

Required when plan instituted and for any amendment where approval is required by §613(i), and every three years if the plan does not have a fixed maximum number of securities issuable. Unlike other requirements this must be done at a meeting and cannot be done by resolution signed by a majority of shareholders. Required when grant is for any person not previously employed by issuer and issuable securities exceed 2%.

Required if the plan, together with all other plans, could result in the issuance of more than 10% of the outstanding. Rolling plans must be approved annually.{14} This must be done at a meeting and cannot be done by resolution signed by a majority of shareholders. There are more complicated requirements for when disinterested shareholder approval is required.

No specific requirements, governed by shareholder approval requirement in NI 45-106.

Required for establishment and material amendment of equity compensation arrangements with some limited exceptions.

Required for establishment and material amendment of equity compensation arrangements with some limited exceptions.

 

I. Acquisition

Required if more than 25% of the outstanding shares/votes to be issued, or If securities issued or issuable to insiders as a group in payment of the purchase price for an acquisition exceeds 10% of the number of securities of the listed issuer in preceding 12 months and issuable securities exceed 5% of outstanding securities.

Required if the acquisition involves the issuance of more than 25% of the outstanding securities; or if insiders will receive more than 10% of the outstanding securities (needs majority of minority approval).

 

 

Required if more than 20% of the outstanding shares/votes to be issued, or insiders have a 5% interest individually (or 10% as a group) in the assets acquired and the transaction will result in issuance of 5% or more of common shares/votes.

Required if more than 20% of the outstanding shares/votes to be issued, or insiders have a 5% interest individually (or 10% as a group) in the assets acquired and the transaction will result in issuance of 5% or more of common shares/votes.

 

VIII. Exchange Sanctions

 

A. General

Suspension, Delisting, Determine a person not to be fit to be associated with a listed issuer

Suspension, Delisting, Determine a person not to be fit to be associated with a listed issuer

Suspension, Delisting, Determine a person not to be fit to be associated with a listed issuer

Suspension, Delisting, Determine a person not to be fit to be associated with a listed issuer

 

Suspension, Delisting, Determine a person not to be fit to be associated with a listed issuer

 

B. Public Reprimand

Can issue

No provision

No provision

No provision

 

No provision

 

C. Officer and Directors

May require replacement if responsible for failure to comply with Alpha rules or securities law.

No provision but in practice can achieve.

No provision but in practice can achieve.

No provision but in practice can achieve.

 

 

{1} Companies must meet all of the requirements of Category 1, 2 or 3. They cannot mix and match.

{2} "Financial resources" refers generally only to the ability to pay from cash flow all general and administrative expenses and costs reasonably required pursuant to the issuer's business plan. (TSX Venture Policy 1.1, definition of "financial resources").

{3} The exchange will normally consider this requirement to be met where the applicant has historically generated positive cash flow (TSX Venture Policy 2.1 s. 4.12).

{4} Companies must meet all of the requirements of Category 1, 2 or 3. They cannot mix and match.

{5} A company must meet all the requirements of Category 1, 2 or 3. It cannot mix and match.

{6} "Available funds" is defined as the estimated working capital available to the applicant, its subsidiaries and proposed subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent month and the amounts and sources of other funds that will be available to the issuer following the IPO. (TSX Venture Policy 1.1, definitions of "available funds" and "principal property").

{7} "Available funds" is defined as the estimated working capital available to the applicant, its subsidiaries and proposed subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent month and the amounts and sources of other funds that will be available to the issuer following the IPO. (TSX Venture Policy 1.1, definitions of "available funds" and "principal property.")

{8} Companies must meet all of the requirements for Category 1, 2 or 3. They cannot mix and match.

{9} TSX Venture Policy 1.1, definition of "qualifying property."

{10} Reserves that are expected to be recovered from existing wells and installed facilities or, if facilities have not been installed, that would involve a low expenditure, when compared to the cost of drilling a well, to put the reserves on production.

{11} A one-well drilling program will generally not be acceptable. (TSX Venture Policy 2.1 s. 4.7(c)(i)).

{12} Words in italics mean new additions to Alpha's Listing Handbook.

{13} Alpha and CNSX must approve new control persons.

{14} Approval is not required if the issuer is conducting an IPO and discloses details of the plan in the prospectus.

 

APPENDIX B

ALPHA EXCHANGE INC.

LISTING HANDBOOK

(The "HANDBOOK")

Part I. Definitions and Interpretation

1.01 Definitions

(1) Unless otherwise defined or interpreted or the subject matter or context otherwise requires, every term used in Alpha Requirements that is defined or interpreted in

(a) Ontario securities law,

(b) UMIR,

(c) IIROC Rules, or

(d) Alpha Trading Policies

has the same meaning in this Handbook.

(2) The following terms have the meanings set out when used in this Handbook:

Average Daily Trading Volume
The trading volume for a listed security on all marketplaces for the six months preceding the date of posting of a Form 16A, excluding any purchases made under a normal course issuer bid, divided by the number of trading days during that period. If the securities have traded for less than six months, the trading volume on all marketplaces since the first day on which the security traded, which must be at least four weeks prior to the date of posting Form 16A.
 
Beneficial Holders
Those security holders of an issuer that are included in either:
 
 
a Demographic Summary Report available from the International Investors Communications Corporation; or
 
 
a non-objecting beneficial owner list for the issuer under National Instrument 54-101 Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer.
 
Common Shares
Equity Shares with voting rights that are exercisable in all circumstances irrespective of the number or percentage of securities owned that are not, on a per share basis, less than the voting rights attached to any other class of shares of the issuer.
 
Decision
Any decision, direction, order, ruling, guideline or other determination of Alpha, including any committee of Alpha, or of the market regulator made in the administration of this Handbook.
 
Delist
The termination of a security's listing on Alpha, which renders it ineligible for trading on Alpha.
 
Equity Shares
Shares of an issuer that carry a residual right to participate in the earnings of the issuer and in the issuer's assets upon dissolution or liquidation.
 
Listed Issuer [ ]
A Tier 1 or Tier 2 issuer with one or more classes of securities listed on Alpha.
 
Non-Voting Shares
Restricted Shares that do not carry a right to vote except in certain limited circumstances such as to elect a limited number of directors or to vote where mandated by applicable corporate or securities law
 
Normal Course Issuer Bid
An issuer bid for a class of listed securities where the purchases over a 12-month period by the issuer or persons acting jointly or in concert with the issuer and commencing on the date of posting of the documents required by Alpha Requirements, do not exceed the greater of
 
 
 
10% of the Public Float, or
 
 
5% of the securities
 
 
of the class outstanding as of the date of posting of the documents required by Alpha Requirements, excluding purchases under a formal issuer bid.
 
Other Issuers
Issuer which is at the time of applying for the listing of a security is listed on an exchange other than Alpha.
 
Outside Director
A director who is not an officer or employee of a Listed Issuer or any of its affiliates.
 
Preference Shares
Shares which have a genuine and non-specious preference or right over all classes of Equity Shares.
 
Post
Submitting a document in prescribed electronic format to the specified website and, in the case of a requirement to post a security certificate, means filing a definitive specimen with Alpha.
 
Public Float
The number of securities outstanding, less shares known by the Listed Issuer after reasonable enquiry to be beneficially owned or under the control or direction of
 
 
 
the Listed Issuer, and
 
 
every Related Person of the Listed Issuer,
 
 
and less any securities that are pooled, escrowed or subject to restrictions on transfer.
 
Record Date
The date fixed for the purpose of determining security holders of a Listed Issuer eligible for a distribution or other entitlement.
 
Registered Holders of an Issuer
The registered security holders of an issuer that are beneficial owners of the equity securities of that issuer. For the purposes of this definition, where the beneficial owner controls or is an affiliate of the registered security holder, the registered security holder shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner.
 
Related Entity of an Issuer
 
a person
 
 
 
that is an affiliated entity of the listed issuer;
 
 
 
of which the Listed Issuer is a control block holder;
 
 
a management company or distribution company of a mutual fund that is a Listed Issuer; or
 
 
a management company or other company that operates a trust or partnership that is a Listed Issuer.
 
Related Person of an Issuer
 
a Related Entity of the Listed Issuer;
 
 
partners, directors and officers of the Listed Issuer or Related Entity;
 
 
any person that beneficially owns, either directly or indirectly, or exercises voting control or direction over at least 10% of the total voting rights attached to all voting securities of the Listed Issuer or Related Entity of an Issuer;
 
 
an investment manager of a Special Purpose Issuer that is an investment fund;
 
 
partners, directors and officers of an investment manager of a Special Purpose Issuer that is an investment fund;
 
 
a promoter of the company; and
 
 
such other person as may be designated from time to time by Alpha.
 
Restricted Shares
Equity Shares that are neither Common Shares nor Preference Shares.
 
Restricted Voting Shares
Restricted Shares that carry a right to vote subject to a restriction on the number or percentage of securities that may be voted by a shareholder or combination of shareholders, other than a restriction that is permitted or required by statute that is only applicable to non-residents or non-citizens of Canada.
 
Special Purpose Issuer
An issuer of a structured product such as an exchange traded fund, investment fund or split share corporation.
 
Stock Option
An option to purchase shares from treasury granted to an employee, director, officer, consultant or service provider of a Listed Issuer.
 
Subordinate Voting Shares
Restricted Shares that carry a right to vote where there is another class of shares outstanding that carry a greater right to vote on a per-security basis.
 
Tier 1 Issuer
A Listed Issuer which will be classified as a "non-venture" issuer for purposes of complying with any rules of any applicable securities regulatory authority.
 
Tier 2 Issuer
A Listed Issuer which will be classified as a "venture" issuer for purposes of complying with any rules of any applicable securities regulatory authority.
 
Unrelated Director
An outside director who has no relationship with the Issuer, in any capacity (e.g. as lawyer, accountant, banker, supplier or customer), save as a shareholder of the Issuer who is not a Control Block Holder.

1.02 Interpretation

(1) A company is an affiliate of another company if one of them is a subsidiary of the other or if both are subsidiaries of the same company or if each of them is controlled by the same Person.

(2) The division of Alpha Requirements into separate rules, policies, divisions, sections, subsections and clauses and the provision of a table of contents, headings and notes is for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of Alpha Requirements.

(3) The words "hereof," "herein," "hereby," "hereunder" and similar expressions mean the whole of this Handbook and not simply the particular provision in which the term is mentioned, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(4) The word "or" is not exclusive.

(5) The word "including," when following any general statement or term, does not limit the meaning of the general statement or term to the specific matter immediately following the statement or term.

(6) Unless otherwise specified, any reference to a statute includes that statute and the regulations made pursuant to that statute, with all amendments made and in force from time to time, and to any statute or regulation that supersedes that statute or regulation.

(7) Unless otherwise specified, any reference to a rule, policy, blanket order or instrument includes all amendments made and in force from time to time, and to any rule, policy, blanket order or instrument that supersedes that rule, policy, blanket order or instrument.

(8) Grammatical variations of any defined term have the same meaning.

(9) Any word imputing gender includes the masculine, feminine and neuter genders.

(10) Any word in the singular includes the plural and vice versa.

(11) All references to time in Alpha Requirements are to Toronto time unless otherwise stated.

(12) All references to currency in Alpha Requirements are to Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Part II. Original Listing Requirements

2.01 General

(1) This part of the Handbook concerns issuers that do not have any securities listed on Alpha or are undergoing a "backdoor listing". Listed Issuers that wish to list additional securities of an already listed class must comply with the additional listing requirements of Part VI. Listed Issuers or Other Issuers that wish to list a new class of securities must comply with the supplemental listing requirements of Part VI. Listed Issuers that wish to substitute a class of listed securities with a different class must comply with the substitution listing requirements of Part VI.

(2) Alpha considers a number of factors in exercising its discretion to list securities, and may refuse to list an issuer that otherwise meets the minimum standards set out below. These factors include:

(a) Track record: The issuer has a history of profitable operations or, if not, significant revenues.

(b) Quality of management: The issuer's directors, officers and controlling shareholders do not have a regulatory history or reputation that give rise to concerns that the business of the issuer will not be conducted with integrity or due regard to the interests of shareholders.

(c) Distribution: The issuer has a sufficient number of freely-tradeable securities outstanding to foster a liquid market in the listed securities.

(d) Acceptable capital structure: In determining whether a capital structure is acceptable, Alpha will consider such factors as (i) the price of shares, units or notional amount issued prior to an initial public offering, or the value of the goods or services provided in consideration for the shares, units or notional amounts compared to the price in the initial public offering, (ii) whether shares, units or notional amounts issued prior to the initial public offering were issued primarily to non-arm's length parties, and (iii) the number of shares, units or the notional amount issued prior to the initial public offering compared to the number to be issued in the initial public offering.

(3) Alpha may request any other documentation or information as part of the original and ongoing listing requirements so that it may confirm that the Issuer is meeting Alpha Requirements.

2.02 Minimum Listing Standards for Tier 1 Issuers other than Special Purpose Issuers

(1) Equity -- Shareholder equity of at least $4,000,000 for issuers.

(2) Income -- Pre-tax cash flow from continuing operations of at least $700,000 in its last fiscal year.

Commentary:

If an issuer has experienced material net income losses in any of the last three fiscal years, Alpha will review the pre-tax cash flow for an additional two years to consider if compliance with the income requirement is sufficient or listing should be denied.

(3) Distribution -- Minimum Public Float of 500,000shares, together with a minimum of 800 public Board Lot holders or minimum Public Float of 1,000,000 shares together with a minimum of 400 public Board Lot holders.

(4) Minimum Public Float Value -- $3,000,000.

(5) Working Capital -- Adequate working capital to carry on business and an appropriate capital structure.

Commentary:

The requirements of subsections (1), (4) and (5) apply to companies that qualify under this subsection.

Minimum Listing Standards for Special Purpose Tier 1 Issuers: Investment Funds

(1) A Special Purpose Issuer that is an investment fund must have net tangible assets of at least $10,000,000 unless it is a Special Purpose Issuer that is an investment fund with net tangible assets of at least $1,000,000 and is part of a group of companies that are under the same manager, all of which are listed or are to be listed on Alpha or another exchange, and the group has net tangible assets of at least $20,000,000.

(2) Distribution -- For each series of units of an investment fund there must be at least 100,000 units outstanding prior to the commencement of trading of a series of units on Alpha.

(3) Redeemable Units -- Units must be redeemable, directly or indirectly from the investment company for securities and/or cash.

(4) Calculation of Net Asset Value or Index Value -- A listed Special Purpose Issuer must provide Alpha with a representation that the NAV or Index value will be calculated each business day and will be made available to all Members at the same time.

2.0 Minimum Listing Standards for Special Purpose Tier 1 Issuers: Other

(1) This section contains the minimum listing standards for securities other than equity and preference shares, warrants of a Listed Issuer to purchase listed securities of its own issue and units of investment funds.

(2) A Special Purpose Issuer other than an investment fund must be a Listed Issuer or Other Issuer with a market capitalization of at least $150 million.

(3) Liquidity of Underlying Asset -- There must be evidence of the liquidity of the underlying asset.

(4) The securities to be listed must have been issued pursuant to a prospectus qualified by a securities regulatory authority.

(5) An application for listing under this section must be accompanied by a market maker application acceptable to Alpha.

2.05 Minimum Listing Standards for Tier 2 Issuers

(1) Equity -- Shareholder equity of at least $2,000,000 for issuers;

(2) Income -- Pre-tax cash flow from continuing operations of at least $200,000 in its last fiscal year.

Commentary:

If an issuer has experienced material net income losses in any of the last three fiscal years, Alpha will review the pre-tax cash flow for an additional two years to consider if compliance with the income requirement is sufficient or listing should be denied.

(3) Distribution -- Minimum Public Float of 1,000,000 shares, together with a minimum of 250 public Board Lot holders.

(4) Minimum Public Float Value -- $1,000,000.

(5) Working Capital -- Adequate working capital to carry on business and an appropriate capital structure.

(6) Alternative Test for Technology and Research and Development Companies -- A technology or research and development issuer that does not meet the criteria in subsection (2) qualifies if it has

(a) at least $5,000,000 in the treasury;

(b) bona fide research and development expenses of at least $250,000 in each of the previous two fiscal years;

(c) evidence that the company's products or services are at an advanced stage of development and that there is market demand for the product or service;

(d) evidence that the company's management has the expertise required to develop the business to a point of profitability; and

(e) minimum Public Float of 1,000,000 shares, together with a minimum of 200 public Board Lot holders.

Commentary:

The requirements of subsections (4) and (5) apply to companies that qualify under this subsection.

2.06 Management

(1) Alpha considers the quality of management of its Listed Issuers to be an important component of a fair and orderly market for investors. Therefore, Alpha may review the conduct of any Related Person of the Issuer. Alpha must be satisfied that the business of the Listed Issuer will be conducted with integrity and in the best interests of shareholders, unit holder and debt holders, and that the Listed Issuer will comply with Alpha Requirements and applicable securities law.

Commentary:

In particular, an issuer will not be approved for listing if any related person has been convicted of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, violations of securities legislation (other than minor violations that do not give rise to investor protection or market integrity concerns) unless the issuer severs relations with such person to the satisfaction of the Exchange.

An issuer may not be approved for listing if any related person has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority or is associated with any person who would disqualify an issuer for listing.

(2) Management must have knowledge and expertise relevant to the business of the issuer.

2.07 Inter-listed Issuers

(1) A foreign-incorporated issuer that is listed and in good standing on a recognized foreign exchange may be listed by filing the documents in section 2.06. Upon acceptance, the issuer is not subject to the provisions of this Handbook, but must contemporaneously post all documents filed with the foreign exchange on Alpha [or on its home web site], translated into either English or French if necessary.

(2) The Listed Issuer will be automatically suspended from trading if it is suspended or delisted from the foreign exchange.

(3) Alpha will consider granting an exemption from some or all of the provisions of this Handbook for an issuer that is listed on a recognized foreign stock exchange.

Commentary:

An exemption may be granted where Alpha is satisfied that the issuer is subject to substantially similar regulatory and exchange listing regime as in Canada as well as similar requirements as those contained in this Handbook. Alpha considers exchanges located in countries represented on the IOSCO Technical Committee to have substantially similar requirements, and will make determinations for exchanges located in other countries on a case-by-case basis.

Foreign Listed Issuers are subject to all applicable Canadian securities laws unless exemptions are obtained from the relevant securities commission(s).

2.08 Designation of Restricted Securities

(1) This section is to be read in conjunction with OSC Rule 56-501Restricted Shares.

(2) Non-voting Shares, Restricted Voting Shares and Subordinate Voting Shares must be identified as such in the Listed Issuer's constating documents and will be identified by Alpha as such in market data displays prepared for the financial press.

(3) A class of shares may not be designated as 'common' unless the shares are Common Shares.

(4) A class of shares may not be designated as 'preference' or 'preferred' securities unless the shares are Preference Shares.

(5) An issuer's constating documents must give Restricted Shareholders the same right to receive notice of, attend and speak at all shareholder meetings as Common Shareholders and to receive all disclosure documents and other information sent to Common Shareholders.

(6) A Listed Issuer with outstanding listed Restricted Shares or intending to list Restricted Shares must include in its Listing Statement the disclosure required by Part 2 of OSC Rule 56-501.

Commentary:

Issuances of Restricted Shares and superior voting shares post-listing are subject to section 6.17 of this Handbook.

2.09 Coattail Provisions

(1) Alpha will not list Restricted Shares unless the issuer's constating documents provide that if a take-over bid is made to Common Shareholders, whether or not the Common Shares are listed, the Restricted Shares will automatically convert to Common Shares unless an identical offer (in terms of price per share, percentage of shares to be taken up exclusive of shares already owned by the offeror and its associates and all other material conditions) is concurrently made to Restricted Shareholders.

2.10 Escrow

(1) An issuer applying for listing in conjunction with an initial public offering must have an escrow agreement with its principals that complies fully with the requirements of National Policy 46-201 Escrow for Initial Public Offerings respecting established issuers.

2.11 Listing Application -- Procedure

(1) The application for listing must include the following:

(a) a completed Listing Application (Form 1) together with the supporting documentation set out in Appendix A to the Listing Application;

(b) a draft Listing Statement (Form 2 or 2A) (including financial statements approved by the Issuer's Board of Directors and its Audit Committee);

(c) a duly executed Personal Information Form (Form 3) from each Related Person of the Issuer; if any of these persons is not an individual, a PIF from each director, senior officer and each person who beneficially, directly or indirectly owns, controls or exercises direction over 20% or more of the voting rights of such non-individual;

(d) current insider reports from each person required to file a PIF, as filed with the Commission;

(e) for technology applicants, projected sources and uses of funds statement, including related assumptions, for a period of 12 months, presented on a quarterly basis, prepared by management and signed by the Chief Financial Officer;'

(f) for research and development applicants, projected sources and uses of funds statement, including related assumptions, for a period of 24 months, presented on a quarterly basis, prepared by management and signed by the Chief Financial Officer;

(g) such other documentation as Alpha may require to assess the issuer's qualification for listing or to support the disclosures made in the Listing Statement and other documentation filed in connection with the listing application; and

Commentary:

Alpha will not normally require an issuer to file technical reports required to be filed with securities commissions under National Instruments 43-101 and 51-101, but may require the issuer to provide a summary.

(h) the application fee plus applicable taxes.;

(2) Alpha will use its best efforts to review the application in a timely manner with due regard to any schedule for filing a prospectus.

(3) Following its review, Alpha may conditionally approve the issuer, or defer or decline the application.

(4) If an issuer is conditionally approved, it has 90 days in which to file the final documentation set out in section 2.07. If an application is deferred, the issuer has 90 days in which to address the specific issues that caused deferral. If the issues are not addressed during that period to the satisfaction of Alpha, the application will be declined.

(5) Subject to a right of appeal, a declined issuer may not submit a new application until six months have elapsed from the date on which it was given notice of that the application was declined.

(6) Ontario securities law prohibits a person with the intention of effecting a trade in a security from making any representation that a security will be listed on a stock exchange unless the exchange has granted conditional approval to the listing or otherwise approves. An issuer that has been conditionally approved for listing may use the following language in its final prospectus or offering document, but only in its entirety:

"Alpha Exchange has conditionally approved the listing of these securities. Listing is subject to the Issuer fulfilling all of Alpha Exchange's requirements on or before (date stipulated by Alpha Exchange), including distribution of these securities to a minimum number of shareholders."

Commentary:

Alpha will also advise the relevant securities commission(s) of the conditional approval.

2.12 Final Documentation

(1) The issuer must submit the following documentation for final listing approval and posting of its securities for trading on Alpha and must post the documents on the Alpha website forthwith following final approval:

(a) One originally executed copy of the Listing Statement (Form 2 or 2A) dated within three business days of the date they are submitted, together with any additions or amendments to the supporting documentation previously provided as required by Appendix A to the Listing Application ;

(b) two duly executed Listing Agreements (Form 4);

(c) an opinion of counsel that the Issuer:

(i) is in good standing under and not in default of applicable corporate law;

(ii) is not in default of any requirement of any jurisdiction in which it is a reporting issuer or equivalent;

(iii) has the corporate power and capacity to own its properties and assets, to carry on its business as it is currently being conducted, and to enter into the Listing Agreement and to perform its obligations thereunder;

(iv) has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of the Listing Agreement and that the Listing Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Issuer and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer, enforceable against the Issuer in accordance with its terms;

(d) an opinion of counsel that all shares previously issued of the class of securities to be listed or that may be issued upon conversion, exercise or exchange of other previously-issued securities are or will be duly issued and are or will be outstanding as fully paid and non-assessable shares;

(e) a certificate of the applicable government authority that the Issuer is in good standing under and not in default of applicable corporate law;

(f) a copy of the written notice from the Clearing corporation confirming the CUSIP number assigned to the listed securities;

(g) if the issuer is to be listed upon conclusion of a public offering, a copy of the receipt(s) for the (final) prospectus;

(h) a letter from the transfer agent stating the total number of shares issued and confirmation of the number of shareholders holding at least one Board Lot of the issuer's securities; and

(i) such other documentation as Alpha may require; and

(j) the balance of the listing fee plus applicable taxes.

Ongoing Requirements

3.01 Directors and Officers

(1) Every new Related Person of a Listed Issuer must complete a Personal Information Form (Form 3) upon their becoming a Related Person of an Issuer.

(2) Alpha may collect such personal information about the Related Person of an Issuer as it sees fit.

(3) A Listed Issuer must immediately remove, or cause the resignation of, any director or officer who Alpha determines is not suitable to act as a director or officer of a Listed Issuer. For other unsuitable Related Persons of the Listed Issuer, the Listed Issuer must immediately sever relations with such Person to the satisfaction of Alpha, or, in the case of a control person, satisfy Alpha that the control person does not and will not have any role in the governance of the Listed Issuer.

3.02. Transfer and Registration of Securities

(1) Every Listed Issuer must maintain in good standing transfer and registration facilities in the City of Toronto, where its Listed Securities must be directly transferable.

(2) The transfer and registration facilities must be operated by a transfer agent recognized by the clearing corporation.

3.03 Dematerialized Securities

Issuers must make arrangements acceptable to the Clearing Corporation so that all trades in listed securities are cleared and settled on a book-entry only basis.

3.04 Posting Officer

(1) A Listed Issuer must designate at least one individual to act as its posting officer and at least one backup. The posting officers are responsible for making all of the postings required under Alpha Requirements.

(2) A Listed Issuer may post documents through the facilities of a third party service provider approved by Alpha.

3.05 Postings

(1) A Listed Issuer must post electronic copies of all documents required to be posted with Alpha on the Alpha website.

(2) In lieu of posting, a Listed Issuer may file the following documents with Alpha no later than the deadline for posting

(i) documents listed in section 2.07(c); and

(ii) any opinion of counsel.

(3) A filing made under subsection (2) must indicate that it is made in lieu of posting the document.

Part IV. Timely Disclosure

A. Obligation to Disclose Material Information

4.01 Introduction

(1) This Handbook is not an exhaustive statement of the timely and continuous disclosure requirements applicable to Listed Issuers. Listed Issuers must comply with all applicable requirements of securities legislation. In particular, mining issuers must comply with the additional disclosure requirements of National Policy 43-101 -- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Oil and gas issuers must comply with the additional disclosure requirements of (Proposed) National Instrument 51-101 -- Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities. All Listed Issuers must comply with National Policy 51-201 -- Disclosure Standards and, if applicable section 11.2 of NI 81-106 Investment Fund Continuous Disclosure.

(2) Each Listed Issuer must determine what information is material in the context of its own affairs. The materiality of information varies from one issuer to another, and will be influenced by factors such as the issuer's profitability, assets, capitalization, and the nature of its operations.

Commentary:

"Material information" is any information relating to the business and affairs of an issuer that results in or would reasonably be expected to result in a significant change to the market price or value of any of the issuer's listed securities. It is broader than the concept of "material change" in Ontario securities law. An event that is "significant" or "major" in the context of a smaller company's business and affairs may not be material to a larger one. Given the element of judgment involved, listed companies are encouraged to consult with the Market Regulator on a confidential basis at an early stage to determine whether a particular event gives rise to material information.

4.02 Disclosable Events

(1) Listed Issuers are required to make immediate public disclosure of all material information. They are not required to interpret the impact of external political, economic and social developments on their affairs, but if the external development will have or has had a direct effect on their business and affairs that is both material and uncharacteristic of the effect generally experienced as a result of such development by other companies engaged in the same business or industry, Listed Issuers are urged, where practical, to explain the particular impact on them. For example, a change in government policy that affects most companies in a particular industry does not require an announcement, but if it affects only one or a few companies in a material way, an announcement should be made.

(2) A reasonable investor's investment decision may be affected by factors relating directly to the securities themselves as well as by information concerning the Listed Issuer's business and affairs. For example, changes in a Listed Issuer's issued capital, stock splits, redemptions and dividend decisions may all have an impact upon the reasonable investor's investment decision.

(3) Actual or proposed developments that require immediate disclosure include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) changes in share ownership that may affect control of the issuer;

(b) changes in corporate structure, such as reorganizations, amalgamations, etc.;

(c) take-over bids or issuer bids;

(d) major corporate acquisitions or dispositions;

(e) changes in capital structure;

(f) borrowing of a significant amount of funds;

(g) public or private sale of additional securities;

(h) development of new products and developments affecting the issuer's resources, technology, products or market;

(i) significant discoveries or exploration results, both positive and negative, by resource companies;

(j) entering into or loss of significant contracts;

(k) firm evidence of significant increases or decreases in near-term earnings prospects;

(l) changes in capital investment plans or corporate objectives;

(m) significant changes in management;

(n) significant litigation;

(o) major labour disputes or disputes with major contractors or suppliers;

(p) events of default under financing or other agreements; or

(q) any other developments relating to the business and affairs of the issuer that might reasonably be expected to influence or change an investment decision of a reasonable investor.

Commentary:

Disclosure is only required where a development is material. Announcements of an intention to proceed with a transaction or activity should be made when a decision has been made to proceed with it by the company's board of directors or by senior management with the expectation of concurrence from the board of directors. However, a corporate development in respect of which no firm decision has yet been made but that is reflected in the market price may require prompt disclosure.

Forecasts of earnings and other financial forecasts need not be disclosed, but where a significant increase or decrease in earnings is indicated in the near future, such as in the next fiscal quarter, this fact must be disclosed. Forecasts should not be provided on a selective basis to investors or others not involved in the management of the affairs of the issuer. If disclosed, they should be generally disclosed.

(4) If a pending transaction has been announced but has not closed, updates should be provided at least every 30 days, unless the original announcement specifies a specific date on which an update will be given. Any material change to the pending transaction as announced must be disclosed promptly.

4.03 Rumours and Unusual Trading Activity

(1) Rumours and unusual trading activity may influence or change the investment decision of a reasonable investor and/or the trading price of an issuer's securities. It is impractical to expect management to be aware of, and comment on, all rumours or unusual trading activity. However, when either rumours or unusual trading activity occur, the Market Regulator may request that the Issuer make a clarifying statement. A trading halt may be imposed pending release of a "no corporate developments" statement.

(2) If a rumour is correct in whole or in part, or if it appears that the unusual trading activity reflects illicit trading on non-disclosed material information, the Market Regulator will require the Listed Issuer to make immediate disclosure of the relevant material information, and a trading halt may be imposed pending release and dissemination of that information.

4.04 Timing of Disclosure and Pre-Notification of the Market Regulator

(1) A Listed Issuer must disclose material information forthwith upon the information becoming known to management, or in the case of information previously known, forthwith upon it becoming apparent that the information is material. Immediate release of information is necessary to ensure that it is promptly available to all investors and to reduce the risk that persons with access to that information will act upon undisclosed information.

(2) The policy of immediate disclosure frequently requires that press releases be issued during trading hours, especially when an important corporate development has occurred. When this occurs, the Listed Issuer must notify the Market Regulator prior to the issuance of a press release and must not disseminate the press release until instructed by the Market Regulator. The Market Regulator will determine whether trading in the issuer's securities should be temporarily halted. The Market Regulator will also review the proposed wording of the press release to ensure it is complete and balanced.

(3) Where a release is issued after the close of trading, the Market Regulator should be advised prior to the opening of trading the following day.

4.05 Dissemination of Material Information

(1) After notifying the Market Regulator, the news release must be transmitted to the media by the quickest possible method, and by a method that provides the widest dissemination possible. To ensure that the entire financial community is aware of the news at the same time, a wire service (or combination of services) must be used which provides national and simultaneous coverage.

(2) Dissemination of news is essential to ensure that all investors have equal and timely information. Listed Issuers must ensure appropriate dissemination of news releases, and any failure to properly disseminate news shall be deemed to be a breach of this policy and shall be grounds for suspension or delisting of the listed company's securities. In particular, the Exchange will not consider relieving a listed company from its obligation to disseminate news properly because of cost factors.

(3) Listed Issuers are encouraged to use services such as Dow Jones and Reuters that provide wide dissemination at no cost to the issuer. However, because they may not carry the release or may heavily edit it, they are not acceptable as a sole means of dissemination.

Commentary:

Alpha accepts the use of any news services that meet the following criteria:

1. Dissemination of the full text of the release to the national financial press and to daily newspapers that provide regular coverage of financial news;

2. Dissemination to all members; and

3. Dissemination to all relevant regulatory bodies.

(4) Similarly, while the Listed Issuer must post all news releases on Alpha's website and may also post them on its own website, this is not an acceptable means of dissemination. Listed Issuers must be careful they do not "front run" their press release by posting it on a website before it has been disseminated by a full-text service.

Commentary:

If a Listed Issuer chooses to post news releases or other documents required to be filed by Alpha or by securities regulatory authorities on its website, it must post all of them. It cannot post only favorable information. Similarly, news releases and other filings must be clearly distinguished from marketing material that may also be on the website so that a viewer will not confuse the two.

4.06 Content of News Releases

(1) Announcements of material information should be factual and balanced. Unfavorable news must be disclosed just as promptly and completely as favorable news.

(2) News releases must contain sufficient detail to enable investors to assess the importance of the information to allow them to make informed investment decisions.

(3) Listed Issuers should communicate clearly and accurately the nature of the information, without including unnecessary details, exaggerated reports or editorial commentary.

(4) News releases must not be misleading.

Commentary:

For example, a Listed Issuer must not announce an intent to enter into a transaction if it lacks the ability to complete the transaction or if no corporate decision has been made to proceed with the transaction.

(5) Investors and the media may wish to obtain further information concerning the announcement. All news releases must include the name of an officer or director of the listed Issuer who is responsible for the announcement, together with the Listed Issuer's telephone number. The Listed Issuer is encouraged to also include the name and telephone number of an additional contact person.

4.07 Trading Halts

(1) Trading may be halted by the Market Regulator during trading hours to allow material information to be disseminated and market participants to decide if they want to change their buy or sell orders. The decision to halt trading is the Market Regulator's, and it will not routinely halt trading for all press releases, even at the request of the listed company. It is not appropriate for a listed company to request a trading halt if it is not prepared to make an announcement forthwith.

(2) The Market Regulator may also halt trading to obtain a statement from a Listed Issuer clarifying a rumour or unusual trading that is having an effect on the market for the issuer's securities.

(3) A trading halt does not reflect on the reputation of the issuer or its management. Trading is halted for positive developments as well as negative ones.

(4) The Market Regulator, upon consultation with the Listed Issuer, if appropriate, will determine the time required to disseminate the news release and consequently the length of any quotation and trading halt. A trading halt will not normally last more than two hours.

(5) A trading halt will not continue for more than 24 hours unless the Market Regulator determines that re-opening trading will have a significant negative impact on market integrity.

(6) A Listed Issuer is expected to issue the news release promptly following the initiation of a trading halt. If an announcement is not forthcoming, the Market Regulator will establish an opening time no later than 24 hours from the time of the halt (excluding non-business days). If a news release has not been issued by the time set for resuming trading, the Market Regulator will issue a notice stating that trading was halted for dissemination of news or clarification of abnormal trading and no announcement is forthcoming. In this situation, the Listed Issuer should be prepared to issue a statement prior to the reopening explaining why it requested a halt (if this is the case) and why it is not able to make an announcement.

B. When Confidentiality May Be Maintained

4.08 When Information May be Kept Confidential

(1) Section 75(3) of the Securities Act (Ontario), as supplemented by National Policy 51-201 and National Instrument 81-106, provides that where, in the opinion of the reporting issuer, the public disclosure of a material change would be unduly detrimental to the interests of the reporting issuer, or where the material change consists of a decision to implement a change made by senior management of the Listed Issuer who believe that confirmation of the decision by the board of directors is probable, the Listed Issuer may file a report disclosing a material change on a confidential basis. Non-disclosure of information is also provided for in section 140 (2) of the Securities Act (Ontario).

(2) When a Listed Issuer requests that information be kept confidential, then pursuant to section 75(4) of the Securities Act, it must advise the Ontario Securities Commission in writing within 10 days if it wishes that the information continue to be held on a confidential basis, and every 10 days thereafter until the material information is generally disclosed. The Ontario Securities Commission takes the view that it can require the Listed Issuer to disclose confidential information when, in its view, the benefit from public disclosure would outweigh the harm to the issuer resulting from disclosure.

(3) Listed Issuers should be guided by applicable securities legislation in determining whether material information can be filed on a confidential basis with a Securities Regulatory Authority. Where a decision is made to file a confidential report with the securities regulatory authority, the Market Regulator must be immediately notified of the Listed Issuer's decision to do so. The Market Regulator must be provided with a copy of all submissions to the Securities Regulatory Authority relating to a request to make or to continue confidential disclosure, or to make general disclosure of previously held confidential information. The Market Regulator must be kept fully apprised of the nature of any discussions between the Listed Issuer and the securities regulatory authority relevant thereto, and any decision of the securities regulatory authority with respect to the ability of the Listed Issuer to make or continue confidential disclosure, or requiring the Listed Issuer to make general disclosure.

(4) Listed Issuers that are reporting issuers in other jurisdictions must ensure that they comply with all applicable rules in addition to this Policy.

4.09 Maintaining Confidentiality

(1) Where disclosure of material information is delayed, the Listed Issuer must maintain complete confidentiality. In the event that such confidential information, or rumours respecting the confidential information, is divulged in any manner (other that in the necessary course of business), the Listed Issuer is required to make an immediate announcement on the matter. The Market Regulator must be notified of the announcement, in advance, in the usual manner. During the period before material information is disclosed, market activity in the Listed Issuer's securities should be closely monitored by the issuer. Any unusual market activity probably means that news of the matter is being disclosed and that certain persons are taking advantage of it. In such case, the Market Regulator should be advised immediately and a halt in trading will be imposed until the Listed Issuer has made disclosure of the material information.

(2) At any time when material information is being withheld from the public, the Listed Issuer is under a duty to take precautions to keep such information completely confidential. Such information should not be disclosed to any of the Listed Issuer's officers, employees or advisers, except in the necessary course of business. The directors, officers and employees of a Listed Issuer should be reminded on a regular basis that confidential information obtained in the course of their duties must not be disclosed.

4.10 Insider Trading

(1) Listed Issuers should make insiders and others who have access to material information about the Listed Issuer before it is generally disclosed aware that trading in securities of the issuer (or securities whose market price or value varies materially with the securities of the reporting issuer) while in possession of undisclosed material information or tipping such information is prohibited under applicable securities legislation, and may give rise to administrative, civil and/or criminal liability.

(2) In any situation where material information is being kept confidential, management is under a duty to take every possible precaution to ensure that no trading whatsoever takes place by any insiders or persons in a "special relationship" with the Listed Issuer in which use is made of such information before it is generally disclosed to the public.

(3) In the event that the Market Regulator is of the opinion that insider or improper trading may have occurred before material information has been disclosed and disseminated, the Market Regulator may require that an immediate announcement be made disclosing such material information. The Market Regulator will refer the matter to the appropriate securities commission(s) for enforcement action.

4.11 No Selective Disclosure

(1) Disclosure of material information must not be made on a selective basis. The disclosure of material information should not occur except by means that ensure that all investors have access to the information on an equal footing. Alpha recognizes that good corporate governance involves actively communicating with investors, brokers, analysts, and other interested parties with respect to the corporation's business and affairs, through private meetings, formal or informal conferences, or by other means. However, when communications of any nature occur other than widely disseminated press releases in accordance with this rule, Listed Issuers may not, under any circumstances, communicate material information to anyone, other than in the necessary course of business, in which case the party receiving the information must be instructed to keep it confidential and not to trade the listed company's securities.

(2) The board of directors of a Listed Issuer should put in place policies and procedures that will ensure that those responsible for dealing with shareholders, brokers, analysts, and other external parties are aware of their and the Listed Issuer's obligations with respect to the disclosure of material information.

(3) Should material information be disclosed, whether deliberately or inadvertently, other than through a widely disseminated press release in accordance with the rule, the Listed Issuer must immediately contact the Market Regulator and request a trading halt pending the widespread dissemination of the information.

Part V. Periodic Disclosure

5.01 Documents required to be posted

(1) Every Listed Issuer must promptly post the following documents to the [Listed Issuer's website and] Alpha website:

(a) every document required by parts 6, 7 and 8 of the Alpha Listing Handbook,

(b) every document required to be filed with any securities regulatory authority for a jurisdiction in which it is a reporting issuer or equivalent, to be delivered to security holders of a Listed Issuer or to be filed on SEDAR to be posted concurrently or as soon as practicable following the filing with the securities regulatory authority or SEDAR or the delivery to security holders,

(c) an annual financial statement and Management's Discussion and Analysis.

(d) an interim financial statement and Management's Discussion and Analysis.

(e) a quarterly update (Form 5) current as of the last day of the relevant quarter, to be posted concurrently with a Listed Issuer's interim financial statement;

(f) if applicable, an Annual Information Form (AIF) , to be posted concurrently with the Listed Issuer's audited annual financial statements.

Commentary:

Documents that are also required to be filed with securities regulators must be posted on SEDAR before or concurrently with the posting on the Alpha website.

5.02 Dividends

(1) In addition to any other requirements of this handbook, Listed Issuers must notify Alpha of any dividend or other distribution (whether regular or special) to holders of listed securities at least seven trading days prior to the record date for the distribution. This allows Alpha to establish "ex" trading dates with respect to the distribution.

5.03 Other Notifications

(1) In addition to any other requirements of this handbook, Listed Issuers notify Alpha of any corporate action that may affect holders of listed securities at least seven trading days prior to the record date for the corporate action to allow the setting of an "ex" trading date, if applicable. These actions include, but are not limited to, changes of transfer agent and registrar and full or partial redemptions or retractions of a listed security.

5.04 Enhanced Disclosure

(1) A Listed Issuer's must disclose its corporate governance practices as required by National Instrument 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices.

Part VI. Corporate Finance and Capital Structure Changes

6.01 Compliance with Disclosure Obligations

(1) Every transaction, except as noted below, governed by this part is deemed to be "material information" that must be disclosed immediately under Alpha's Timely Disclosure Policy, even if the Market Regulator determines not to halt trading for dissemination. Listed Issuers must ensure they issue a press release prior to posting any documents required by this part.

Commentary:

A grant of an incentive stock option in the normal course is not necessarily material information. Listed companies must make a determination on a case-by-case basis.

(2) A Listed Issuer must give Alpha prior notice of any issuance or potential issuance of securities of a class of listed securities as provided in this Part.

6.02 Compliance with Shareholder Approval Requirements

(1) Transactions subject to this Part of the Handbook may also be subject to the prior shareholder approval required in Part X of this Handbook.

A. Distributions of a Class of Listed Securities

6.03 Prospectuses

(1) A Listed Issuer that proposes to issue securities pursuant to a prospectus must promptly post:

(a) a preliminary notice of the proposed offering (Form 6),

(b) a copy of the preliminary prospectus, and

(c) any other documents relating to the proposed offering that may be of interest to investors, provided posting those documents does not contravene applicable securities law.

(2) The pricing rules for private placements in section 6.04 of this Handbook and the shareholder approval requirements for private placements in section 10.08 of this Handbook apply to issuances of Listed Securities by prospectus.

(3) Upon closing of the offering, the Listed Issuer must post:

(a) a final notice of the offering (Form 6), blacklined to the preliminary notice,

(b) a copy of the final prospectus,

(c) a copy of the receipt(s) for the final prospectus, and

(d) an opinion of counsel that the securities to be issued pursuant to the offering (and any underlying securities, if applicable) are or will be duly issued and are or will be fully paid and non-assessable.

(3) The securities will normally be posted for trading upon closing of the offering. At the request of the Listed Issuer, Alpha may establish an "if, as and when issued" market prior to the closing of the offering. No such market will be established prior to the issuance of a receipt for the final prospectus.

6.04 Private Placements

(1) Alpha considers a "private placement" to be an issuance of securities from treasury for cash or to settle a bona fide debt in reliance on an exemption from the prospectus requirements in applicable securities legislation.

(2) Subject to Section 10.8 of this Handbook, the private placement must not be priced lower than the market price on the day preceding the date on which the Listed Issuer issued a press release announcing the placement, less the applicable discount (the "maximum discount"):

 

Market Price

Maximum Discount

 

$0.50 or less

25%

 

$0.51 -- $2.00

20%

 

Above $2.00

15%

(3) The closing market price must be adjusted for any stock splits or consolidations and must not be influenced by the Listed Issuer, any director or officer of the Listed Issuer or any party with knowledge of the private placement.

(4) If debt is to be exchanged for securities, the issue price is the face value of the debt divided by the number of securities to be issued. If the private placement is of special warrants, the issue price is the total proceeds to the Listed Issuer (before payment of any agent's or other fees) divided by the maximum number of securities that may be issued, assuming any penalty provisions are triggered. If warrants or other convertible securities are to be issued, the Listed Issuer must also comply with section 6.05.

(5) A Listed Issuer wishing to do a private placement at the current market price may request price protection by giving Alpha confidential notice in writing. The price protection expires if the transaction has not closed 45 days after the date on which it is given.

(6) A Listed Issuer that proposes to issue securities pursuant to a prospectus must promptly post a preliminary notice of the proposed placement (Form 7),

(7) Upon closing of the placement, which must occur at least five business days following the posting of the preliminary notice, the Listed Issuer must post:

(a) a final notice of the offering (Form 7), blacklined to the preliminary notice,

(b) a letter from the listed company confirming receipt of proceeds,

(c) if applicable, a certified copy of the minutes of the shareholder meeting approving the placement containing the exact wording of the resolution and confirming that it was adopted by a majority of shareholders other than those excluded from voting by Alpha Requirements or corporate or securities law, and

(d) an opinion of counsel that the securities to be issued pursuant to the offering (and any underlying securities, if applicable) are or will be duly issued and are or will be fully paid and non-assessable.

6.05 Securities Issuable on Conversion of an Option, Warrant and Convertible Securities Other Than Incentive Options

(1) Securities issuable on conversion of an option (other than an incentive option), warrant or other convertible securities must not be issued at less than the market price on the trading day prior to the day on which a press release announcing the placement was issued. The price may be adjusted for any payment for the convertible security.

Commentary:

If the market price was $0.50 and a warrant sold for $0.05, the conversion price could be $0.45. If a convertible share were issued for $1.00, it could not be convertible into more than 2 common shares.

(2) Convertible securities may not be issued for no consideration except as "sweeteners" in conjunction with a private placement of listed securities, in which case the number of securities issuable upon conversion cannot exceed the number of listed securities initially placed.

(3) Except in exceptional circumstances and with the prior consent of Alpha, the conversion price and the characteristics of the security may not change except pursuant to standard anti-dilution provisions. For greater certainty, the fact that a convertible security will expire out of the money is not an exceptional circumstance. The documentation to be filed is the same as that to be filed for a private placement pursuant to section 6.04.

Commentary:

This section applies to securities of a Listed Issuer convertible into its own securities. Requirements for listed warrants of Other Issuers are contained in section 6.16 of this Handbook.

6.06 Acquisitions

(1) Securities may be issued as full or partial consideration at not less than the maximum discount permitted by section 6.04. Management of the Listed Issuer is responsible for ensuring that the consideration received is reasonable and must retain copies of evidence of value including confirmation of out-of-pocket costs or replacement costs, fairness options, geological reports, financial statements or valuations. This documentation must be made available to Alpha upon request.

(2) A Listed Issuer that proposes to issue securities in consideration for an acquisition must promptly post a preliminary notice of the proposed acquisition (Form 8),

(3) Upon closing of the acquisition, which must occur at least five business days following the posting of the preliminary notice, the Listed Issuer must post:

(a) a final notice of the offering (Form 8), blacklined to the preliminary notice,

(b) a letter from the listed company confirming closing of the transaction and receipt of the assets, transfer of title of the assets or other evidence of receipt of consideration for the issuance of the securities,

(c) if applicable, a certified copy of the minutes of the shareholder meeting approving the acquisition containing the exact wording of the resolution and confirming that it was adopted by a majority of shareholders other than those excluded from voting by Alpha requirements or corporate or securities law; and

(d) an opinion of counsel that the securities to be issued pursuant to the offering (and any underlying securities, if applicable) are or will be duly issued and are or will be fully paid and non-assessable.

6.07 Incentive and Compensation Options

(1) This section governs issuance of stock options, other than overallotment options to an underwriter in a prospectus offering or options to increase the size of the distribution prior to closing, that are used as incentives or compensation mechanisms for employees, directors, officers, consultants and other persons who provide services for Listed Issuers.

(2) Stock options may not have an exercise price lower than the greater of the closing market prices of the underlying securities on (a) the trading day prior to the date of grant of the stock options; and (b) the date of grant of the stock options.

(3) Listed Issuers should not price an option where the market price does not reflect undisclosed material information, unless the issuance of the option is granted to an arm's length party in connection with a material transaction that is not required to be disclosed at that time (e.g. an option to an employee of a company to be acquired issued as an incentive for them to remain).

(4) A Listed Issuer that has instituted an stock option plan must file with Alpha the following prior to or concurrent with the first grant under the plan:

(a) a copy of the stock option plan, and

(b) if applicable, a certified copy of the minutes of the shareholder meeting approving the plan containing the exact wording of the resolution and confirming that it was adopted by a majority of shareholders other than those excluded from voting by NI 45-106.

(5) Immediately following each option grant, the Listed Issuer must file with Alpha:

(a) a notice of stock option grant (Form 9); and

(b) if the option is granted outside of the plan, an opinion of counsel that the securities to be issued pursuant to the plan will be duly issued and will be fully paid and non-assessable.

(6) A Listed Issuer that has amended an option or compensation plan must file with Alpha the following forthwith after the amendment:

(a) a copy of the compensation plan,

(b) if applicable, a certified copy of the minutes of the board of directors' meeting or shareholder meeting approving the amendment containing the exact wording of the resolution and confirming that it was adopted by a majority of directors or shareholders other than those excluded from voting by Alpha Requirements, and

(c) an opinion of counsel that any additional securities to be issued pursuant to the compensation plan will be duly issued and will be fully paid and non-assessable.

Commentary:

Amendments to stock option and other compensation plans may be subject to board and shareholder approval as provided in section 10.10 of this Handbook.

6.08 Rights Offerings

(1) A Listed Issuer intending to do a rights offering must inform Alpha immediately. Notice may be on a confidential basis if the terms have not been finalized.

(2) The rights offering must be unconditional; rights must be transferable and will be posted for trading on Alpha. Rights may not be issued to purchase shares of an unlisted issuer unless the unlisted issuer is listed on another Canadian or foreign exchange. Shareholders must receive at least one right for each share held.

(3) A Listed Issuer must finalize the terms of the rights offering and obtain clearance from all applicable securities commissions at least five settlement days prior to the record date for a rights offering. "Ex" trading will begin 2 settlement days prior to the record date, meaning purchasers on and after that date will not be entitled to obtain rights certificates. Trading in the rights will begin on the first day of "ex" trading in the listed securities. If insufficient notice is given, Alpha will require the Listed Issuer to delay the record date.

(4) At least five settlement days prior to the record date the Listed Issuer must post the following:

(a) a copy of the final rights circular or prospectus as approved by the applicable securities regulatory authority,

(b) a written statement as the date on which the offering circular and rights certificates will be mailed to shareholders (which must be as soon as practicable following the record date),

(c) an opinion of counsel that the securities to be issued on exercise of the rights will be duly issued and will be fully paid and non-assessable.

(5) The Listed Issuer must also provide Alpha with a specimen copy of the rights certificate at least five settlement days prior to the record date.

(6) The rights offering must be open for a minimum of 21 days following the record date. Once the rights offering has commenced, there may be no amendments to its terms except as permitted by Alpha in extremely exceptional circumstances, such as an unanticipated postal strike that makes timely delivery of the circular and certificates impossible.

(7) If the offering provides a rounding mechanism whereby rights holders holding less rights than are needed to buy one share can have their entitlement adjusted, arrangements must be made to ensure beneficial holders registered in the name of the Clearing Corporation or an intermediary will be treated as if they were registered holders.

6.09 Issuer Bids

(1) A Listed Issuer undertaking a formal issuer bid for a class of listed securities must post the following documentation as soon as practicable following announcement of the bid:

(a) a notice of the issuer bid (Form 10), and

(b) a copy of the issuer bid circular required by applicable securities legislation.

(2) Normal course issuer bids are governed by sections 6.18 -- 6.20 of this Handbook.

6.10 Take-Over Bids

(1) A Listed Issuer undertaking a take-over bid must post the following documentation at least as soon as practicable following announcement of the bid:

(a) a notice of the take-over bid (Form 11),

(b) a copy of the take-over bid circular, and

(c) an opinion of counsel that any securities to be issued (and any underlying securities, if applicable) are or will be duly issued and are or will be fully paid and non-assessable.

(2) If the Listed Issuer is offering a new class of securities as payment under the bid and wishes to list those securities, the provisions of section 6.16 (supplemental listings) and 6.17 (restricted securities) apply.

6.11 Additional Listings

(1) A Listed Issuer that wishes to issue shares of a class of listed securities for any other purpose (for example, a stock dividend) must post the following documentation at least 24 hours prior to issuing the stock:

(a) a notice of the offering (Form 12),

(b) copies of all relevant agreements, and

(c) an opinion of counsel that the securities to be issued (and any underlying securities, if applicable) are or will be duly issued and are or will be fully paid and non-assessable.

B. Substitutional Listings

6.12 Name Change

(1) A Listed Issuer that changes its name must post the following in order to be listed under the new name:

(a) a notarial or certified copy of the Certificate of Amendment or equivalent giving effect to the name change,

(b) confirmation from the registrar and transfer agent that it can effect transfer in the new issue on a book-only basis;

(c) confirmation of the new CUSIP number or that the number is unchanged;

(d) confirmation that the issuer has notified commissions in all jurisdictions in which it is a reporting issuer of the name change.

(2) Alpha may assign a new stock symbol. The Listed Issuer should submit any requests in this regard in advance of the name change becoming effective.

6.13 Stock Subdivisions (Stock Splits)

(1) The Listed Issuer must post the following documentation at least five settlement days prior to the record date:

(a) a notice of the security split (Form 13),

(b) written confirmation of the record date,

(c) an opinion of counsel that all necessary steps have been taken to effect the subdivision and that the securities to be issued will be duly issued and will be fully paid and non-assessable, and

(d) if the security split is part of a reclassification, confirmation of the new CUSIP number.

(2) The securities will begin trading on a split basis two settlement days prior to the record date.

6.14 Security Consolidations

(1) A new CUSIP number must be obtained for the consolidated securities.

(2) A Listed Issuer may not consolidate its securities if the total securities outstanding and number of Board Lot holders following the consolidation would be less than the minimums for continued listing set out in Section 9.03.

(3) To give effect to a security consolidation, the Listed Issuer must post the following:

(a) a notice of the security consolidation (Form 14),

(b) a certified copy of the minutes of the security holder meeting approving the consolidation,

(c) a certified copy of the Certificate of Amendment giving effect to the consolidation, or equivalent document;

(d) an opinion of counsel that all necessary steps have been taken to effect the consolidation; and

(e) confirmation of the new CUSIP number.

(4) The securities will normally begin trading on a consolidated basis two or three trading days after all documents are filed.

(5) Alpha will assign a new stock symbol when the securities begin trading on a consolidated basis. The Listed Issuer should submit any requests in this regard in advance of the consolidation becoming effective.

6.15 Security Reclassifications with No Security Split

(1) A Listed Issuer wishing to effect a security reclassification not involving a security split, a reclassification into more than one class of securities or other change to its capital structure must consult Alpha. The requirements to give effect to the reclassification will be tailored to the Listed Issuer's particular situation.

(2) To give effect to a security restructuring, the Listed Issuer must file with Alpha the following:

(a) a notice of the security restructuring (Form 15),

(b) a certified copy of the minutes of the security holder meeting approving the restructuring,

(c) a copy of the Certificate of Amendment giving effect to the restructuring, or equivalent document,

(d) an opinion of counsel that all necessary steps have been taken to effect the reclassification, and that the new securities are or will be duly authorized and are or will be fully-paid and non-assessable, and

(e) confirmation of the new CUSIP number(s).

(3) The new securities will normally begin trading two or three trading days after .all documents are filed.

(4) Alpha may assign a new stock symbol to the new securities. The Listed Issuer should submit any requests in this regard in advance of the restructuring becoming effective.

C. Supplemental Listings

6.16 Supplemental Listings

(1) A Listed Issuer or an Other Issuer may apply to have a new class of securities listed and posted for trading.

(2) The distribution requirements for securities other than those specified in section 6.14(3) and (4) are the same as for an original listing.

(3) Warrants -- Warrants issued by a Listed Issuer to purchase listed securities of its own issue must have at least 100,000 warrants outstanding held by at least 100 warrant holders, each holding at least 100 warrants, and the warrant indenture must provide that the terms of the warrants cannot be amended except pursuant to standard anti-dilution provisions.. Any other warrants must meet the requirements for Special Purpose Issuers set out in section 2.04 of this Handbook.

(4) Preference Shares -- Each class of listed Preference Shares must have at least 100,000 shares outstanding held by at least 100 shareholders, each holding at least 100 shares.

(5) The application for listing must include the following:

(a) a completed Listing Application (Form 1) together with the supporting documentation set out in Appendix A to the Listing Application; and

(b) a draft Listing Statement (Form 2 or 2A) .

(6) Alpha will use its best efforts to review the application in a timely manner with due regard to any schedule for filing a prospectus. Alpha may require the Listed Issuer to file additional documentation in order to properly conduct its review.

(7) The Listed Issuer or Other Issuer must submit the following documentation for final listing approval and posting of its securities for trading on Alpha:

(a) an originally executed copy of the Listing Statement (Form 2 or 2A) dated within three business days of the date they are submitted together with any additions or amendments to any supporting documentation previously provided,

(b) an opinion of counsel that all securities previously issued of the class of securities to be listed or that may be issued upon conversion, exercise or exchange of other previously-issued securities are or will be duly issued and are or will be outstanding as fully paid and non-assessable,

(c) a letter from the transfer agent stating the number of securities outstanding and confirmation of the number of securityholders holding at least one Board Lot of the securities,

(d) a definitive specimen of the share certificate, and

(e) applicable fee.

6.17 Restricted Shares

(1) A Listed Issuer proposing a supplemental listing of a new class of Restricted Shares must comply with sections 2.06 and 2.07 of this Handbook.

(2) A Listed Issuer with listed Restricted Shares may not distribute any securities that have greater voting rights than any class of listed Restricted Shares unless the distribution is to all of the Issuer's Equity Shareholders on a pro rata basis.

D. Issuer Bids Through Alpha's Facilities

6.18 Normal Course Issuer Bids -- Procedure

(1) Sections 6.18 through 6.20 apply

(a) to all normal course issuer bids by Listed Issuers and

(b) to all purchases of listed securities by a trustee or other agent for a pension, stock purchase, stock option, dividend reinvestment or other plan in which employees or securities holders of a Listed Issuer may participate if

(i) the trustee or agent is an employee, director, associate or affiliate of the Listed Issuer; or

(ii) the Listed Issuer directly or indirectly controls the time, price, amount or manner of purchases or directly or indirectly influences the choice of the broker through which purchases are made.

Commentary:

The sections do not apply if the purchases are made on the specific instruction of the employee or security holder who will be the beneficial owner of the securities purchased.

(2) A Listed Issuer must not announce a normal course issuer bid or post any documentation in connection with a normal course issuer bid if it does not have a present intention to purchase securities.

(3) The maximum number of securities to be purchased under a normal course issuer bid cannot be a number that would make that class of securities ineligible for continued listing on Alpha assuming all the shares are purchased.

(4) A Listed Issuer intending to make a normal course issuer bid for a class of listed securities must post the following documentation as soon as practicable after issuing a news release with details of the bid:

(a) a notice of the normal course issuer bid (Form 16A) which states the maximum number of securities the issuer intends to purchase under the bid.

Commentary:

An issuer may make a bid for less than the maximum number of securities permitted by the definition of normal course issuer bid. If so the Form 16A must contain the number of securities the issuer intends to purchase rather than simply stating the maximum number. Subsection (7) allows a Listed Issuer to increase the maximum number of securities that are the subject of the bid.

The news release announcing the bid must contain a summary of the information in Form 16A, including the maximum number of shares to be purchased, the reason for the bid, any restrictions on purchase and the number of shares purchased in the preceding twelve months.

(5) A Form 16A notice expires on the earlier of

(a) one year from the date of filing, and

(b) any earlier date specified in the notice.

Commentary:

An issuer wishing to continue a bid for more than one year must file a new Form 16A no later than the expiry date of the current form.

(6) The maximum number of securities that can be purchased under the bid must be adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends and stock consolidations. The Listed Issuer must post an amended Form 16A reflecting the adjustment at the same time as it posts the documentation required for the subdivision or consolidation.

(7) If:

(a) the original Form 16A specified purchases of less than the maximum number permitted under the definition of normal course issuer bid, or

(b) the number of securities outstanding of the class that is the subject of the normal course issuer bid has increased by more than 25% from the date of posting of the original Form 16A,

a Listed Issuer may post a revised Form 16A permitting the purchase of up to the greater of 10% of the public float or 5% of the outstanding securities as of the date of the posting of the amended Form 16A.

(8) A Listed Issuer must post a revised Form 16A in the event of any material change in the information in the current Form 16A as soon as practicable following the material change.

Commentary:

A change in the number of shares outstanding is not a material change requiring filing of an amended form unless the issuer is increasing the number of shares it intends to purchase pursuant to subsection (7). A decrease in the number of shares the issuer intends to purchase is a material change.

(9) A Listed Issuer must issue a news release prior to or concurrently with the filing of any amended Form 16A, containing full details of the amendment,

(10) An amended Form 16A expires on the same date as the original Form 16A.

(11) Within 10 days of the end of each calendar month, the Listed Issuer or trustee or agent must post a completed Form 16B indicating the number of shares purchased in the previous month on Alpha and otherwise.

6.19 Normal Course Issuer Bids -- Restrictions on Purchases

(1) A Listed Issuer or trustee or agent may only appoint one Member at any one time to make purchases under the bid. The Listed Issuer must notify the Market Regulator of the name of the Member and the registered representative responsible for the bid.

(2) Normal course issuer bid purchases may not be made by intentional crosses, prearranged trades or private agreements, except for purchases under the block purchase exemption in subsection 16.20(5).

(3) If a normal course issuer bid is outstanding at the time a sale from a control block under Part 2 of National instrument 45-102 Resale of Securities is underway, the Member making purchases under the bid must ensure that it is not bidding for securities at the same time securities are offered under the sale from control.

(4) A Listed Issuer must not purchase securities under a normal course issuer bid while a formal issuer bid for the same securities is outstanding. This restriction does not apply to a trustee or agent making purchases for a plan in which employees or security holders participate.

(5) If a Listed Issuer has a securities exchange take-over bid outstanding at the same time as a normal course issuer bid is outstanding for the offered securities, the Listed Issuer may only make purchases under the normal course issuer bid permitted by OSC Rule 48-501 Trading During Distributions, Formal Bids and Stock Exchange Transactions.

(6) A Listed Issuer, trustee or agent may not make any purchases under a normal course issuer bid while in possession of any material information that has not been disseminated under Part IV of this Handbook.

6.20 Normal Course Issuer Bids -- Limits on Price and Volume

(1) Normal Course Issuer Bid purchases may not begin until two trading days after the later of

(i) the posting of a Form 16A or amended Form 16A in connection with the bid; and

(ii) the issuance of a news release containing details of the Form 16A or amended Form 16A.

(2) Normal course issuer bid purchases must be made at or below the price of the last independent trade of the security at the time of purchase.

Commentary:

The following are not considered independent trades, whether made directly or indirectly:

• trades for the account or an insider of the Listed Issuer or for an account under the direction of an insider;

• trades for the account of the Member making purchases under the bid or under the direction of the Member;

• trades solicited by the Member making purchases under the bid; and

• trades made by the Member making purchases for the bid in order to facilitate a subsequent block purchase by the listed issuer.

Alpha will not consider this section to be violated by an inadvertent uptick caused by a change in the last sale price that occurred immediately prior to the entry of the purchase order.

(3) Normal course issuer bid purchases may not be made at the opening of trading or during the 10 minutes prior to the scheduled closing of the continuous trading session. Orders may be entered in the closing call notwithstanding the price restriction in subsection (2).

(4) Except as provided in subsection (5), a listed issuer that is not an investment fund must not make a purchase that, when aggregated with all other purchases during the same trading day, exceeds the greater of

(a) 25% of the Average Daily Trading Volume of the security, and

(b) 1,000 securities.

(5) Notwithstanding the restriction in subsection (4), a Listed Issuer may make a purchase of a block of securities that

(a) has a purchase price of at least $200,000, or

(b) is at least 5,000 securities with a purchase price of at least $50,000, or

(c) is at least 20 board lots and is greater than 150% of the Average Daily Trading Volume of the security,

provided that

(d) the block is not beneficially owned by, or is not under the control or direction of, a Related Person of the Listed Issuer,

(e) the Listed Issuer makes no more than one purchase under this subsection in a calendar week, and

(f) after making a block purchase, the Listed Issuer makes no further purchases during that trading day.

Commentary:

The block purchase exemption is only an exemption from the daily purchase restrictions. Listed Issuers cannot make a block purchase that would result in more shares purchased than permitted under the Form 16A filed in connection with the bid.

(6) A Listed Issuer that is an investment fund must not make a purchase that, when aggregated with all other purchases during the preceding 30 days, exceeds 2% of the securities of that class outstanding as of the date of filing of the Form 16A in connection with the bid.

E. Shareholder Rights Plans

6.21 Shareholder Rights Plans -- Procedure

(1) This section applies to any shareholder rights plan, commonly known as a "poison pill," adopted by a Listed Issuer, whether or not the rights entitle a shareholder to purchase a listed security.

Commentary:

Alpha does not endorse or prohibit the adoption of poison pills, whether or not in connection with a potential take-over bid. Poison pills are subject to review by the applicable securities commissions under National Policy 62-202 Take-Over Bids -- Defensive Tactics.

(2) A Listed Issuer must post the following documentation as soon as practicable after issuing a news release with details of the plan:

(a) a notice of the shareholder rights plan (Form 17), and

(b) a copy of the shareholder rights plan.

(3) A shareholder rights plan may not exempt particular security holders from the operation of the plan, except for exiting shareholders if there is minority shareholder approval.

(4) Security holders of the Listed Issuer must ratify the shareholder rights plan no later than six months following the adoption of the plan. If security holder ratification is not obtained within this time period, the plan must be cancelled.

(5) The Listed Issuer must issue a news release immediately upon the occurrence of an event causing the rights to separate from the listed security.

Part VII. Significant Transactions

7.01 Notification

(1) A Listed Issuer must give notice of significant transactions that do not involve the issuance of securities. Alpha considers the following to be significant transactions:

(a) any transaction or series of transactions with a related person with an aggregate value greater than 10% of the Listed Issuer's market capitalization,

(b) any loan to a Listed Issuer other than by a financial institution,

(c) any loan by a Listed Issuer unless such loan is in the ordinary course of business, or

(d) any payment of a bonus, finder's fee, commission or other similar payment in connection with an issuance of securities.

(2) In addition, a Listed Issuer must provide additional details of any transaction or development it is obliged to disclose under Alpha's Timely Disclosure Policy.

(3) A transaction that results in a change of business may be subject to the backdoor listing rules contained in Part VIII of this Handbook. Significant related party transactions may also be subject to Multilateral Instrument 61-101.

(4) Listed Issuers intending to undertake a transaction for which notice is required must post a notice of significant transaction (Form 17) as soon as practicable following public announcement of the transaction.

(5) The Listed Issuer must notify Alpha when the transaction has closed.

Part VIII. Backdoor Listings

8.01 Definition

(1) Alpha considers a significant acquisition by a Listed Issuer accompanied or preceded by a change of control to be a "backdoor listing."

Commentary:

A significant acquisition is any change, whether by asset purchase, take-over bid, amalgamation, arrangement, merger or otherwise that substantially change's the Listed Issuer's business. A business is considered to be substantially changed of more than 50% of the company's assets or 50% of its revenues following the change are from the assets, business or other interest that is the subject of the significant acquisition.

A change of control results when a Listed Issuer issues more than 100% of the number of equity securities in connection with the significant acquisition (including an offering to raise money to be able to make a cash acquisition) or otherwise has a substantial change in management or the board of directors of the Listed Issuer.

(2) Alpha has discretion to deem any transaction or series of transactions to be a backdoor listing. Listed Issuers are urged to consult with Alpha at an early stage when contemplating any transaction that might be considered a backdoor listing.

8.02 Exception

(1) Backdoor listings are subject to additional regulation because the business of the Listed Issuer has fundamentally changed such that the issuer's past disclosure is not as relevant to the company resulting from the significant acquisition. A transaction involving two or more Listed Issuers does not give rise to these concerns and will not be considered a backdoor listing except in exceptional cases.

8.03 Procedure

(1) A Listed Issuer undergoing a backdoor listing must meet the standards for an original listing. In addition, it must obtain security holder approval for the significant acquisition.

(2) The information circular or management proxy circular must contain prospectus-level disclosure for the resulting issuer, including historical financial statements for the company that is the target of the significant acquisition and pro forma consolidated financial statements for the last full fiscal year and any completed quarter of the current fiscal year. This information must also be included in the listing statement for the resulting company.

(3) Principals of the resulting company must enter into an escrow agreement with Alpha that complies with the requirements of National Policy 46-201.

Part IX. Suspensions, Delisting and Other Remedial Actions

9.01 General

(1) Alpha or the Market Regulator may halt or suspend trading in a Listed Security at any time without notice if such halt or suspension is in the public interest.

9.02 Halts

(1) Alpha or the Market Regulator may order a halt to trading and order entry in a Listed Security to permit the dissemination of material news concerning the issuer.

(2) During the period of a trading halt imposed by the Market Regulator, no trading in the securities may take place on other marketplaces or over-the-counter.

9.03 Suspensions

(1) Without limiting the general power to suspend trading, the Head of Listings or his or her delegate may suspend trading of a Listed Issuer's securities where:

(a) the Listed Issuer has become insolvent or bankrupt or has made an assignment to creditors,

(b) the Listed Issuer has ceased to carry on business or a significant portion of its business or has announced its intention to cease to carry on business or a significant portion of its business,

(c) the Listed Issuer's financial statements state that the company may not be able to continue as a going concern,

(d) the Listed Issuer has

(i) in the case of Listed issuers other than Special Purpose Issuers, pre-tax cash flow of less than $350,000; or,

(ii) in the case of technology and resource companies without a revenue generating product or resource, the Listed Issuer has not spent at least $350,000 on research/exploration and development work acceptable to Alpha in the previous fiscal year, or

(iii) in the case of a Special Purpose Issuer , a NAV of less than $5,000,000 (or $500,000 if the Special Purpose Issuer was listed as part of a group),

(e) the Listed Issuer, other than a Special Purpose Issuer, has shareholder equity of less than $2,000,000.

(f) the Listed Issuer, other than a Special Purpose Issuer, has a public distribution of less than 250,000 shares or less than 200 public Board Lot holders or a public float with a value less than $1,500,000,

(g) the Special Purpose Issuer has a distribution of less than 50,000 Units,

(h) the Listed Issuer is in violation of its listing agreement or Alpha Requirements,

(i) the Listed Issuer is not in compliance with applicable securities or corporate law,

(j) the Listed Issuer has not paid when due applicable fees to Alpha, or

(k) Alpha considers a suspension to be in the public interest or in the interest of a fair an orderly market.

(2) Unless the public interest or the interest of a fair and orderly market warrant otherwise, Alpha will give the Listed Issuer prior notice of its intention to suspend the issuer and allow the issuer an opportunity to be heard. At the same time the issuer is notified, Alpha will issue a press release indicating it is considering a suspension.

Commentary:

A decision to suspend a Listed Issuer may be appealed as provided in Part XI of this Handbook.

(3) During a suspension, the issuer remains a Listed Issuer and must comply with all applicable Alpha Requirements.

(4) In order to have a suspension lifted, the Listed Issuer must meet the requirements for original listing and meet such other requirements as Alpha may establish.

9.04 Declaration of Non-Compliance

(1) If a Listed Issuer has failed to comply with Alpha Requirements or applicable securities law or has failed to pay applicable fees, the Head of Listings may publicly identify the Listed Issuer as non-compliant if, in his or her opinion, suspension of trading of the Listed Issuer's securities would not be an appropriate remedy for the failure to comply.

9.05 Public Reprimand.

(1) If a Listed Issuer has failed to comply with Parts IV, V, or X of this Handbook, the Head of Listings may publicly reprimand the Listed Issuer if suspension of trading of the Listed Issuer's securities would not be an appropriate remedy for the failure to comply.

Commentary:

In making a determination to issue a public reprimand, the Head of Listings will consider whether the failure to comply

(a) was advertent;

(b) materially affected shareholders' interests;

(c) was rectified by the Listed Issuer;

(d) resulted from reliance on the advice of an independent advisor; and

(e) was one of a series of similar failures.

(2) Alpha will give the Listed Issuer prior notice of its intention to issue a reprimand.

Commentary:

A decision to issue a reprimand may be appealed as provided in Part XI of this Handbook. Issuance of the reprimand will be stayed pending the outcome of the appeal.

9.06 Delisting

(1) If a suspended Listed Issuer fails to meet the original listing requirements within 150 days one year of the date of suspension, it shall be automatically delisted without further notice.

(2) A Listed Issuer may voluntarily request that all or a class of its Listed Securities be delisted. Such request must be in writing, set out the reasons for the request and be accompanied by a certified copy of a resolution of the Listed Issuer's board of directors (or equivalent) authorizing the request.

Part X. Corporate Governance and Security holder Approval

A. Corporate Governance

10.01 Application

(1) Sections 10.03, 10.04 and 10.05 do not apply to Listed Issuers that are

(a) asset-backed issuers; or

(b) other special purpose issuers

(2) Sections 10.03 and 10.05 do not apply to Listed Issuers that have more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors held by an individual, group acting in concert or another company.

10.02 Definition of "Independence"

(1) In this Part, a director is not independent if he or she

(a) is not independent as defined in NI 52-110;

(b) is a supplier or purchaser of the Listed Issuer's products or services and such relationship is material to the Listed Issuer or the supplier or purchaser and could reasonably be considered to affect the person's independent judgment; or

(c) has been a director of the Listed Issuer for 10 years or longer.

10.03 Governance of Listed Issuers

(1) A Listed Issuer must have a Board of Directors composed of at least three independent directors or one-third independent directors, whichever is greater.

(2) A Listed Issuer must have a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer who cannot be the CEO, and a secretary.

10.04 Audit Committee

(1) A listed issuer must have an audit committee that complies with the requirements of NI 52-110.

10.05 Compensation Committee

(1) A listed issuer must have a compensation committee composed of independent directors that

(a) reviews and approves goals and objectives relevant to the Chief Executive Officer's compensation;

(b) evaluates the Chief Executive Officer's performance with respect to those goals and objectives;

(c) determines the Chief Executive Officer's compensation (both cash-based and equity-based);

(d) reviews and approves incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans and determines whether security holder approval should be obtained; and

(e) makes recommendations to the board with respect to compensation of other senior officers and directors.

(2) A Listed Issuer does not have to establish a compensation committee if the matters discussed in section 10.05, other than section 10.05(1)(e), are determined by independent directors constituting a majority of the Board's independent directors in a vote in which only independent directors participate.

B. Security holder Approval

10.06 No Derogation from Corporate or Securities Law

(1) The provisions of this Part are in addition to any requirement for security holder approval or minority security holder approval in corporate or securities law.

10.07 General Requirements

(1) Any security holder participating or who is otherwise interested in a transaction that is the subject of a security holder vote may not vote on any resolution to approve that transaction.

(2) A requirement for security holder approval, other than approval of a backdoor listing, may be satisfied by obtaining a written resolution signed by holders of at least 50% of the holders of the class of securities involved, other than holders excluded from voting by Alpha requirements or corporate or securities law.

(3) The security holder approval requirements apply to transactions involving the issuance or potential issuance of listed non-voting shares.

(4) The security holder approval requirements apply on a class-by-class basis.

Commentary:

If a transaction involves the issuance of listed subordinate voting shares, it must be approved by the holders of the subordinate voting shares. A vote by holders of multiple voting shares cannot override their vote, even if the multiple voting shares represent a majority of the votes.

(5) Materials sent to security holders in connection with the vote for approval must contain information in sufficient detail to allow a security holder to make a fully-informed decision.

10.08 Private Placements

(1) Security holders must approve a proposed private placement if

(a) the number of securities issuable in the private placement is more than 25% of the total number of securities or votes outstanding and the price of the placement is less than the closing price of the security on the day preceding the date on which the Listed Issuer announced the transaction, but not less than the maximum discount;

(b) the price is less than the maximum discount, regardless of the number of shares to be issued; or

(c) the number of securities issuable to Related Persons in the transaction, when added to the number of securities issued to Related Persons in private placements or acquisitions in the preceding twelve months, is more than 10% of the total number of securities or votes outstanding, regardless of the price of the private placement.

Commentary:

In determining whether the 25% threshold has been crossed, all securities issuable in the private placement are counted, whether or not convertible securities are out of the money, and no other issued convertible securities are counted, whether or not they are in the money.

For example, ABC has 10,000,000 common shares outstanding and has outstanding securities convertible into 5,000,000 common shares at $10.00. The Market Price of ABC common shares is $15.00. If ABC were to do a private placement of 1,500,000 common shares at $14.75 with a sweetener of warrants convertible into a further 1,500,000 common shares at $20.00, shareholder approval would be required as the maximum number of shares issuable (3,000,000) is more than 25% of the 10,000,000 shares outstanding. The shares convertible at $10.00 are not counted.

If the placement was done at $15.00 or higher, there is no requirement for shareholder approval unless the provisions for approval of non-arm's length transactions apply.

In calculating the number of shares issued to Related Persons in the previous twelve months, do not include shares that were issued in a transaction approved by shareholders.

(2) Security holder approval of a private placement is not required if

(a) the Listed Issuer is in serious financial difficulty and does not meet the requirements for continued listing in Section 9.03(d);

(b) the Listed Issuer has reached an agreement to do a financing;

(c) no Related Persons are participating in the financing; and

(d) the

(i) audit committee, if comprised solely of independent directors; or

(ii) independent directors constituting a majority of the Board's independent directors in a vote in which only independent directors participate

have determined that the financing is in the best interests of the Listed Issuer, is reasonable in the circumstances and that it is not feasible to obtain shareholder approval or make a rights offering to existing shareholders on the same terms.

(3) A Listed Issuer taking advantage of the exemption in section 10.8(2) must forthwith issue a news release stating it will not hold a shareholder vote and fully explaining how it qualifies for the exemption.

10.09 Acquisitions

(1) Security holders must approve an acquisition if

(a) a Related Person or a group of Related Persons has a 10% or greater interest in the assets to be acquired and the total number of securities issuable is more than 5% of the total number of securities or votes outstanding.

(b) for Listed Issuers that are not investment funds, the number of securities issuable pursuant to the acquisition agreement is more than 25% of the total number of securities or votes outstanding; or

(c) for Listed Issuers that are investment funds, the acquisition is of another investment fund (the "target fund") and

(i) the target fund calculates and publishes its NAV at least once a month;

(ii) the consideration offered does not exceed the NAV of the target fund;

(iii) the investment manager of the Listed Issuer has determined that assets acquired are consistent with the Listed Issuer's investment objectives;

(iv) the independent review committee of the Listed Issuer has (i) approved the acquisition, and (ii) if the Listed Issuer is to bear any of the costs and expenses of the transaction, determined that such payment is in the best interests of the Listed Issuer; and

(v) the transaction is not a backdoor listing.

10.10 Acquisitions and Reorganizations of Listed Investment Funds

(1) Fund holders of a Listed Issuer that is an investment fund must approve any

(a) acquisition of the Listed Issuer, or

(b) any reorganization or transfer of the Listed Issuer's assets to another investment fund that results in the Listed Issuer ceasing to exist after the reorganization or transfer of assets and the Listed Issuer's security holders becoming security holders of the other investment fund,

unless:

(c) the Listed Issuer has a permitted merger clause in its constating documents that permits the acquisition of the Listed Issuer without security holder approval;

(d) the consideration offered to security holders of the Listed Issuer for the acquisition has a value that is not less than NAV;

(e) the investment manager of the Listed Issuer being acquired has determined that the investment objectives, valuation procedures and fee structure of the Listed Issuer and the acquiring issuer are substantially the same;

(f) the independent review committee of the Listed Issuer being acquired has (i) approved the acquisition, and (ii) if the Listed Issuer is to bear any of the costs and expenses of the transaction, determined that such payment is in the best interests of the Listed Issuer; and

(g) the Listed Issuer is providing its security holders with a redemption right for cash proceeds which are not less than its NAV, together with a minimum of 20 business days' prior notice and description of such redemption right and the acquisition.

Commentary:

Notice may be made by means of a news release describing the transaction and the redemption right.

10.11 Security Based Compensation

(1) This section governs issuance of stock options, other than overallotment options to an underwriter in a prospectus offering or options to increase the size of the distribution prior to closing, and other plans that involve the issuance or potential issuance of listed securities, that are used as incentives or compensation mechanisms for employees, directors, officers, consultants and other persons who provide services for Listed Issuers ("compensation plans").

Commentary:

Stock purchase plans are included in this section if the issuer provides financial assistance for the purchase of securities.

(2) Security holders must approve the grant of securities to any person not previously employed by or an insider of the Listed Issuer where

(a) such grant is intended to induce the person to enter into a full-time contract of employment as an officer of the Listed Issuer, and

(b) the securities issued or issuable under the grant exceed 10% of the securities of that class outstanding as of the date of the grant.

(3) Listed Issuers must comply with the section 2.25 of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus and Registration Exemptions as if it were an unlisted reporting issuer and obtain shareholder approval for a compensation plan if required under that section.

(4) The fundamental terms of an option or compensation plan may not be amended without the approval of a majority of the Listed Issuer's Board of Directors, other than directors participating or eligible to participate in the plan. If the Board is unable to approve an amendment because of the restrictions on eligibility to vote, any amendment to the fundamental terms of an option or compensation plan must be approved by security holders, other than security holders participating or eligible to participate in the plan.

Commentary:

Alpha considers changes to the fundamental terms of an option or plan to include reductions in the purchase price and extension of the expiry date.

(5) Notwithstanding subsection (4), a plan may not be amended to increase the maximum number of securities issuable under the compensation plan unless

(a) the new maximum number of securities issuable is not greater than 5% of the outstanding securities of the class as of the date of the amendment,

(b) the amendment is approved by a majority of the Listed Issuer's Board of Directors, other than directors participating or eligible to participate in the plan, if the new maximum number of securities issuable is greater than 5% but not greater than 10% of the outstanding securities of the class as of the date of the amendment, or

(c) the amendment is approved by security holders, other than security holders participating or eligible to participate in the plan.

10.12 Shareholder Rights Plans

(1) Security holders must ratify the adoption of a shareholder rights plan as provided in subsection 6.21(4).

10.13 Related Party Transactions

(1) A Listed Issuer undertaking any transaction subject to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Holders in Special Transactions must comply with any requirements for formal valuations and minority security holder approval notwithstanding exemptions contained in sections 4.4(a), 5.5(b) and 5.7(b) of that instrument for issuers not listed on specified markets.

Commentary:

Listed Issuers may take advantage of other exemptions from these requirements if applicable.

Part XI. Appeals

11.01 Appeals of Decision

(1) A Listed Issuer or any other person adversely affected by a decision may appeal the decision to the Regulatory Oversight Committee, other than

(i) a decision of the Market Regulator,

(ii) a decision to temporarily halt or suspend trading pursuant to sections 9.01 or 9.02, or

(iii) a decision of the Regulatory Oversight Committee.

Commentary:

Decisions of the Market Regulator are subject to the Market Regulator's appeal procedures.

(2) Appeals will be conducted according to the procedures established by the committee.

 

FORM 1

LISTING APPLICATION

 

1. CONTACT INFORMATION

________________________________________

Legal name of applicant

________________________________________

Address of registered office

________________________________________

Address of head office

_______________

_______________

Telephone

Facsimile

 

_______________

_______________

General email address

Website

2. RELATED PERSON CONTACTS

Give information for all related persons for the applicant. If a related person is not an individual, provided the information listed in section 1 for that related person.

_______________

_______________

Name

Relationship to Applicant

 

_______________

_______________

Telephone

Email

 

_______________

_______________

Name

Relationship to Applicant

 

_______________

_______________

Telephone

Email

3. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE ISSUER

(Fill in applicable Information)

Jurisdiction of incorporation:

Jurisdiction(s) in which the applicant is a reporting issuer or equivalent:

North American industrial classification:

Brief description of the applicant's business:

4. INFORMATION CONCERNING SECURITIES TO BE LISTED

CLASS
CUSIP
TOTAL AUTHORIZED
TOTAL ISSUED
TOTAL RESERVED FOR ISSUANCE
TOTAL TO BE LISTED (ISSUED + RESERVED)
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
__________
__________
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
__________
__________
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
__________
__________

Complete the following chart for each class of securities to be listed:

TOTAL OUTSTANDING (A)
TOTAL HELD BY RELATED PERSONS AND EMPLOYEES (B)
PUBLIC FLOAT (A-B)
TOTAL SUBJECT TO TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS (C)
TRADEABLE FLOAT (A-C)
 
__________
_______________
_____
__________
_____
 
__________
_______________
_____
__________
_____
 
__________
_______________
_____
__________
_____

For the Securities to be listed, provide information regarding the term or maturity date of each type or class and specify the type of settlement at maturity (cash or in-kind).

List the registered public securityholders for each class of securities to be listed. For the purposes of this report, "public securityholders" are persons other than persons enumerated in section (B) of the previous chart. List registered holders only.

CLASS OF SECURITY
 
 
 
SIZE OF HOLDING
NUMBER OF HOLDERS
TOTAL NUMBER OF SECURITIES
 
1 -- 99 securities
____________________
____________________
 
100 -- 499 securities
____________________
____________________
 
500 -- 999 securities
____________________
____________________
 
1,000 -- 1,999 securities
____________________
____________________
 
2,000 -- 2,999 securities
____________________
____________________
 
3,000 -- 3,999 securities
____________________
____________________
 
4,000 -- 4,999 securities
____________________
____________________
 
5,000 or more securities
____________________
____________________

List the beneficial public securityholders for each class of securities to be listed. For the purposes of this report, "beneficial public securityholders" are (i) public security holders holding securities in their own name as registered shareholders; and (ii) public security holders holding securities through an intermediary where the Issuer has been given written confirmation of shareholdings.

For the purposes of this chart, it is sufficient if the intermediary provides a breakdown by number of beneficial holders for each line item below. If an intermediary or intermediaries will not provide details of beneficial holders, give the aggregate position of all such intermediaries in the last line.

CLASS OF SECURITY
 
 
 
SIZE OF HOLDING
NUMBER OF HOLDERS
TOTAL NUMBER OF SECURITIES
 
1 -- 99 securities
____________________
____________________
 
100 -- 499 securities
____________________
____________________
 
500 -- 999 securities
____________________
____________________
 
1,000 -- 1,999 securities
____________________
____________________
 
2,000 -- 2,999 securities
____________________
____________________
 
3,000 -- 3,999 securities
____________________
____________________
 
4,000 -- 4,999 securities
____________________
____________________
 
5,000 or more securities
____________________
____________________
 
Unable to confirm
____________________
____________________

Describe any restrictions on the free tradability of the class of securities to be listed. If none, confirm that the securities are freely tradable in Canada:

Give details of any shareholder rights plan and any "coattail" provisions allowing shareholders to participate in a partial take-over bid. If none, state "none".

5. INFORMATION CONCERNING RESERVED SECURITIES

SECURITY/INSTRUMENT NAME
TOTAL RESERVED
EXERCISE OR CONVERSION PRICE
EXPIRY (YYYY-MM-DD)
 
__________
__________
__________
__________
 
__________
__________
__________
__________

6. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR INFORMATION

_______________

_______________

Transfer Agent Name
Address
 
________________________________________
Cities in which transfer facilities are maintained

_______________

_______________

Registrar Name
Address

7. HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Identify all exchanges on which the applicant (or any of its predecessors) has or had a class of securities listed, the security, the class of securities and number of outstanding shares being publicly traded for each security. In the case of exchanges on which the securities are no longer listed, state the date of delisting.

Has the applicant (or any of its predecessors) ever applied to have its securities traded on another market and been denied? If yes, provide the name of the market(s), the date(s) and the reason(s):

Has the issuer or any predecessor ever had trading in its securities halted by a marketplace or been suspended from trading or delisted by a marketplace? If yes, provide details. Be specific (do not simply state "failure to meet exchange requirements") and state whether the halt or suspension was remedied. If the delisting was at the issuer's request, state if the reason was to avoid compliance with a marketplace requirement (e.g. to issue securities at a price the marketplace would not accept). Do not include routine halts for dissemination of information, halts due to system problems in the marketplace or market-wide halts not specific to the issuer (e.g. circuit breakers).

Has the issuer or any predecessor ever been in default of its obligations as a reporting issuer or equivalent in any jurisdiction? If yes, provide details, including details of any cease trade orders or management cease trade orders issued.

8. MARKET MAKERS

Have you entered into an agreement with any Member to act as a Lead Market Maker or Market Maker for the securities to be listed? If yes, please identify the part(ies)(y) below and provide a copy of the agreement setting out the responsibilities' of the party as Lead Market Maker or Market Maker.

Name of Lead Market Maker____________________

Name of Market Maker(s) ____________________

9. OTHER INFORMATION

Attach copies of all documents listed in Schedule "A" of this Application.

10. CERTIFICATE AND DECLARATION

After having received approval from its Board of Directors, [legal name of applicant] applies to list the securities designated in this application with Alpha Exchange.

AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT: THE APPLICANT HEREBY AUTHORIZED AND CONSENTS TO THE COLLECTION BY ALPHA EXCHANGE, ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, REGULATORS AND AGENTS OF ANY INFORMATION WHATSOEVER (WHICH MAY INCLUDE PERSONAL, CREDIT OR OTHER INFORMATION) FROM ANY SOURCE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION AN INVESTIGATIVE AGENCY OR RETAIL CREDIT AGENCY, AS PERMITTED BY LAW IN ANY JURISDICTION IN CANADA OR ELSEWHERE. THE APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY SUCH INFORMATION MAY BE SHARED BY ALPHA EXCHANGE, ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, REGULATORS AND AGENTS INDEFINITELY.

The officer(s) and director(s) signing below solemnly declare that as of the date of the application they each (i) have been duly authorized to sign this certificate and (ii) all information in this application and in other information filed in connection with the listing application is, to the best of their knowledge, true and correct and (iii) they are making this solemn declaration believing it to be true and knowing it is of the same force and effect as if made under the Canada Evidence Act.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person

Name

 

 

_______________

_______________

Position

Date

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person

Name

 

_______________

_______________

Position

Date

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

 

APPENDIX "A"

1. Certified copies of all charter documents, including Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Amendment, Articles of Continuance, Articles of Amalgamation, partnership agreements, trust indentures, declarations of trust, limited partnership agreements or equivalent documents.

2. Copies of all stock option or security purchase plans and of any other agreement pursuant to which listed or voting securities may be issued;

3. Copies of any agreements under which securities are held in escrow, pooled, or under a similar arrangement;

 

FORM 2

LISTING STATEMENT (ISSUERS OTHER THAN SPECIAL PURPOSE ISSUERS)

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

(1) An issuer doing an initial public offering may file the preliminary and final prospectuses in lieu of this notice.

(2) In determining the degree of detail required, a standard of materiality must be applied. Materiality is a matter of judgment in the particular circumstance, and is determined in relation to an item's significance to investors, analysts and other users of the information. An item of information, or an aggregate of items, is considered material if it is probable that its omission or misstatement would influence or change an investment decision with respect to the issuer's securities. In determining whether information is material, take into account both quantitative and qualitative factors. The potential significance of items must be considered individually rather than on a net basis, if the items have an offsetting effect. This concept of materiality is consistent with the financial reporting notion of materiality contained in the Handbook.

(3) The disclosure must be understandable to readers and presented in an easy-to-read format. If technical terms are required, clear and concise explanations should be included.

(4) No reference need be made to inapplicable items and, unless otherwise required in this form, negative answers to items may be omitted.

(5) The term "issuer" includes the applicant issuer and any of its subsidiaries.

(6) If an issuer discloses financial information in a Listing Statement in a currency other than the Canadian dollar, prominently disclose the currency in which the financial information is disclosed.

(7) For issuers applying for approval following a backdoor listing, provide current and historic information for

(i) the issuer,

(ii) all other companies or businesses involved in the backdoor listing (the "target"), and

(iii) the entity that will result from the backdoor listing.

Information in the issuer's most recent Listing Statement may be incorporated by reference, but this statement must indicate if any of that information has changed or is no longer relevant. Information concerning assets or lines of business that will not be part of the new entity's business should not be disclosed.

1. Table of contents

1.1 Include a table of contents

2. Corporate Structure

Name, address and incorporation

2.1 State the issuer's full corporate name or, if the issuer is an unincorporated entity, the full name under which it exists and carries on business, and the address(es) of the issuer's head and registered office.

2.2 State the statute under which the issuer is incorporated, continued or organized or, if the issuer is an unincorporated entity, the laws of the jurisdiction or foreign jurisdiction under which it is established and exists.

2.3 Describe the substance of any material amendments to the articles or other constating or establishing documents of the issuer.

Intercorporate relationships

2.4 Describe, by way of a diagram or otherwise, the intercorporate relationships among the issuer and its subsidiaries. If the issuer is applying following a backdoor listing or is proposing an acquisition, amalgamation, merger, reorganization or arrangement, describe by way of diagram or otherwise these intercorporate relationships both before and after the completion of the transaction.

2.5 For each subsidiary described in subsection (1), state

(a) the percentage of votes attaching to all voting securities of the subsidiary beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by the issuer,

(b) the percentage of each class of restricted securities of the subsidiary beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by the issuer, and

(c) where the subsidiary was incorporated, continued, formed or organized.

INSTRUCTIONS

A particular subsidiary may be omitted if

(a) the total assets of the subsidiary do not constitute more than 10 per cent of the consolidated assets of the issuer at the most recent financial year end,

(b) the sales and operating revenues of the subsidiary do not exceed 10 per cent of the consolidated sales and operating revenues of the issuer at the most recent financial year end, and

(c) the conditions in paragraphs (a) and (b) would be satisfied if

(i) the subsidiaries that may be omitted under paragraphs (a) and (b) were considered in the aggregate, and

(ii) the reference to 10 per cent was changed to 20 per cent.

3. Describe the business

3.1 Describe the business of the issuer and its operating segments that are reportable segments as those terms are used in the Handbook. Disclose information for each reportable segment of the issuer in accordance with subsection 5.1(1) of National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F2.

3.2 Disclose the nature and results of any bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings against the issuer or any of its subsidiaries, or any voluntary bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings by the issuer or any of its subsidiaries, within the three most recently completed financial years or completed during or proposed for the current financial year.

3.3 Disclose the nature and results of any material restructuring transaction of the issuer or any of its subsidiaries within the three most recently completed financial years or completed during or proposed for the current financial year.

3.4 If the issuer has implemented social or environmental policies that are fundamental to the issuer's operations, such as policies regarding the issuer's relationship with the environment or with the communities in which the issuer does business, or human rights policies, describe them and the steps the issuer has taken to implement them.

Three-year history

3.5 Describe how the issuer's business has developed over the last three completed financial years and any subsequent period to the date of the Listing Statement, including only events, such as acquisitions or dispositions, or conditions that have influenced the general development of the business.

3.6 If the issuer produces or distributes more than one product or provides more than one kind of service, describe the products or services.

3.7 Discuss changes in the issuer's business that the issuer expects will occur during the current financial year.

Issuers with asset-backed securities outstanding

3.8 If the issuer has asset-backed securities outstanding that were distributed under a Listing Statement, disclose information in accordance with section 5.3 of National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F2.

Issuers with mineral projects

3.9 If the issuer has a mineral project, disclose information for the issuer in accordance with section 5.4 of National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F2.

Issuers with oil and gas operations

3.10 If the issuer is engaged in oil and gas activities as defined in National Instrument 51-101, disclose information in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 Form 51-101F1

(a) as at the end of, and for, the most recent financial year for which the Listing Statement includes an audited balance sheet of the issuer, or

(b) in the absence of a completed financial year referred to in paragraph (a), as at the most recent date for which the Listing Statement includes an audited balance sheet of the issuer, and for the most recent financial period for which the Listing Statement includes an audited income statement of the issuer.

3.11 Include with the disclosure under section 3.10 a report in the form of Form 51-101F2, on the reserves data included in the disclosure required under section 3.10.

3.12 Include with the disclosure under section 3.10 a report in the form of Form 51-101F3 that refers to the information disclosed under section 3.10.

3.13 To the extent not reflected in the information disclosed in response to subsection (1), disclose the information contemplated by Part 6 of National Instrument 51-101 in respect of material changes that occurred after the applicable balance sheet referred to in section 3.10.

INSTRUCTION

Disclosure in a Listing Statement must be consistent with NI 51-101 if the issuer is engaged in oil and gas activities as defined in NI 51-101.

4. Dividends or distributions

4.1 Disclose the amount of cash dividends or distributions declared per security for each class of the issuer's securities for each of the three most recently completed financial years and its current financial year.

4.2 Describe any restrictions that could prevent the issuer from paying dividends or distributions.

4.3 Disclose the issuer's dividend or distribution policy and any intended change in dividend or distribution policy.

5. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Interpretation

5.1 For the purposes of this Item, MD&A means disclosure that is required by National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F1. In the case of an SEC issuer, management's discussion and analysis prepared in accordance with Item 303 of Regulation S-K or Item 303 of Regulation S-B under the 1934 Act is acceptable.

5.2 For MD&A in the form of Form 51-102F1, the issuer

(a) must read the references to a "venture issuer" in Form 51-102F1 to include an IPO venture issuer,

(b) must disregard

(i) the Instruction to section 1.11 of Form 51-102F1, and

(ii) section 1.15 of Form 51-102F1, and

(c) must include the disclosure required by section 1.10 of Form 51-102F1 in the Listing Statement.

INSTRUCTION

For the purposes of paragraph (2)(c), an issuer cannot satisfy the requirement in section 1.10 of Form 51-102F1 by incorporating by reference its fourth quarter MD&A into the Listing Statement.

MD&A

5.3 Provide MD&A for

(a) the most recent annual financial statements of the issuer included in the Listing Statement under Item 32, and

(b) the most recent interim financial statements of the issuer included in the Listing Statement under Item 32.

5.4 If the Listing Statement includes the issuer's annual income statements, statements of retained earnings, and cash flow statements for three financial years under Item 32, provide MD&A for the second most recent annual financial statements of the issuer included in the Listing Statement under Item 32.

5.5 Despite subsection (2), MD&A for the second most recent annual financial statements of the issuer included in the Listing Statement under Item 32 may omit disclosure regarding balance sheet items.

SEC issuers

5.6 If the issuer is an SEC issuer, for any MD&A that is included in the Listing Statement, include the disclosure prepared in accordance with subsection (2) if the issuer

(a) has based the discussion in the MD&A on financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and

(b) is required by subsection 4.1(1) of National Instrument 52-107 to provide a reconciliation to Canadian GAAP.

5.7 In the disclosure required under subsection (1) restate, based on financial information of the issuer prepared in accordance with, or reconciled to, Canadian GAAP, those parts of the MD&A that

(a) are based on financial statements of the issuer prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and

(b) would contain material differences if they were based on financial statements of the issuer prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP.

Disclosure of outstanding security data

5.8 Disclose the designation and number or principal amount of

(a) each class and series of voting or equity securities of the issuer for which there are securities outstanding,

(b) each class and series of securities of the issuer for which there are securities outstanding if the securities are convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, voting or equity securities of the issuer, and

(c) subject to subsection (2), each class and series of voting or equity securities of the issuer that are issuable on the conversion, exercise or exchange of outstanding securities of the issuer.

5.9 If the exact number or principal amount of voting or equity securities of the issuer that are issuable on the conversion, exercise or exchange of outstanding securities of the issuer is not determinable, the issuer must disclose the maximum number or principal amount of each class and series of voting or equity securities that are issuable on the conversion, exercise or exchange of outstanding securities of the issuer and, if that maximum number or principal amount is not determinable, the issuer must describe the exchange or conversion features and the manner in which the number or principal amount of voting or equity securities will be determined.

5.10 The disclosure under subsections (1) and (2) must be prepared as of the latest practicable date.

More recent financial information

5.11 If the issuer is required to include more recent historical financial information in the Listing Statement under subsection 32.6(1), the issuer is not required to update the MD&A already included in the Listing Statement under this Item.

Additional disclosure for venture issuers or IPO venture issuers without significant revenue

5.12 If the issuer is a venture issuer or an IPO venture issuer that has not had significant revenue from operations in either of its last two financial years, disclose a breakdown of material components of

(a) capitalized or expensed exploration and development costs,

(b) expensed research and development costs,

(c) deferred development costs,

(d) general and administrative expenses, and

(e) any material costs, whether capitalized, deferred or expensed, not referred to in paragraphs (a) through (d).

5.13 Present the analysis of capitalized or expensed exploration and development costs required by subsection (1) on a property-by-property basis, if the issuer's business primarily involves mining exploration and development.

5.14 Provide the disclosure in subsection (1) for the following periods:

(a) the two most recently completed financial years; and

(b) the most recent year-to-date interim period and the comparative year-to-date period presented in the interim financial statements included in the Listing Statement, if any.

5.15 Subsection (1) does not apply if the information required under that subsection has been disclosed in the financial statements included in the Listing Statement.

Additional disclosure for junior issuers

5.16 For a junior issuer that had negative operating cash flow in its most recently completed financial year for which financial statements have been included in the Listing Statement, disclose

(a) the period of time the proceeds raised under the Listing Statement are expected to fund operations,

(b) the estimated total operating costs necessary for the issuer to achieve its stated business objectives during that period of time, and

(c) the estimated amount of other material capital expenditures during that period of time.

Additional disclosure for issuers with significant equity investees

5.17 An issuer that has a significant equity investee must disclose

(a) summarized information as to the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the equity investee, and

(b) the issuer's proportionate interest in the equity investee and any contingent issuance of securities by the equity investee that might significantly affect the issuer's share of earnings.

5.18 Provide the disclosure in subsection (1) for the following periods

(a) the two most recently completed financial years,

(b) the most recent year-to-date interim period and the comparative year-to-date period presented in the interim financial statements included in the Listing Statement, if any.

5.19 Subsection (1) does not apply if

(a) the information required under that subsection has been disclosed in the financial statements included in the Listing Statement, or

(b) the issuer includes in the Listing Statement separate financial statements of the equity investee for the periods referred to in subsection (2).

6. Description of Securities

Equity securities

6.1 Describe all material attributes and characteristics of all classes of equity securities outstanding, including

(a) dividend rights,

(b) voting rights,

(c) rights upon dissolution or winding-up,

(d) pre-emptive rights,

(e) conversion or exchange rights,

(f) redemption, retraction, purchase for cancellation or surrender provisions,

(g) sinking or purchase fund provisions,

(h) provisions permitting or restricting the issuance of additional securities and any other material restrictions, and

(i) provisions requiring a securityholder to contribute additional capital.

Debt securities

6.2 Describe all material attributes and characteristics all outstanding classes of debt securities and the security, if any, for the debt, including

(a) provisions for interest rate, maturity and premium, if any,

(b) conversion or exchange rights,

(c) redemption, retraction, purchase for cancellation or surrender provisions,

(d) sinking or purchase fund provisions,

(e) the nature and priority of any security for the debt securities, briefly identifying the principal properties subject to lien or charge,

(f) provisions permitting or restricting the issuance of additional securities, the incurring of additional indebtedness and other material negative covenants, including restrictions against payment of dividends and restrictions against giving security on the assets of the issuer or its subsidiaries, and provisions as to the release or substitution of assets securing the debt securities,

(g) the name of the trustee under any indenture relating to the debt securities and the nature of any material relationship between the trustee or any of its affiliates and the issuer or any of its affiliates, and

(h) any financial arrangements between the issuer and any of its affiliates or among its affiliates that could affect the security for the indebtedness.

Asset-backed securities

6.3 Describe the material attributes and characteristics of all outstanding classes of asset-backed securities, including

(a) the rate of interest or stipulated yield and any premium,

(b) the date for repayment of principal or return of capital and any circumstances in which payments of principal or capital may be made before such date, including any redemption or pre-payment obligations or privileges of the issuer and any events that may trigger early liquidation or amortization of the underlying pool of financial assets,

(c) provisions for the accumulation of cash flows to provide for the repayment of principal or return of capital,

(d) provisions permitting or restricting the issuance of additional securities and any other material negative covenants applicable to the issuer,

(e) the nature, order and priority of the entitlements of holders of asset-backed securities and any other entitled persons or companies to receive cash flows generated from the underlying pool of financial assets, and

(f) any events, covenants, standards or preconditions that may reasonably be expected to affect the timing or amount of payments or distributions to be made under the asset-backed securities, including those that are dependent or based on the economic performance of the underlying pool of financial assets.

6.4 Provide financial disclosure that describes the underlying pool of financial assets for

(a) the three most recently completed financial years ended more than

(i) 90 days before the date of the Listing Statement, or

(ii) 120 days before the date of the Listing Statement, if the issuer is a venture issuer,

(b) if the issuer has not had asset-backed securities outstanding for three financial years, each completed financial year ended more than

(i) 90 days before the date of the Listing Statement, or

(ii) 120 days before the date of the Listing Statement, if the issuer is a venture issuer,

(c) a period from the date the issuer had asset-backed securities outstanding to a date not more than 90 days before the date of the Listing Statement if the issuer has not had asset-backed securities outstanding for at least one financial year.

6.5 For the purposes of the financial disclosure required by subsection (3), if an issuer changed its financial year end during any of the financial years referred to in subsection (3) and the transition year is less than nine months, the transition year is not a financial year.

6.6 Despite subsection (4), all financial disclosure that describes the underlying pool of financial assets of the issuer for a transition year must be included in the Listing Statement for the most recent interim period, if any, ended

(a) subsequent to the most recent financial year refer to in paragraphs (3)(a) and (3)(b) in respect of which financial disclosure on the underlying pool of financial assets is included in the Listing Statement, and

(b) more than

(i) 45 days before the date of the Listing Statement, or

(ii) 60 days before the date of the Listing Statement if the issuer is a venture issuer.

6.7 If the issuer files financial disclosure that describes the underlying pool of financial assets for a more recent period than required under subsection (3) or (5) before the Listing Statement is filed, the issuer must include that more recent financial disclosure that describes the underlying pool of financial assets in the Listing Statement.

6.8 If financial disclosure that describes the underlying pool of financial assets of the issuer is publicly disseminated by, or on behalf of, the issuer through news release or otherwise for a more recent period than required under subsection (3) or (5), the issuer must include the content of the news release or public communication in the Listing Statement.

6.9 The disclosure in subsections (3) and (5) must include a discussion and analysis of

(a) the composition of the pool as at the end of the period,

(b) income and losses from the pool for the period presented on at least an annual basis or such shorter period as is reasonable given the nature of the underlying pool of assets,

(c) the payment, prepayment and collection experience of the pool for the period on at least an annual basis or such shorter period as is reasonable given the nature of the underlying pool of assets,

(d) servicing and other administrative fees, and

(e) any significant variances experienced in the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) through (d).

6.10 Describe the type of financial assets, the manner in which the financial assets originated or will originate and, if applicable, the mechanism and terms of the agreement governing the transfer of the financial assets comprising the underlying pool to or through the issuer, including the consideration paid for the financial assets.

6.11 Describe any person or company who

(a) originated, sold or deposited a material portion of the financial assets comprising the pool, or has agreed to do so,

(b) acts, or has agreed to act, as a trustee, custodian, bailee or agent of the issuer or any holder of the asset-backed securities, or in a similar capacity,

(c) administers or services a material portion of the financial assets comprising the pool or provides administrative or managerial services to the issuer, or has agreed to do so, on a conditional basis or otherwise, if

(i) finding a replacement provider of the services at a cost comparable to the cost of the current provider is not reasonably likely,

(ii) a replacement provider of the services is likely to achieve materially worse results than the current provider,

(iii) the current provider of the services is likely to default in its service obligations because of its current financial condition, or

(iv) the disclosure is otherwise material,

(d) provides a guarantee, alternative credit support or other credit enhancement to support the obligations of the issuer under the asset-backed securities or the performance of some or all of the financial assets in the pool, or has agreed to do so, or

(e) lends to the issuer in order to facilitate the timely payment or repayment of amounts payable under the asset-backed securities, or has agreed to do so.

6.12 Describe the general business activities and material responsibilities under the asset-backed securities of a person or company referred to in subsection (10).

6.13 Describe the terms of any material relationships between

(a) any of the persons or companies referred to in subsection (10) or any of their respective affiliates, and

(b) the issuer.

6.14 Describe any provisions relating to termination of services or responsibilities of any of the persons or companies referred to in subsection (10) and the terms on which a replacement may be appointed.

6.15 Describe any risk factors associated with the asset-backed securities, including disclosure of material risks associated with changes in interest rates or prepayment levels, and any circumstances where payments on the asset-backed securities could be impaired or disrupted as a result of any reasonably foreseeable event that may delay, divert or disrupt the cash flows dedicated to service the asset-backed securities.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) Present the information required under subsections (3) through (8) in a manner that will enable a reader to easily determine whether, and the extent to which, the events, covenants, standards and preconditions referred to in paragraph (2)(f) have occurred, are being satisfied or may be satisfied.

(2) If the information required under subsections (3) through (8) is not compiled specifically from the underlying pool of financial assets, but is compiled from a larger pool of the same assets from which the securitized assets are randomly selected so that the performance of the larger pool is representative of the performance of the pool of securitized assets, then an issuer may comply with subsections (3) through (8) by providing the financial disclosure required based on the larger pool and disclosing that it has done so.

(3) Issuers are required to summarize contractual arrangements in plain language and may not merely restate the text of the contracts referred to. The use of diagrams to illustrate the roles of, and the relationship among, the persons and companies referred to in subsection (10), and the contractual arrangements underlying the asset-backed securities is encouraged.

Derivatives

6.16 Describe fully the material attributes and characteristics of all outstanding derivatives, including

(a) the calculation of the value or payment obligations under the derivatives,

(b) the exercise of the derivatives,

(c) settlements that are the result of the exercise of the derivatives,

(d) the underlying interest of the derivatives,

(e) the role of a calculation expert in connection with the derivatives,

(f) the role of any credit supporter of the derivatives, and

(g) the risk factors associated with the derivatives.

Restricted securities

6.17 If the issuer has outstanding restricted securities, subject securities or securities that are, directly or indirectly, convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for restricted securities or subject securities, provide a detailed description of

(a) the voting rights attached to the restricted securities that are the subject of the distribution or that will result from the distribution, either directly or following a conversion, exchange or exercise, and the voting rights, if any, attached to the securities of any other class of securities of the issuer that are the same as or greater than, on a per security basis, those attached to the restricted securities,

(b) any significant provisions under applicable corporate and securities law that do not apply to the holders of the restricted securities that are the subject of the distribution or that will result from the distribution, either directly or following a conversion, exchange or exercise, but do apply to the holders of another class of equity securities, and the extent of any rights provided in the constating documents or otherwise for the protection of holders of the restricted securities,

(c) any rights under applicable corporate law, in the constating documents or otherwise, of holders of restricted securities that are the subject of the distribution or that will result from the distribution, either directly or following a conversion, exchange or exercise, to attend, in person or by proxy, meetings of holders of equity securities of the issuer and to speak at the meetings to the same extent that holders of equity securities are entitled, and

(d) how the issuer complied with, or the basis upon which it was exempt from, the requirements of Part 12 of the Instrument.

6.18 If holders of restricted securities do not have all of the rights referred to in section 6.17 the detailed description referred to in that subsection must include, in boldface type, a statement of the rights the holders do not have.

6.19 If the issuer is required to include the disclosure referred to in section 6.17, state the percentage of the aggregate voting rights attached to the issuer's securities that will be represented by restricted securities after effect has been given to the issuance of the securities being offered.

Other securities

6.20 If securities other than equity securities, debt securities, asset-backed securities or derivatives are being distributed, describe fully the material attributes and characteristics of those securities.

Modification of terms

6.21 Describe provisions about the modification, amendment or variation of any rights attached to the outstanding securities.

6.22 If the rights of holders of securities may be modified otherwise than in accordance with the provisions attached to the securities or the provisions of the governing statute relating to the securities, explain briefly.

Ratings

6.23 If the issuer has asked for and received a stability rating, or if the issuer is aware that it has received any other kind of rating, including a provisional rating, from one or more approved rating organizations for the securities being distributed and the rating or ratings continue in effect, disclose

(a) each security rating, including a provisional rating or stability rating, received from an approved rating organization,

(b) the name of each approved rating organization that has assigned a rating for the securities to be distributed,

(c) a definition or description of the category in which each approved rating organization rated the securities to be distributed and the relative rank of each rating within the organization's overall classification system,

(d) an explanation of what the rating addresses and what attributes, if any, of the securities to be distributed are not addressed by the rating,

(e) any factors or considerations identified by the approved rating organization as giving rise to unusual risks associated with the securities to be distributed,

(f) a statement that a security rating or a stability rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating organization, and

(g) any announcement made by, or any proposed announcement known to the issuer that is to be made by, an approved rating organization to the effect that the organization is reviewing or intends to revise or withdraw a rating previously assigned and required to be disclosed under this section.

INSTRUCTION

There may be factors relating to a security that are not addressed by a ratings agency when they give a rating. For example, in the case of cash settled derivatives, factors in addition to the creditworthiness of the issuer, such as the continued subsistence of the underlying interest or the volatility of the price, value or level of the underlying interest may be reflected in the rating analysis. Rather than being addressed in the rating itself, these factors may be described by an approved rating organization by way of a superscript or other notation to a rating. Any such attributes must be discussed in the disclosure under this section.

Other attributes

6.24 If the rights attaching any the securities are materially limited or qualified by the rights of any other class of securities, or if any other class of securities ranks ahead of or equally with the securities being distributed, include information about the other securities that will enable investors to understand the rights attaching to the securities being distributed.

6.25 If any class securities may be partially redeemed or repurchased, state the manner of selecting the securities to be redeemed or repurchased.

INSTRUCTION

This section requires only a brief summary of the provisions that are material from an investment standpoint. The provisions attaching to the securities being distributed or any other class of securities do not need to be set out in full. They may, in the issuer's discretion, be attached as a schedule to the Listing Statement.

7. Consolidated capitalization

7.1 Describe any material change in, and the effect of the material change on, the share and loan capital of the issuer, on a consolidated basis, since the date of the issuer's financial statements for its most recently completed financial period included in the Listing Statement, including any material change that will result from the issuance of the securities being distributed under the Listing Statement.

8. Options to purchase securities

8.1 State, in tabular form, as at a specified date within 30 days before the date of the Listing Statement, information about options to purchase securities of the issuer, or a subsidiary of the issuer that are held or will be held upon completion of the distribution by

(a) all executive officers and past executive officers of the issuer, as a group, and all directors and past directors of the issuer who are not also executive officers, as a group, indicating the aggregate number of executive officers and the aggregate number of directors to whom the information applies,

(b) all executive officers and past executive officers of all subsidiaries of the issuer, as a group, and all directors and past directors of those subsidiaries who are not also executive officers of the subsidiary, as a group, excluding, in each case, individuals referred to in paragraph (a), indicating the aggregate number of executive officers and the aggregate number of directors to whom the information applies,

(c) all other employees and past employees of the issuer as a group,

(d) all other employees and past employees of subsidiaries of the issuer as a group,

(e) all consultants of the issuer as a group, and

(f) any other person or company, other than the underwriter(s), naming each person or company.

8.2 Describe any material change to the information required to be included in the Listing Statement under subsection (1) to the date of the Listing Statement.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) Describe the options, warrants, or other similar securities stating the material provisions of each class or type of option, including

(a) the designation and number of the securities under option,

(b) the purchase price of the securities under option or the formula by which the purchase price will be determined, and the expiration dates of the options,

(c) if reasonably ascertainable, the market value of the securities under option on the date of grant,

(d) if reasonably ascertainable, the market value of the securities under option on the specified date, and

(e) with respect to options referred to in paragraph (1)(f), the particulars of the grant including the consideration for the grant.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(f), provide the information required for all options except warrants and special warrants.

9. Prior sales

9.1 For each class of securities of the issuer distributed under the Listing Statement and for securities that are convertible into those classes of securities, state, for the 12-month period before the date of the Listing Statement,

(a) the price at which the securities have been issued or are to be issued by the issuer or sold by the selling securityholder,

(b) the number of securities issued or sold at that price, and

(c) the date on which the securities were issued or sold.

Trading price and volume

9.2 For each class of securities of the issuer that is traded or quoted on a Canadian marketplace, identify the marketplace and the price ranges and volume traded or quoted on the Canadian marketplace on which the greatest volume of trading or quotation generally occurs.

9.3 If a class of securities of the issuer is not traded or quoted on a Canadian marketplace but is traded or quoted on a foreign marketplace, identify the foreign marketplace and the price ranges and volume traded or quoted on the foreign marketplace on which the greatest volume or quotation generally occurs.

9.4 Provide the information required under sections 9.1 and 9.2 on a monthly basis for each month or, if applicable, partial months of the 12-month period before the date of the Listing Statement.

10. Escrowed securities and securities subject to contractual restriction on transfer

10.1 State as of a specified date within 30 days before the date of the Listing Statement, in substantially the following tabular form, the number of securities of each class of securities of the issuer held, to the knowledge of the issuer, in escrow or that are subject to a contractual restriction on transfer and the percentage that number represents of the outstanding securities of that class.

ESCROWED SECURITIES AND SECURITIES

SUBJECT TO CONTRACTUAL RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER

Designation of class
Number of securities held in escrow or that are subject to a contractual restriction on transfer
Percentage of class
__________
__________
__________

10.2 In a note to the table disclose the name of the depository, if any, and the date of and conditions governing the release of the securities from escrow or the date the contractual restriction on transfer ends, as applicable.

10.3 Describe any material change to the information required to be included in the Listing Statement under section 10.1 to the date of the Listing Statement.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) For purposes of this section, escrow includes securities subject to a pooling agreement.

(2) For the purposes of this section, securities subject to contractual restrictions on transfer as a result of pledges made to lenders are not required to be disclosed.

11. Principal securityholders and selling securityholders

11.1 Provide the following information for each principal securityholder of the issuer and, if any securities are being distributed for the account of a securityholder, for each selling securityholder:

(a) the name,

(b) the number or amount of securities owned, controlled or directed of the class being distributed,

(c) the number or amount of securities of the class being distributed for the account of the securityholder,

(d) the number or amount of securities of the issuer of any class to be owned, controlled or directed after the distribution, and the percentage that number or amount represents of the total outstanding,

(e) whether the securities referred to in paragraph (b), (c) or (d) are owned both of record and beneficially, of record only, or beneficially only.

11.2 If securities are being distributed in connection with a restructuring transaction, indicate, to the extent known, the holdings of each person or company described in section 11.1(a) that will exist after effect has been given to the transaction.

11.3 If any of the securities being distributed are being distributed for the account of a securityholder and those securities were purchased by the selling securityholder within the two years preceding the date of the Listing Statement, state the date the selling securityholder acquired the securities and, if the securities were acquired in the 12 months preceding the date of the Listing Statement, the cost to the securityholder in the aggregate and on an average cost-per-security basis.

11.4 If, to the knowledge of the issuer or the underwriter of the securities being distributed, more than 10% of any class of voting securities of the issuer is held, or is to be held, subject to any voting trust or other similar agreement, disclose, to the extent known, the designation of the securities, the number or amount of the securities held or to be held subject to the agreement and the duration of the agreement. State the names and addresses of the voting trustees and outline briefly their voting rights and other powers under the agreement.

11.5 If, to the knowledge of the issuer or the underwriter of the securities being distributed, any principal securityholder or selling securityholder is an associate or affiliate of another person or company named as a principal securityholder, disclose, to the extent known, the material facts of the relationship, including any basis for influence over the issuer held by the person or company other than the holding of voting securities of the issuer.

11.6 In addition to the above, include in a footnote to the table the required calculation(s) on a fully-diluted basis.

11.7 Describe any material change to the information required to be included in the Listing Statement under subsection (1) to the date of the Listing Statement.

INSTRUCTION

If a company, partnership, trust or other unincorporated entity is a principal securityholder of an issuer, disclose, to the extent known, the name of each individual who, through ownership of or control or direction over the securities of that company, trust or other unincorporated entity, or membership in the partnership, as the case may be, is a principal securityholder of that entity.

12. Directors and Executive Officers

Name, occupation and security holding

12.1 Provide information for directors and executive officers of the issuer in accordance with section 10.1 of National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F2 as at the date of the Listing Statement.

12.2 If information similar to the information required under subsection (1) is provided for any director or executive officer, who is not serving in such capacity as at the date of the Listing Statement, clearly indicate this fact and explain whether the issuer believes that this director or executive officer is liable under the Listing Statement.

Cease trade orders, bankruptcies, penalties or sanctions

12.3 Provide information for directors and executive officers of the issuer in accordance with section 10.2 of National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F2 as if the references in that section to "date of the AIF" read "date of the Listing Statement".

Conflicts of interest

12.4 Disclose particulars of existing or potential material conflicts of interest between the issuer or a subsidiary of the issuer and a director or officer of the issuer or of a subsidiary of the issuer.

Management of junior issuers

12.5 A junior issuer must provide the following information for each member of management

(a) state the individual's name, age, position and responsibilities with the issuer and relevant educational background,

(b) state whether the individual works full time for the issuer or what proportion of the individual's time will be devoted to the issuer,

(c) state whether the individual is an employee or independent contractor of the issuer,

(d) state the individual's principal occupations or employment during the five years before the date of the Listing Statement, disclosing with respect to each organization as of the time such occupation or employment was carried on

(i) its name and principal business,

(ii) if applicable, that the organization was an affiliate of the issuer,

(iii) positions held by the individual, and

(iv) whether it is still carrying on business, if known to the individual,

(e) describe the individual's experience in the issuer's industry,

(f) state whether the individual has entered into a non-competition or non-disclosure agreement with the issuer.

INSTRUCTION

For purposes of this section, "management" means all directors, officers, employees and contractors whose expertise is critical to the issuer, its subsidiaries and proposed subsidiaries in providing the issuer with a reasonable opportunity to achieve its stated business objectives.

13. Executive Compensation

13.1 Include in the Listing Statement a Statement of Executive Compensation prepared in accordance with National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F6 and describe any intention to make any material changes to that compensation.

14. Indebtedness of Directors and Executive Officers

Aggregate indebtedness

14.1 Provide information for the issuer in accordance with section 10.1 of National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F5 as if the reference in that section to "date of the information circular" read "date of the Listing Statement."

Indebtedness of directors and executive officers under securities purchase and other programs

14.2 Provide information for the issuer in accordance with section 10.2 of National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F5 as if the reference in this section to "date of the information circular" read "date of the Listing Statement".

14.3 Do not disclose the information required under section 14.2 for

(a) any indebtedness that has been entirely repaid on or before the date of the Listing Statement, or

(b) routine indebtedness (as defined in paragraph 10.3(c) of National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F5 as if reference in this paragraph to "the company" read "the issuer").

15. Audit Committees and Corporate Governance

Audit committees

15.1 Include in the Listing Statement the disclosure for the issuer in accordance with National Instrument 51-102 Form 52-110F1, as applicable, if the issuer is neither a venture issuer nor an IPO venture issuer.

15.2 Include in the Listing Statement the disclosure for the issuer in accordance with National Instrument 51-102 Form 52-110F2, as applicable, if the issuer is a venture issuer or an IPO venture issuer.

Corporate governance

15.3 Include in the Listing Statement the disclosure in accordance with National Instrument 51-102 Form 58-101F1, as applicable, if the issuer is neither a venture issuer nor an IPO venture issuer.

15.4 Include in the Listing Statement the disclosure in accordance with National Instrument 51-102 Form 58-101F2, as applicable, if the issuer is a venture issuer or an IPO venture issuer.

16. Risk Factors

16.1 Disclose risk factors relating to the issuer and its business, such as cash flow and liquidity problems, if any, experience of management, the general risks inherent in the business carried on by the issuer, environmental and health risks, reliance on key personnel, regulatory constraints, economic or political conditions and financial history and any other matter that would be likely to influence an investor's decision to purchase securities of the issuer.

16.2 If there is a risk that securityholders of the issuer may become liable to make an additional contribution beyond the price of the security, disclose that risk.

16.3 Describe any risk factors material to the issuer that a reasonable investor would consider relevant to an investment in the securities being distributed and that are not otherwise described under section 16.1 or 16.2.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) Disclose risks in the order of seriousness from the most serious to the least serious.

(2) A risk factor must not be de-emphasized by including excessive caveats or conditions.

17. Promoters

17.1 For a person or company that is, or has been within the two years immediately preceding the date of the Listing Statement, a promoter of the issuer or subsidiary of the issuer, state

(a) the person or company's name,

(b) the number and percentage of each class of voting securities and equity securities of the issuer or any of its subsidiaries beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by the person or company,

(c) the nature and amount of anything of value, including money, property, contracts, options or rights of any kind received or to be received by the promoter directly or indirectly from the issuer or from a subsidiary of the issuer, and the nature and amount of any assets, services or other consideration received or to be received by the issuer or a subsidiary of the issuer in return, and

(d) for an asset acquired within the two years before the date of the Listing Statement, or to be acquired, by the issuer or by a subsidiary of the issuer from a promoter,

(i) the consideration paid or to be paid for the asset and the method by which the consideration has been or will be determined,

(ii) the person or company making the determination referred to in subparagraph (i) and the person or company's relationship with the issuer or the promoter, or an affiliate of the issuer or the promoter, and

(iii) the date that the asset was acquired by the promoter and the cost of the asset to the promoter.

17.2 If a promoter referred to in section 17.1 is, as at the date of the Listing Statement, or was within 10 years before the date of the Listing Statement, a director, chief executive officer, or chief financial officer of any person or company, that

(a) was subject to an order that was issued while the promoter was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, or

(b) was subject to an order that was issued after the promoter ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while the promoter was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer,

state the fact and describe the basis on which the order was made and whether the order is still in effect.

17.3 For the purposes of section 17.2 "order" means

(a) a cease trade order,

(b) an order similar to a cease trade order, or

(c) an order that denied the relevant person or company access to any exemption under securities legislation,

that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days.

17.4 If a promoter referred to section 17.1

(a) is, as at the date of the Listing Statement, or has been within the 10 years before the date of the Listing Statement, a director or executive officer of any person or company that, while the promoter was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets, state the fact, or

(b) has, within the 10 years before the date of the Listing Statement, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the promoter, state the fact.

17.5 Describe the penalties or sanctions imposed and the grounds on which they were imposed or the terms of the settlement agreement and the circumstances that gave rise to the settlement agreement, if a promoter referred to in section 17.1 has been subject to

(a) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to provincial and territorial securities legislation or by a provincial and territorial securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a provincial and territorial securities regulatory authority, or

(b) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would be likely to be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.

17.6 Despite section 17.5, no disclosure is required of a settlement agreement entered into before December 31, 2000 unless the disclosure would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) The disclosure required by sections 17.2, 17.4 and 17.5 also applies to any personal holding companies of any of the persons referred to in sections 17.2, 17.4 and 17.5.

(2) A management cease trade order which applies to a promoter referred to in section 17.1 is an "order" for the purposes of section 17.2(a) and must be disclosed, whether or not the director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer was named in the order.

(3) For the purposes of this section, a late filing fee, such as a filing fee that applies to the late filing of an insider report, is not a "penalty or sanction."

(4) The disclosure in section 17.2(a) only applies if the promoter was a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer when the order was issued against the person or company. The issuer does not have to provide disclosure if the promoter became a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer after the order was issued.

18. Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Actions

Legal proceedings

18.1 Describe any legal proceedings the issuer is or was a party to, or that any of its property is or was the subject of, since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year for which financial statements of the issuer are included in the Listing Statement.

18.2 Describe any such legal proceedings the issuer knows to be contemplated.

18.3 For each proceeding described in sections 18.1 and 18.2, include the name of the court or agency, the date instituted, the principal parties to the proceeding, the nature of the claim, the amount claimed, if any, whether the proceeding is being contested, and the present status of the proceeding.

INSTRUCTION

Information with respect to any proceeding that involves a claim for damages if the amount involved, exclusive of interest and costs, does not exceed 10% of the current assets of the issuer may be omitted. However, if any proceeding presents in large degree the same legal and factual issues as other proceedings pending or known to be contemplated, include the amount involved in the other proceedings in computing the percentage.

Regulatory actions

18.4 Describe any

(a) penalties or sanctions imposed against the issuer by a court relating to provincial and territorial securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority within the three years immediately preceding the date of the Listing Statement,

(b) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body against the issuer necessary for the Listing Statement to contain full, true and plain disclosure of all material facts relating to the securities being distributed, and

(c) settlement agreements the issuer entered into before a court relating to provincial and territorial securities legislation or with a securities regulatory authority within the three years immediately preceding the date of the Listing Statement.

19. Interests of management and others in material transactions

19.1 Provide information for the issuer for this section in accordance with section 13.1 of National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F2 as if the reference in that section to "within the three most recently completed financial years or during the current financial year that has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect your company" read "within the three years before the date of the Listing Statement that has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect the issuer or a subsidiary of the issuer".

20. Auditors, Transfer Agents and Registrars

Auditors

20.1 State the name and address of the auditor of the issuer.

Transfer agents, registrars, trustees or other agents

20.2 For each class of securities, state the name of any transfer agent, registrar, trustee, or other agent appointed by the issuer to maintain the securities register and the register of transfers for such securities and indicate the location (by municipality) of each of the offices of the issuer or transfer agent, registrar, trustee or other agent where the securities register and register of transfers are maintained or transfers of securities are recorded.

21. Material contracts

21.1 Give particulars of any material contract entered into

(a) since the beginning of the last financial year ending before the date of this Listing Statement; or

(b) is otherwise in effect, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business that are not

(c) contracts to which directors, officers or promoters are parties, other than employment contracts,

(d) a continuing contract to sell the majority of the issuer's products or services or to purchase the majority of the issuer's requirements of goods, services or raw materials,

(e) a franchise or licence or other agreement to use a patent, formula, trade secret, process or trade name,

(f) a financing or credit agreement with terms that have a direct correlation with anticipated cash distributions,

(g) an external management or external administration agreement, or

(h) a contract on which the issuer's business is substantially dependent.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) Set out a complete list of all contracts for which particulars must be given under this section, indicating those that are disclosed elsewhere in the Listing Statement. Particulars need only be provided for those contracts that do not have the particulars given elsewhere in the Listing Statement.

(2) Particulars of contracts must include the dates of, parties to, consideration provided for in, and general nature and key terms of, the contracts.

(3) Disclosure is not required of a provision of a contract if it may be omitted or made unreadable when filed pursuant to section 9.3 of National Instrument 41-101.

22. Experts

Names of experts

22.1 Name each person or company

(a) who is named as having prepared or certified a report, valuation, statement or opinion in any document filed as part of the Listing Statement, and

(b) whose profession or business gives authority to the report, valuation, statement or opinion made by the person or company.

Interest of experts

22.2 For each person or company referred to in section 22.1, provide the disclosure in accordance with section 16.2 of Form 51-102F2, as of the date of the Listing Statement, as if that person or company were a person or company referred to in section 16.1 of National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F2.

23. Other material facts

23.1 Give particulars of any material facts about the securities being distributed that are not disclosed under any other Items and are necessary in order for the Listing Statement to contain full, true and plain disclosure of all material facts relating to the securities to be distributed.

24. Financial Statement Disclosure for Issuers

Interpretation of "issuer"

24.1 The financial statements of an issuer required under this Item to be included in a Listing Statement must include

(a) the financial statements of any predecessor entity that formed, or will form, the basis of the business of the issuer, even though the predecessor entity is, or may have been, a different legal entity, if the issuer has not existed for three years,

(b) the financial statements of a business or businesses acquired by the issuer within three years before the date of the Listing Statement or proposed to be acquired, if a reasonable investor reading the Listing Statement would regard the primary business of the issuer to be the business or businesses acquired, or proposed to be acquired, by the issuer, and

(c) the restated combined financial statements of the issuer and any other entity with which the issuer completed a transaction within three years before the date of the Listing Statement or proposes to complete a transaction, if the issuer accounted for or will account for the transaction as a continuity of interests.

Annual financial statements

24.2 Subject to section 24.10, include annual financial statements of the issuer consisting of

(a) an income statement, a statement of retained earnings, and a cash flow statement for each of the three most recently completed financial years ended more than

(i) 90 days before the date of the Listing Statement, or

(ii) 120 days before the date of the Listing Statement, if the issuer is a venture issuer,

(b) a balance sheet as at the end of the two most recently completed financial years described in paragraph (a), and

(c) notes to the financial statements.

24.3 If the issuer has not completed three financial years, include the financial statements described under section 24.2 for each completed financial year ended more than

(a) 90 days before the date of the Listing Statement, or

(b) 120 days before the date of the Listing Statement, if the issuer is a venture issuer.

24.4 If the issuer has not included in the Listing Statement financial statements for a completed financial year, include the financial statements described under section 24.2 or 3 for a period from the date the issuer was formed to a date not more than 90 days before the date of the Listing Statement.

24.5 If an issuer changed its financial year end during any of the financial years referred to in this section and the transition year is less than nine months, the transition year is deemed not to be a financial year for the purposes of the requirement to provide financial statements for a specified number of financial years in this section.

24.6 Notwithstanding section 24.5 all financial statements of the issuer for a transition year referred to in section 24.5 must be included in the Listing Statement.

24.7 Subject to section 32.4, if financial statements of any predecessor entity, business or businesses acquired by the issuer, or of any other entity are required under this section, then include

(a) income statements, statements of retained earnings, and cash flow statements for the entities or businesses for as many periods before the acquisition as may be necessary so that when these periods are added to the periods for which the issuer's income statements, statements of retained earnings, and cash flow statements are included in the Listing Statement, the results of the entities or businesses, either separately or on a consolidated basis, total three years,

(b) balance sheets for the entities or businesses for as many periods before the acquisition as may be necessary so that when these periods are added to the periods for which the issuer's balance sheets are included in the Listing Statement, the financial position of the entities or businesses, either separately or on a consolidated basis, total two years, and

(c) if the entities or businesses have not completed three financial years, the financial statements described under paragraphs (a) and (b) for each completed financial year of the entities or businesses for which the issuer's financial statements in the Listing Statement do not include the financial statements of the entities or businesses, either separately or on a consolidated basis, and ended more than

(i) 90 days before the date of the Listing Statement, or

(ii) 120 days before the date of the Listing Statement, if the issuer is a venture issuer.

Interim financial statements

24.8 Include comparative interim financial statements of the issuer for the most recent interim period, if any, ended

(a) subsequent to the most recent financial year in respect of which annual financial statements of the issuer are included in the Listing Statement, and

(b) more than

(i) 45 days before the date of the Listing Statement, or

(ii) 60 days before the date of the Listing Statement if the issuer is a venture issuer.

24.9 The interim financial statements referred to in section 24.8 must include

(a) a balance sheet as at the end of the interim period and a balance sheet as at the end of the immediately preceding financial year, if any,

(b) an income statement, a statement of retained earnings, and a cash flow statement, all for the year-to-date interim period, and comparative financial information for the corresponding interim period in the immediately preceding financial year, if any,

(c) for interim periods other than the first interim period in a current financial year, an income statement and a cash flow statement, for the three month period ending on the last day of the interim period and comparative financial information for the corresponding period in the preceding financial year, if any, and

(d) notes to the financial statements.

Exceptions to financial statement requirements

24.10 Despite section 24.2, an issuer is not required to include the following financial statements in a Listing Statement

(a) the income statement, the statement of retained earnings, and the cash flow statement for the third most recently completed financial year, if the issuer is a reporting issuer in at least one jurisdiction immediately before filing the Listing Statement,

(b) the income statement, the statement of retained earnings, and the cash flow statement for the third most recently completed financial year, and the financial statements for the second most recently completed financial year, if

(i) the issuer is a reporting issuer in at least one jurisdiction immediately before filing the Listing Statement, and

(ii) the issuer includes financial statements for a financial year ended less than

(A) 90 days before the date of the Listing Statement, or

(B) 120 days before the date of the Listing Statement, if the issuer is a venture issuer,

(c) the income statement, the statement of retained earnings, and the cash flow statement for the third most recently completed financial year, and the balance sheet for the second most recently completed financial year, if the issuer includes financial statements for a financial year ended less than 90 days before the date of the Listing Statement,

(d) the income statement, the statement of retained earnings, and the cash flow statement for the third most recently completed financial year, and the financial statements for the second most recently completed financial year, if

(i) the issuer is a reporting issuer in at least one jurisdiction immediately before filing the Listing Statement,

(ii) the issuer includes audited financial statements for a period of at least nine months commencing the day after the most recently completed financial year for which financial statements are required under section 32.2,

(iii) the business of the issuer is not seasonal, and

(iv) none of the financial statements required under section 32.2 are for a financial year that is less than nine months,

(e) the income statement, the statement of retained earnings, and the cash flow statement for the third most recently completed financial year, and the balance sheet for the second most recently completed financial year, if

(i) the issuer includes audited financial statements for a period of at least nine months commencing the day after the most recently completed financial year for which financial statements are required under section 32.2,

(ii) the business of the issuer is not seasonal, and

(iii) none of the financial statements required under section 32.2 are for a financial year that is less than nine months, or

(f) the separate financial statements of the issuer and the other entity for periods prior to the date of the continuity of interest transaction, if the restated combined financial statements of the issuer and the other entity are included in the Listing Statement under paragraph 32.1(c).

Exceptions to audit requirement

24.11 The audit requirement in section 24.2 of the Instrument does not apply to the following financial statements

(a) any financial statements for the second and third most recently completed financial years required under section 24.2, if

(i) those financial statements were previously included in a final Listing Statement without an auditor's report pursuant to an exemption under applicable securities legislation, and

(ii) an auditor has not issued an auditor's report on those financial statements,

(b) any financial statements for the second and third most recently completed financial years required under section 24.2, if

(i) the issuer is a junior issuer, and

(ii) the financial statements for the most recently completed financial year required under section 32.2 is not less than 12 months in length, or

(c) any interim financial statements required under section 24.3.

Additional financial statements or financial information filed or released

24.12 If the issuer files financial statements for a more recent period than required under section 24.2 or 24.8 before the Listing Statement is filed, the issuer must include in the Listing Statement those more recent financial statements.

24.13 If historical financial information about the issuer is publicly disseminated by, or on behalf of, the issuer through news release or otherwise for a more recent period than required under section 24.2, the issuer must include the content of the news release or public communication in the Listing Statement.

25. Credit supporter disclosure, including financial statements

25.1 If a credit supporter has provided a guarantee or alternative credit support for all or substantially all of the payments to be made under the securities being distributed, include statements by the credit supporter providing disclosure about the credit supporter that would be required under Items 2,3,5,12,16,18,20,24 if the credit supporter were the issuer of the securities to be distributed and such other information about the credit supporter as is necessary to provide full, true and plain disclosure of all material facts relating to the securities to be distributed.

26. Exemptions for Certain Issues of Guaranteed Securities

Definitions and interpretation

26.1 In this item

(a) the impact of subsidiaries, on a combined basis, on the financial statements of the parent entity is "minor" if each item of the summary financial information of the subsidiaries, on a combined basis, represents less than three percent of the total consolidated amounts,

(b) a parent entity has "limited independent operations" if each item of its summary financial information represents less than three percent of the total consolidated amounts,

(c) a subsidiary is a "finance subsidiary" if it has minimal assets, operations, revenues or cash flows other than those related to the issuance, administration and repayment of the security being distributed and any other securities guaranteed by its parent entity,

(d) "parent credit supporter" means a credit supporter of which the issuer is a subsidiary,

(e) "parent entity" means a parent credit supporter for the purposes of sections 26.2 and 26.3 and an issuer for the purpose of section 26.4,

(f) "subsidiary credit supporter" means a credit supporter that is a subsidiary of the parent credit supporter, and

(g) "summary financial information" includes the following line items:

(i) sales or revenues,

(ii) income from continuing operations,

(iii) net earnings or loss, and

(iv) unless the accounting principles used to prepare the financial statements of the entity permits the preparation of the entity's balance sheet without classifying assets and liabilities between current and non-current and the entity provides alternative meaningful financial information which is more appropriate to the industry,

(A) current assets,

(B) non-current assets,

(C) current liabilities, and

(D) non-current liabilities.

26.2 For the purposes of this Item, consolidating summary financial information must be prepared on the following basis

(a) an entity's annual or interim summary financial information must be derived from the entity's financial information underlying the corresponding consolidated financial statements of the parent entity included in the Listing Statement,

(b) the parent entity column must account for investments in all subsidiaries under the equity method, and

(c) all subsidiary entity columns must account for investments in non-credit supporter subsidiaries under the equity method.

Issuer is wholly-owned subsidiary of parent credit supporter

26.3 An issuer is not required to include the issuer disclosure required by Items 2, 3, 5, 16, 18, 20 and 24 if

(a) a parent credit supporter has provided full and unconditional credit support for the securities being distributed,

(b) the securities being distributed are non-convertible debt securities, non-convertible preferred shares, or convertible debt securities or convertible preferred shares that are convertible, in each case, into non-convertible securities of the parent credit supporter,

(c) the parent credit supporter is the beneficial owner of all the issued and outstanding voting securities of the issuer,

(d) no other subsidiary of the parent credit supporter has provided a guarantee or alternative credit support for all or substantially all of the payments to be made under the securities being distributed, and

(e) the issuer includes in the Listing Statement

(i) a statement that the financial results of the issuer are included in the consolidated financial results of the parent credit supporter, if

(A) the issuer is a finance subsidiary, and

(B) the impact of any subsidiaries of the parent credit supporter on a combined basis, excluding the issuer, on the consolidated financial statements of the parent credit supporter is minor, or

(ii) for the periods covered by the parent credit supporter's interim and annual consolidated financial statements included in the Listing Statement under Item 33, consolidating summary financial information for the parent credit supporter presented with a separate column for each of the following

(A) the parent credit supporter;

(B) the issuer;

(C) any other subsidiaries of the parent credit supporter on a combined basis;

(D) consolidating adjustments;

(E) the total consolidated amounts.

Issuer is wholly-owned subsidiary of, and one or more subsidiary credit supporters controlled by, parent credit supporter

26.4 An issuer is not required to include the issuer disclosure required by Items 2, 3, 5, 16, 18, 20 and 24, or the credit supporter disclosure of one or more subsidiary credit supporters required by Item 25, if

(a) a parent credit supporter and one or more subsidiary credit supporters have each provided full and unconditional credit support for the securities being distributed,

(b) the guarantees or alternative credit supports are joint and several,

(c) the securities being distributed are non-convertible debt securities, non-convertible preferred shares, or convertible debt securities or convertible preferred shares that are convertible, in each case, into non-convertible securities of the parent credit supporter,

(d) the parent credit supporter is the beneficial owner of all the issued and outstanding voting securities of the issuer,

(e) the parent credit supporter controls each subsidiary credit supporter and the parent credit support has consolidated the financial statements of each subsidiary credit supporter into the parent credit supporter's financial statements that are included in the Listing Statement, and

(f) the issuer includes in the Listing Statement, for the periods covered by the parent credit supporter's financial statements included in the Listing Statement under Item 33, consolidating summary financial information for the parent credit supporter presented with a separate column for each of the following:

(i) the parent credit supporter;

(ii) the issuer;

(iii) each subsidiary credit supporter on a combined basis;

(iv) any other subsidiaries of the parent credit supporter on a combined basis;

(v) consolidating adjustments;

(vi) the total consolidated amounts.

26.5 Despite Item 26.3(f), the information set out in a column in accordance with

(a) Item 26.3(f)(iv) may be combined with the information set out in accordance with any of the other columns in Item 26.3(f) if the impact of any subsidiaries of the parent credit supporter on a combined basis, excluding the issuer and all subsidiary credit supporters, on the consolidated financial statements of the parent credit supporter is minor, and

(b) Item 26.3(f)(ii), may be combined with the information set out in accordance with any of the other columns in Item 26.3(f) if the issuer is a finance subsidiary.

One or more credit supporters controlled by issuer

26.6 An issuer is not required to include the credit supporter disclosure for one or more credit supporters required by Item 25, if

(a) one or more credit supporters have each provided full and unconditional credit support for the securities being distributed,

(b) there is more than one credit supporter, the guarantee or alternative credit supports are joint and several,

(c) the securities being distributed are non-convertible debt securities, non-convertible preferred shares, or convertible debt securities or convertible preferred shares that are convertible, in each case, into non-convertible securities of the issuer,

(d) the issuer controls each credit supporter and the issuer has consolidated the financial statements of each credit supporter into the issuer's financial statements that are included in the Listing Statement, and

(e) the issuer includes in the Listing Statement

(i) a statement that the financial results of the credit supporter(s) are included in the consolidated financial results of the issuer, if

(A) the issuer has limited independent operations, and

(B) the impact of any subsidiaries of the issuer on a combined basis, excluding the credit supporter(s) but including any subsidiaries of the credit supporter(s) that are not themselves credit supporters, on the consolidated financial statements of the issuer is minor, or

(ii) for the periods covered by the issuer's financial statements included in the Listing Statement under Item 32, consolidating summary financial information for the issuer, presented with a separate column for each of the following:

(A) the issuer,

(B) the credit supporters on a combined basis,

(C) any other subsidiaries of the issuer on a combined basis,

(D) consolidating adjustments,

(E) the total consolidated amounts.

27. Significant Acquisitions

Application and definitions

27.1 This Item does not apply to a completed or proposed transaction by the issuer that was or will be accounted for as a reverse takeover or a transaction that is a proposed reverse takeover that has progressed to a state where a reasonable person would believe that the likelihood of the reverse takeover being completed is high.

27.2 The audit requirement in section 4.2 of National Instrument 41-101 does not apply to any financial statements or other information included in the Listing Statement under this Item, other than the financial statements or other information for the most recently completed financial year of a business or related businesses acquired, or proposed to be acquired, by the issuer.

27.3 In this Item, "significant acquisition" means an acquisition of a business or related businesses that,

(a) if the issuer was a reporting issuer in at least one jurisdiction on the date of the acquisition, is determined to be a significant acquisition under section 8.3 of National Instrument 51-102, or

(b) if the issuer was not a reporting issuer in any jurisdiction on the date of the acquisition, would be determined to be a significant acquisition under section 8.3 of National Instrument 51-102, as if

(i) the issuer was a reporting issuer on the date of the acquisition,

(ii) the references to a "venture issuer" were read as an "IPO venture issuer" if the issuer is an IPO venture issuer,

(iii) for the purposes of the optional tests, the issuer used its financial statements for the most recently completed interim period or financial year that is included in the Listing Statement,

(iv) for the purposes of the optional income test, the most recently completed financial year of the business or related businesses were the financial year of the business ended before the date of the Listing Statement, and the 12 months ended on the last day of the most recently completed interim period of the business or related businesses were the 12 months ended on the last day of the most recently completed interim period before the date of the Listing Statement,

(v) subsection 8.3(11.1) of National Instrument 51-102 did not apply,

(vi) references to "annual audited statements filed" meant "audited annual financial statements included in the long form Listing Statement," and

(vii) in subsection 8.3(15) of National Instrument 51-102, the reference to "been required to file, and has not filed," meant "been required to include, and has not included, in the long form Listing Statement."

Completed acquisitions for which issuer has filed business acquisition report

27.4 If an issuer completed an acquisition of a business or related businesses since the beginning of its most recently completed financial year for which financial statements are included in the Listing Statement, and it has filed a business acquisition report under Part 8 of National Instrument 51-102 for the acquisition, include all of the disclosure included in, or incorporated by reference into, that business acquisition report.

Completed acquisitions for which issuer has not filed business acquisition report because issuer was not reporting issuer on date of acquisition

27.5 An issuer must include the disclosure required under subsection (2), if

(a) the issuer completed an acquisition of a business or related businesses since the beginning of the issuer's most recently completed financial year for which financial statements of the issuer are included in the Listing Statement,

(b) the issuer was not a reporting issuer in any jurisdiction on the date of the acquisition,

(c) the acquisition is a significant acquisition, and

(d) the acquisition was completed more than

(i) 90 days before the date of the Listing Statement, if the financial year of the acquired business ended 45 days or less before the acquisition, or

(ii) 75 days before the date of the Listing Statement.

27.6 For an acquisition to which subsection (1) applies, include all the disclosure that would be required to be included in, or incorporated by reference into, a business acquisition report filed under Part 8 of National Instrument 51-102, as if

(a) the issuer was a reporting issuer in at least one jurisdiction on the date of the acquisition,

(b) the business acquisition report was filed as at the date of the Listing Statement,

(c) the issuer was a venture issuer at the date of the acquisition, if the issuer is an IPO venture issuer,

(d) subsections 8.4(4) and 8.4(6) of National Instrument 51-102 did not apply, and

(e) references to financial statements filed or required to be filed meant financial statements included in the Listing Statement.

Results consolidated in financial statements of issuer

27.7 Despite section 35.2 and subsection 35.3(1), an issuer may omit the financial statements or other information of a business required to be included in the Listing Statement, if at least nine months of the acquired business or related businesses operations have been reflected in the issuer's most recent audited financial statements included in the Listing Statement.

Recently completed acquisitions

27.8 Include the information required under subsection (2) for any significant acquisition completed by the issuer

(a) since the beginning of the issuer's most recently completed financial year for which financial statements of the issuer are included in the Listing Statement, and

(b) for which the issuer has not included any disclosure under section 35.2 or subsection 35.3(2).

27.9 For a significant acquisition to which subsection (1) applies, include the following

(a) the information required by sections 2.1 through 2.6 of National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F4, and

(b) the financial statements of or other information about the acquisition under subsection (3) for the acquired business or related businesses, if

(i) the issuer was not a reporting issuer in any jurisdiction immediately before filing the Listing Statement, or

(ii) the issuer was a reporting issuer in at least one jurisdiction immediately before filing the Listing Statement, and the inclusion of the financial statements or other information is necessary for the Listing Statement to contain full, true and plain disclosure of all material facts relating to the securities to be distributed.

27.10 The requirement to include financial statements or other information under paragraph (2)(b) must be satisfied by including

(a) if the issuer was a reporting issuer in at least one jurisdiction on the date of acquisition, the financial statements or other information that will be required to be included in, or incorporated by reference into, a business acquisition report filed under Part 8 of National Instrument 51-102,

(b) if the issuer was not a reporting issuer in any jurisdiction on the date of acquisition, the financial statements or other information that would be required by subsection 35.3(2), or

(c) satisfactory alternative financial statements or other information.

Probable acquisitions

27.11 Include the information required under subsection (2) for any proposed acquisition of a business or related businesses by an issuer that has progressed to a state where a reasonable person would believe that the likelihood of the issuer completing the acquisition is high, and that, if completed by the issuer at the date of the Listing Statement, would be a significant acquisition.

27.12 For a proposed acquisition of a business or related businesses by the issuer that has progressed to a state where a reasonable person would believe that the likelihood of the issuer completing the acquisition is high and to which subsection (1) applies, include

(a) the information required by sections 2.1 through 2.6 of National Instrument 51-102 Form 51-102F4, modified as necessary to convey that the acquisition has not been completed, and

(b) the financial statements or other information of the probable acquisition under subsection (3) for the acquired business or related businesses, if

(i) the issuer was not a reporting issuer in any jurisdiction immediately before filing the Listing Statement, or

(ii) the issuer was a reporting issuer in at least one jurisdiction immediately before filing the Listing Statement, and the inclusion of the financial statements or other information is necessary for the Listing Statement to contain full, true and plain disclosure of all material facts relating to the securities to be distributed.

27.13 For a proposed acquisition of a business or related businesses by the issuer that has progressed to a state where a reasonable person would believe that the likelihood of the issuer completing the acquisition is high and to which subsection (2) applies, the requirement to include financial statements or other information under subsection (2)(b) must be satisfied by including

(a) if the issuer was a reporting issuer in at least one jurisdiction immediately before filing the Listing Statement, the financial statements or other information that would be required to be included in, or incorporated by reference into, a business acquisition report filed under Part 8 of National Instrument 51-102, as if the date of the acquisition were the date of the Listing Statement,

(b) if the issuer was not a reporting issuer in any jurisdiction immediately before filing the Listing Statement, the financial statements or other information that would be required to be included by subsection 35.3(2), as if the acquisition had been completed before the filing of the Listing Statement and the date of the acquisition were the date of the Listing Statement, or

(c) satisfactory alternative financial statements or other information.

Pro forma financial statements for multiple acquisitions

27.14 Despite sections 35.2, 35.3, 35.5 and 35.6, an issuer is not required to include in its Listing Statement the pro forma financial statements otherwise required for each acquisition, if the issuer includes in its Listing Statement one set of pro forma financial statements that

(a) reflects the results of each acquisition since the beginning of the issuer's most recently completed financial year for which financial statements of the issuer are included in the Listing Statement,

(b) is prepared as if each acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the most recently completed financial year of the issuer for which financial statements of the issuer are included in the Listing Statement, and

(c) is prepared in accordance with

(i) if no disclosure is otherwise required for a probable acquisition under section 35.6, the section in this Item that applies to the most recently completed acquisition, or

(ii) section 35.6.

Additional financial statements or financial information of business filed or released

27.15 An issuer must include in its Listing Statement annual and interim financial statements of a business or related businesses for a financial period that ended before the date of the acquisition and is more recent than the periods for which financial statements are required under section 35.5 or 35.6 if, before the Listing Statement is filed, the financial statements of the business for the more recent period have been filed.

27.16 If, before the Listing Statement is filed, historical financial information of a business or related businesses for a period more recent than the period for which financial statements are required under section 35.5 or 35.6, is publicly disseminated by news release or otherwise by or on behalf of the issuer, the issuer shall include in the Listing Statement the content of the news release or public communication.

 

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned solemnly declare that:

1. Each of the undersigned is an officer or director of the issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. This Listing Statement contains full, true and plain disclosure of all material information relating to [full legal name of issuer] and contains no untrue statement of a material fact and does not omit to state a material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to prevent a statement that is made from being false or misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made; and

3. They are making this solemn declaration believing it to be true and knowing it is of the same force and effect as if made under the Canada Evidence Act.

Dated at __________________ this ___ day of __________, 20__.

_______________

_______________

Signature of CEO

Name

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

 

_______________

_______________

Signature of CFO

Name

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

 

_______________

_______________

Signature of Director

Name

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

_______________

_______________

Signature of Director

Name

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

_______________

_______________

Signature of Promoter (if applicable)

Name

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

 

FORM 2A

LISTING STATEMENT FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE ISSUERS

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

(1) An issuer doing an initial public offering may file the preliminary and final prospectus for Investment Funds in lieu of this Listing Statement.

(2) In determining the degree of detail required, a standard of materiality must be applied. Materiality is a matter of judgment in the particular circumstance, and is determined in relation to an item's significance to investors, analysts and other users of the information. An item of information, or an aggregate of items, is considered material if it is probable that its omission or misstatement would influence or change an investment decision with respect to the issuer's securities. In determining whether information is material, take into account both quantitative and qualitative factors. The potential significance of items must be considered individually rather than on a net basis, if the items have an offsetting effect. This concept of materiality is consistent with the financial reporting notion of materiality contained in the Handbook.

(3) The disclosure must be understandable to readers and presented in an easy-to-read format. If technical terms are required, clear and concise explanations should be included.

(4) No reference need be made to inapplicable items and, unless otherwise required in this form, negative answers to items may be omitted.

(5) The term "issuer" includes the applicant issuer and any of its subsidiaries.

(6) A special purpose issuer may have to modify the disclosure items to reflect the special purpose nature of its business.

(7) If an issuer discloses financial information in a Listing Statement or Listing Statement in a currency other than the Canadian dollar, prominently disclose the currency in which the financial information is disclosed.

(8) For issuers applying for approval following a backdoor listing, provide current and historic information for

(i) the issuer;

(ii) all other companies or businesses involved in the backdoor listing (the "target"), and

(iii) the entity that will result from the backdoor listing.

Information in the issuer's most recent Listing Statement may be incorporated by reference, but this statement must indicate if any of that information has changed or is no longer relevant. Information concerning assets or lines of business that will not be part of the new entity's business should not be disclosed.

1. Table of Contents

Include a table of contents

2. Overview of the Structure of the Investment Fund

2.1 Legal Structure

(1) Under the heading "Overview of the Legal Structure of the Fund", state the full corporate name of the investment fund or, if the investment fund is an unincorporated entity, the full name under which it exists and carries on business and the address(es) of the investment fund's head and registered office.

(2) State the statute under which the investment fund is incorporated or continued or organized or, if the investment fund is an unincorporated entity, the laws of the jurisdiction or foreign jurisdiction under which the investment fund is established and exists. Describe the substance of any material amendments to the articles or other constating or establishing documents of the investment fund.

(3) State whether the investment fund would be considered a mutual fund under securities legislation.

3. Investment Objectives

3.1 Investment Objectives

(1) Set out under the heading "Investment Objectives" the fundamental investment objectives of the investment fund, including information that describes the fundamental nature of the investment fund, or the fundamental features of the investment fund, that distinguish it from other investment funds.

(2) If the investment fund purports to arrange a guarantee or insurance in order to protect all or some of the principal amount of an investment in the investment fund, include this fact as a fundamental investment objective of the investment fund and

(a) identify the person or company providing the guarantee or insurance,

(b) provide the material terms of the guarantee or insurance, including the maturity date of the guarantee or insurance,

(c) if applicable, state that the guarantee or insurance does not apply to the amount of any redemptions before the maturity date of the guarantee or before the death of the securityholder and that redemptions before that date would be based on the net asset value of the investment fund at the time, and

(d) modify any other disclosure required by this section appropriately.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) State the type or types of securities, such as money market instruments, bonds or equity securities, in which the investment fund will primarily invest under normal market conditions.

(2) If the investment fund primarily invests, or intends to primarily invest, or if its name implies that it will primarily invest

(a) in a particular type of issuer, such as foreign issuers, small capitalization issuers or issuers located in emerging market countries,

(b) in a particular geographic location or industry segment, or

(c) in portfolio assets other than securities,

the investment fund's fundamental investment objectives must so indicate.

(3) If a particular investment strategy is an essential aspect of the investment fund, as evidenced by the name of the investment fund or the manner in which the investment fund is marketed, disclose this strategy as an investment objective. This instruction would be applicable, for example, to an investment fund that described itself as an "investment fund that invests primarily through the use of derivatives."

4. Investment Strategies

4.1 Investment Strategies

(1) Describe under the heading "Investment Strategies"

(a) the principal investment strategies that the investment fund intends to use in achieving its investment objectives,

(b) the use of leverage, including any restrictions and the maximum amount of leverage the fund can use, expressed as a ratio as follows: (total long positions including leveraged positions plus total short positions) divided by the net assets of the investment fund, and

(c) the process by which the investment fund's portfolio adviser selects securities for the fund's portfolio, including any investment approach, philosophy, practices or techniques used by the portfolio adviser or any particular style of portfolio management that the portfolio adviser intends to follow.

(2) Indicate what types of securities, other than those held by the investment fund in accordance with its fundamental investment objectives, may form part of the investment fund's portfolio assets under normal market conditions.

(3) If the investment fund intends to use derivatives

(a) for hedging purposes only, state that the investment fund may use derivatives for hedging purposes only, or

(b) for non-hedging purposes, or for hedging and non-hedging purposes, briefly describe

(i) how derivatives are or will be used in conjunction with other securities to achieve the investment fund's investment objectives,

(ii) the types of derivatives expected to be used and give a brief description of the nature of each type, and

(iii) the limits of the investment fund's use of derivatives.

(4) If the investment fund may depart temporarily from its fundamental investment objectives as a result of adverse market, economic, political or other considerations, disclose any temporary defensive tactics the investment fund's portfolio adviser may use or intends to use in response to such conditions.

(5) If the investment fund intends to enter into securities lending, repurchase or reverse repurchase transactions, briefly describe

(a) how those transactions are or will be entered into in conjunction with other strategies and investments of the investment fund to achieve the investment fund's investment objectives,

(b) the types of those transactions to be entered into and give a brief description of the nature of each type, and

(c) the limits of the investment fund's entering into those transactions.

4.2 Overview of the Investment Structure

(1) Under the sub-heading, "Overview of the Investment Structure", describe, including a diagram for complex structures, the overall structure of the underlying investment or investments made or to be made by the investment fund, including any direct or indirect investment exposure. Include in the description and the diagram any counterparties under a forward or swap agreement entered into with the investment fund or its manager, the nature of the portfolio of securities being purchased by the investment fund, any indirect investment exposure that is related to the return of the investment fund and any collateral or guarantees given as part of the overall structure of the underlying investment or investments made by the investment fund.

5. Overview of the Sector(s) that the Fund Invests in

5.1 Sector(s) that the Fund Invests in

(1) Under the heading "Overview of the Sector(s) that the Fund Invests in", if the investment fund invests or intends to invest in a specific sector(s), briefly describe the sector(s) that the investment fund has been or will be investing in.

(2) Include in the description known material trends, events or uncertainties in the sector(s) that the investment fund invests or intends to invest in that might reasonably be expected to affect the investment fund.

5.2 Significant Holdings in Other Entities

(1) For a labour sponsored or venture capital fund, include in substantially the tabular form below, the following information as at a date within 30 days of the date of the Listing Statement with respect to each entity, 5 percent or more of whose securities of any class are beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the fund.

Significant Holdings of the [name of the labour sponsored or venture capital fund]

Name and Address of Entity
Nature of Entities' Principal Business
Percentage of Securities of each Class Owned by Fund
____________________
____________________
____________________

6. Investment Restrictions

6.1 Investment Restrictions

(1) Under the heading "Investment Restrictions", describe any restrictions on investments adopted by the investment fund, beyond what is required under securities legislation.

(2) If the investment fund has received the approval of the securities regulatory authorities to vary any of the investment restrictions and practices contained in securities legislation, provide details of the permitted variations.

(3) Describe the nature of any securityholder or other approval that may be required in order to change the fundamental investment objectives and any of the material investment strategies to be used to achieve the investment objectives.

(4) Describe the nature of any approval of the independent review committee to vary any of the investment restrictions and practices.

7. Management Discussion of Fund Performance

7.1 Management Discussion of Fund Performance

(1) Provide, under the heading "Management Discussion of Fund Performance", management's discussion of fund performance in accordance with sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Part B of Form 81-106F1 for the period covered by the financial statements required under Item 38.

8. Fees and Expenses

8.1 Fees and Expenses

(1) Under the heading "Fees and Expenses", set out information about all of the fees and expenses payable by the investment fund and by investors in the investment fund.

(2) The information required by this section must be a summary of the fees, charges and expenses of the investment fund and investors presented in the form of the following table, appropriately completed, and introduced using substantially the following words:

"This table lists the fees and expenses that you may have to pay if you invest in the [insert the name of the investment fund]. You may have to pay some of these fees and expenses directly. The Fund may have to pay some of these fees and expenses, which will therefore reduce the value of your investment in the Fund.

Fees and Expenses Payable by the Fund [for scholarship plans, Fees and Expenses payable by Subscribers' Deposits]

______________________________

________________________

Type of Fee

   Amount and Description

 

Fees and Expenses Payable Directly by You

 

______________________________

________________________

Type of Fee

   Amount and Description

(3) Describe the following fees and expenses in the table referred to in subsection (2):

Fees and Expenses Payable by the Fund or by Subscribers' Deposits (for scholarship plans)

(a) Expenses of the Issue

(b) Management Fees [See Instruction (1)]

(c) Incentive or Performance Fees

(d) Portfolio Adviser Fees

(e) Counterparty Fees (if any)

(f) Operating Expenses [See Instructions (2) and (3)]

(g) Other Fees and Expenses [specify type] [specify amount]

Fees and Expenses Payable Directly by You

(a) Sales Charges [specify percentage, as a percentage of _____]

(b) Service Fees [specify percentage, as a percentage of _____]

(c) Redemption Fees [specify percentage, as a percentage of _____ , or specify amount]

(d) Registered Tax Plan Fees [include this disclosure and specify the type of fees if the registered tax plan is sponsored by the investment fund and is described in the Listing Statement][specify amount]

(m) Other Fees and Expenses [specify type] [specify amount].

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) List the amount of the management fee, including any performance or incentive fee, for each investment fund separately.

(2) Under "Operating Expenses", state whether the investment fund pays all of its operating expenses and lists the main components of those expenses. If the investment fund pays only certain operating expenses and is not responsible for payment of all such expenses, adjust the statement in the table to reflect the proper contractual responsibility of the investment fund and indicate who is responsible for the payment of these expenses.

(3) Show all fees or expenses payable by the investment fund (e.g. brokerage) and investors in the investment fund. The description of fees must also include sales and trailing commissions paid either by the investment fund or the investor.

(4) Describe each fee paid by the investment fund and by the investor in this section separately. The description of fees must also include sales and trailing commissions paid either by the investment fund or the investor.

9. Annual Returns and Management Expense Ratio

9.1 Annual Returns and Management Expense Ratio

(1) Under the sub-heading "Annual Returns and Management Expense Ratio", provide, in the following table, returns for each of the past five years and the management expense ratio for each of the past five years as disclosed in the most recently filed annual management report of fund performance of the investment fund:

 
[specify year]
[specify year]
[specify year]
[specify year]
Annual Returns
__________
_________
__________
__________
 
MER
__________
_________
__________
__________

"MER" means management expense ratio.

10. Risk Factors

10.1 Risk Factors

(1) Under the heading "Risk Factors", describe the risk factors material to the investment fund that a reasonable investor would consider relevant to an investment in the fund's securities, such as the risks associated with any particular aspect of the fundamental investment objectives and investment strategies.

(2) Include a discussion of general market, political, market sector, liquidity, interest rate, foreign currency, diversification, leverage, credit, legal and operational risks, as appropriate.

(3) Include a brief discussion of general investment risks applicable to the investment fund, such as specific company developments, stock market conditions and general economic and financial conditions in those countries where the investments of the investment fund are listed for trading.

(4) If derivatives are to be used by the investment fund for non-hedging purposes, describe the risks associated with any use or intended use by the investment fund of derivatives.

(5) If there is a risk that purchasers of the securities distributed may become liable to make an additional contribution beyond the price of the security, disclose the risk.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) Describe risks in the order of seriousness from the most serious to the least serious.

(2) A risk factor must not be de-emphasized by including excessive caveats or conditions.

11 Distribution Policy

11.1 Distribution Policy

Under the heading "Distribution Policy", describe the distribution policy, including

(a) whether distributions are made by the investment fund in cash or reinvested in securities of the investment fund,

(b) the targeted amount of any distributions,

(c) whether the distributions are guaranteed or not, and

(d) when the distributions are made.

12. Purchases of Securities

12.1 Purchases of Securities

(1) Under the heading "Purchases of Securities", describe the procedure followed or to be followed by investors who desire to purchase securities of the investment fund or switch them for securities of other investment funds.

(2) If applicable, state that the issue price of securities is based on the net asset value of a security of that class, or series of a class, next determined after the receipt by the investment fund of the purchase order.

(3) Describe how the securities of the investment fund are distributed. If sales are effected through a principal distributor, give brief details of any arrangements with the principal distributor.

(4) Describe all available purchase options and state, if applicable, that the choice of different purchase options requires the investor to pay different fees and expenses and if applicable, that the choice of different purchase options affects the amount of compensation paid to a dealer.

(5) If applicable, disclose that a dealer may make provision in arrangements that it has with an investor that will require the investor to compensate the dealer for any losses suffered by the dealer in connection with a failed settlement of a purchase of securities of the investment fund caused by the investor.

(6) If applicable, for an investment fund that is being sold on a best efforts basis, state whether the issue price will be fixed during the initial distribution period, and state when the investment fund will begin issuing securities at the net asset value of a security of the investment fund.

13. Redemption of Securities

13.1 Redemption of Securities

(1) Under the heading "Redemption of Securities", describe how investors may redeem securities of the investment fund, including

(a) the procedures followed, or to be followed, by an investor who desires to redeem securities of the investment fund and specifying the procedures to be followed and the documents to be delivered before a redemption order pertaining to securities of the investment fund will be accepted by the investment fund for processing and before payment of the proceeds of redemption will be made by the investment fund,

(b) how the redemption price of the securities is determined and, if applicable, state that the redemption price of the securities is based on the net asset value of a security of that class, or series of a class, next determined after the receipt by the investment fund of the redemption order, and

(c) the circumstances under which the investment fund may suspend redemptions of the securities of the investment fund.

13.2 Short-term Trading

(1) For an investment fund in continuous distribution, under the sub-heading "Short-Term Trading"

(a) describe the adverse effects, if any, that short-term trades in securities of the investment fund by an investor may have on other investors in the investment fund,

(b) describe the restrictions, if any, that may be imposed by the investment fund to deter short-term trades, including the circumstances, if any, under which such restrictions may not apply,

(c) where the investment fund does not impose restrictions on short-term trades, state the specific basis for the view of the manager that it is appropriate for the investment fund not to do so, and

(d) describe any arrangements, whether formal or informal, with any person or company, to permit short-term trades in securities of the investment fund, including the name of such person or company and the terms of such arrangements, including any restrictions imposed on the short-term trades and any compensation or other consideration received by the manager, the investment fund or any other party pursuant to such arrangements.

INSTRUCTION

For the disclosure required by section 15.2, include a brief description of the short-term trading activities in the investment fund that are considered by the manager to be inappropriate or excessive. If the manager imposes a short-term trading fee, include a cross-reference to the disclosure provided under Item 10 of this Form.

14. Consolidated Capitalization

14.1 Consolidated Capitalization

(1) This section does not apply to an investment fund in continuous distribution.

(2) Under the heading "Consolidated Capitalization", describe any material change in, and the effect of the material change on, the share and loan capital of the investment fund, on a consolidated basis, since the date of the investment fund's financial statements for its most recently completed financial period included in the Listing Statement, including any material change that will result from any issuance of securities in an ongoing or recently-completed prospectus distribution.

15. Prior Sales

15.1 Prior Sales

(1) This section does not apply to an investment fund in continuous distribution.

(2) Under the heading "Prior Sales", for each class of securities of the investment fund distributed under the Listing Statement and for securities that are convertible into those classes of securities, state, for the 12-month period before the date of the Listing Statement,

(a) the price at which the securities have been issued or are to be issued by the investment fund,

(b) the number of securities issued or sold at that price, and

(c) the date on which the securities were issued or sold.

15.2 Trading Price and Volume

(1) For each class of securities of the investment fund that is traded or quoted on a Canadian marketplace, identify the marketplace and the price ranges and volume traded or quoted on the Canadian marketplace on which the greatest volume of trading or quotation generally occurs.

(2) If a class of securities of the investment fund is not traded or quoted on a Canadian marketplace but is traded or quoted on a foreign marketplace, identify the foreign marketplace and the price ranges and volume traded or quoted on the foreign marketplace on which the greatest volume or quotation generally occurs.

(3) Provide the information required under subsections (1) and (2) on a monthly basis for each month or, if applicable, partial months of the 12-month period before the date of the Listing Statement.

16. Organization and Management Details of the Investment Fund

16.1 Management of the Investment Fund

(1) Under the heading "Organization and Management Details of the Investment Fund" and under the sub-heading "Officers and Directors of the Investment Fund",

(a) list the name and municipality of residence of each director and executive officer of the investment fund and indicate their respective positions and offices held with the investment fund and their respective principal occupations during the five preceding years,

(b) state the period or periods during which each director has served as a director and when his or her term of office will expire,

(c) state the number and percentage of securities of each class of voting securities of the investment fund or any of its subsidiaries beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by all directors and executive officers of the investment fund as a group,

(d) disclose the board committees of the investment fund and identify the members of each committee,

(e) if the principal occupation of a director or executive officer of the investment fund is acting as an executive officer of a person or company other than the investment fund, disclose that fact and state the principal business of the person or company, and

(f) for an investment fund that is a limited partnership, provide the information required by this subsection for the general partner of the investment fund, modified as appropriate.

(2) Under the sub-heading "Cease Trade Orders and Bankruptcies", if a director or executive officer of the investment fund is, as at the date of the Listing Statement or was within 10 years before the date of the Listing Statement a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any other investment fund, that:

(a) was subject to an order that was issued while the director or executive officer was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, or

(b) was subject to an order that was issued after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, state the fact and describe the basis on which the order was made and whether the order is still in effect.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), "order" means

(a) a cease trade order,

(b) an order similar to a cease trade order, or

(c) an order that denied the relevant investment fund access to any exemption under securities legislation,

that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days.

(4) If a director or executive officer of the investment fund

(a) is, as at the date of the Listing Statement or pro forma Listing Statement, as applicable, or has been within the 10 years before the date of the Listing Statement as applicable, a director or executive officer of any investment fund that, while that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets, state the fact, or

(b) has, within the 10 years before the date of the Listing Statement or pro forma Listing Statement, as applicable, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the director or executive officer, state the fact.

(5) Under the heading "Organization and Management Details of the Investment Fund" and under the sub-heading "Manager of the Investment Fund", provide the complete municipal address of the manager and details of the manager of the investment fund, including the history and background of the manager and any overall investment strategy or approach used by the manager in connection with the investment fund.

(6) Under the sub-heading "Duties and Services to be Provided by the Manager", provide a description of the duties and services that the manager will be providing to the investment fund.

(7) Under the sub-heading "Details of the Management Agreement", provide a brief description of the essential details of any management agreement that the manager has entered into or will be entering into with the investment fund, including any termination rights.

(8) Under the sub-heading "Officers and Directors of the Manager of the Investment Fund",

(a) list the name and municipality of residence of each partner, director and executive officer of the manager of the investment fund and indicate their respective positions and offices held with the manager and their respective principal occupations within the five preceding years,

(b) if a partner, director or executive officer of the manager has held more than one office with the manager within the past five years, state only the current office held, and

(c) if the principal occupation of a partner, director or executive officer of the manager is with an organization other than the manager of the investment fund, state the principal business in which the organization is engaged.

(9) Under the sub-heading "Cease Trade Orders and Bankruptcies of the Manager", provide the information required under subsections (2) and (4) for the directors and executive officers of the manager of the investment fund, modified as appropriate.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) The disclosure required by subsections (2) and (4) also applies to any personal holding companies of any of the persons referred to in subsections (2) and (4).

(2) A management cease trade order which applies to directors and executive officers of the investment fund is an "order" for the purposes of paragraph (2)(a) and must be disclosed, whether or not the director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer was named in the order.

(3) For the purposes of this section, a late filing fee, such as a filing fee that applies to the late filing of an insider report, is not a "penalty or sanction".

(4) The disclosure in paragraph (2)(a) only applies if the director or executive officer of the investment fund was a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer when the order was issued against the relevant investment fund. The investment fund does not have to provide disclosure if the director or executive officer became a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer after the order was issued.

16.2 Portfolio Adviser

(1) Under the sub-heading "Portfolio Adviser"

(a) state the municipality and the province or country where the portfolio adviser principally provides its services to the investment fund and give details of the portfolio adviser of the investment fund, including the history and background of the portfolio adviser,

(b) state the extent to which investment decisions are made by certain individuals employed by the portfolio adviser and whether those decisions are subject to the oversight, approval or ratification of a committee, and

(c) state the name, title, and length of time of service of the person or persons employed by or associated with the portfolio adviser of the investment fund who is or are principally responsible for the day-to-day management of a material portion of the portfolio of the investment fund, implementing a particular material strategy or managing a particular segment of the portfolio of the investment fund, and each person's business experience in the last five years.

(2) Under the sub-heading "Details of the Portfolio Advisory Agreement", provide a brief description of the essential details of any portfolio advisory agreement that the portfolio adviser has entered into or will be entering into with the investment fund or the manager of the investment fund, including any termination rights.

16.3 Conflicts of Interest

(1) Under the sub-heading "Conflicts of Interest", disclose particulars of existing or potential material conflicts of interest between

(a) the investment fund and a director or executive officer of the investment fund,

(b) the investment fund and the manager or any director or executive officer of the manager of the investment fund, and

(c) the investment fund and the portfolio adviser or any director or executive officer of the portfolio adviser of the investment fund.

16.4 Independent Review Committee

(1) Under the sub-heading "Independent Review Committee", provide a description of the independent review committee of the investment fund, including

(a) the mandate and responsibilities of the independent review committee,

(b) the composition of the independent review committee (including the names of its members), and the reasons for any change in its composition since the date of the most recently filed annual information form or Listing Statement of the investment fund, as applicable,

(c) that the independent review committee prepares a report at least annually of its activities for securityholders which is available on the [investment fund's/investment fund family's] Internet site at [insert investment fund's Internet site address], or at the securityholder's request at no cost, by contacting the [investment fund/investment fund family] at [investment fund's/investment fund family's email address], and

(d) the amount of fees and expenses payable in connection with the independent review committee by the investment fund, including any amounts payable for committee participation or special assignments, and state whether the investment fund pays all of the fees payable to the independent review committee.

16.5 Trustee

(1) Under the sub-heading "Trustee", provide details of the trustee of the investment fund, including the municipality and the province or country where the trustee principally provides its services to the investment fund.

16.6 Custodian

(1) Under the sub-heading "Custodian", state the name, municipality of the principal or head office, and nature of business of the custodian and any principal sub-custodian of the investment fund.

(2) Describe generally the sub-custodial arrangements of the investment fund.

INSTRUCTION

A "principal sub-custodian" is a sub-custodian to whom custodial authority has been delegated in respect of a material portion or segment of the portfolio assets of the investment fund.

16.7 Auditor

(1) Under the sub-heading "Auditor", state the name and address of the auditor of the investment fund.

16.8 Transfer Agent and Registrar

(1) Under the sub-heading, "Transfer Agent and Registrar", for each class of securities, state the name of the investment fund's transfer agent(s), registrar(s), trustee, or other agent appointed by the investment fund to maintain the securities register and the register of transfers for such securities and indicate the location (by municipalities) of each of the offices of the investment fund or transfer agent, registrar, trustee or other agent where the securities, register and register of transfers are maintained or transfers of securities are recorded.

16.9 Promoters

(1) For a person or company that is, or has been within the two years immediately preceding the date of the Listing Statement, a promoter of the investment fund or of a subsidiary of the investment fund, state under the sub-heading "Promoter"

(a) the person or company's name and municipality and the province or country of residence,

(b) the number and percentage of each class of voting securities and equity securities of the investment fund or any of its subsidiaries beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by the person or company,

(c) the nature and amount of anything of value, including money, property, contracts, options or rights of any kind received or to be received by the promoter directly or indirectly from the investment fund or from a subsidiary of the investment fund, and the nature and amount of any assets, services or other consideration received or to be received by the investment fund or a subsidiary of the investment fund in return, and

(d) for an asset acquired within the two years before the date of the Listing Statement, or to be acquired, by the investment fund or by a subsidiary of the investment fund from a promoter,

(i) the consideration paid or to be paid for the asset and the method by which the consideration has been or will be determined,

(ii) the person or company making the determination referred to in subparagraph (i) and the person or company's relationship with the investment fund, the promoter, or an affiliate of the investment fund or of the promoter, and

(iii) the date that the asset was acquired by the promoter and the cost of the asset to the promoter.

(2) If a promoter referred to in subsection (1) is, as at the date of the Listing Statement or pro forma Listing Statement, as applicable, or was within 10 years before the date of the Listing Statement a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any person or company, that

(a) was subject to an order that was issued while the promoter was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, or

(b) was subject to an order that was issued after the promoter ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while the promoter was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, state the fact and describe the basis on which the order was made and whether the order is still in effect.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), "order" means:

(a) a cease trade order,

(b) an order similar to a cease trade order, or

(c) an order that denied the relevant person or company access to any exemption under securities legislation that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days.

(4) If a promoter referred to in subsection (1)

(a) is, as at the date of the Listing Statement or pro forma Listing Statement, as applicable, or has been within the 10 years before the date of the Listing Statement, a director or executive officer of any person or company that, while the promoter was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets, state the fact, or

(b) has, within the 10 years before the date of the Listing Statement or pro forma Listing Statement, as applicable, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the promoter, state the fact.

(5) Describe the penalties or sanctions imposed and the grounds on which they were imposed or the terms of the settlement agreement and the circumstances that gave rise to the settlement agreement, if a promoter referred to in subsection (1) has been subject to

(a) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to provincial and territorial securities legislation or by a provincial and territorial securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a provincial and territorial securities regulatory authority, or

(b) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would be likely to be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.

(6) Despite subsection (5), no disclosure is required of a settlement agreement entered into before December 31, 2000 unless the disclosure would likely be considered to be important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) The disclosure required by subsections (2), (4) and (5) also applies to any personal holding companies of any of the persons referred to in subsections (2), (4), and (5).

(2) A management cease trade order which applies to a promoter referred to in subsection (1) is an "order" for the purposes of paragraph (2)(a) and must be disclosed, whether or not the director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer was named in the order.

(3) For the purposes of this section, a late filing fee, such as a filing fee that applies to the late filing of an insider report, is not a "penalty or sanction".

(4) The disclosure in paragraph (2)(a) only applies if the promoter was a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer when the order was issued against the person or company. The investment fund does not have to provide disclosure if the promoter became a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer after the order was issued.

17. Calculation of Net Asset Value

17.1 Calculation of Net Asset Value

(1) Under the heading "Calculation of Net Asset Value",

(a) describe how the net asset value of the investment fund is calculated, and

(b) state the frequency at which the net asset value is calculated and the date and time of day at which it is calculated.

17.2 Valuation Policies and Procedures

(1) Under the sub-heading "Valuation Policies and Procedures of the Investment Fund",

(a) describe the methods used to value the various types or classes of assets of the investment fund and its liabilities for the purpose of calculating net asset value,

(b) If the valuation principles and practices established by the manager differ from Canadian GAAP, describe the differences, and

(c) if the manager has discretion to deviate from the investment fund's valuation practices described in paragraph (a), disclose when and to what extent that discretion may be exercised and, if it has been exercised in the past three years, provide an example of how it has been exercised or, if it has not been exercised in the past three years, so state.

17.3 Reporting of Net Asset Value

(1) Under the sub-heading "Reporting of Net Asset Value", describe

(a) how the net asset value of the investment fund will be made available at no cost (e.g. website, toll-free telephone line, etc.), and

(b) the frequency at which the net asset value is disclosed.

18. Description of the Securities Distributed

Equity Securities

(1) State the description of the securities or class a series of securities of the investment fund are being distributed, under the heading "Attributes of the Securities" and under the sub-heading "Description of the Securities Distributed" state the description or the designation of the class of equity securities distributed and describe all material attributes and characteristics, including

(a) dividend or distribution rights,

(b) voting rights,

(c) rights upon dissolution, termination or winding-up,

(d) pre-emptive rights,

(e) conversion or exchange rights,

(f) redemption, retraction, purchase for cancellation or surrender provisions,

(g) sinking or purchase fund provisions,

(h) provisions permitting or restricting the issuance of additional securities and any other material restrictions, and

(i) provisions requiring a securityholder to contribute additional capital.

18.1 Debt Securities

(1) If debt securities are being distributed, under the heading "Attributes of the Securities" and under the sub-heading "Description of the Securities Distributed", describe all material attributes and characteristics of the indebtedness and the security, if any, for the debt, including

(a) provisions for interest rate, maturity and premium, if any,

(b) conversion or exchange rights,

(c) redemption, retraction, purchase for cancellation or surrender provisions,

(d) sinking or purchase fund provisions,

(e) the nature and priority of any security for the debt securities, briefly identifying the principal properties subject to lien or charge,

(f) provisions permitting or restricting the issuance of additional securities, the incurring of additional indebtedness and other material negative covenants, including restrictions against payment of dividends and restrictions against giving security on the assets of the investment fund or its subsidiaries, and provisions as to the release or substitution of assets securing the debt securities,

(g) the name of the trustee under any indenture relating to the debt securities and the nature of any material relationship between the trustee or any of its affiliates and the investment fund or any of its affiliates, and

(h) any financial arrangements between the investment fund and any of its affiliates or among its affiliates that could affect the security for the indebtedness.

18.2 Derivatives

(1) If derivatives are being distributed, under the heading "Attributes of the Securities" and under the sub-heading "Description of the Securities Distributed", describe fully the material attributes and characteristics of the derivatives, including

(a) the calculation of the value or payment obligations under the derivatives,

(b) the exercise of the derivatives,

(c) settlements that are the result of the exercise of the derivatives,

(d) the underlying interest of the derivatives,

(e) the role of a calculation expert in connection with the derivatives,

(f) the role of any credit supporter of the derivatives, and

(g) the risk factors associated with the derivatives.

18.3 Other Securities

(1) If securities other than the securities mentioned above are being distributed, under the heading "Attributes of the Securities" and under the sub-heading "Description of the Securities Distributed", describe fully the material attributes and characteristics of those securities.

18.4 Restricted Securities

(1) If the investment fund has outstanding, or proposes to distribute restricted securities, subject securities or securities that are, directly or indirectly, convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for restricted securities or subject securities, provide a detailed description of

(a) the voting rights attached to the restricted securities that are the subject of the distribution or that will result from the distribution, either directly or following a conversion, exchange or exercise, and the voting rights, if any, attached to the securities of any other class of securities of the investment fund that are the same as or greater than, on a per security basis, those attached to the restricted securities,

(b) any significant provisions under applicable corporate and securities law that do not apply to the holders of the restricted securities that are the subject of the distribution or that will result from the distribution, either directly or following a conversion, exchange or exercise, but do apply to the holders of another class of equity securities, and the extent of any rights provided in the constating documents or otherwise for the protection of holders of the restricted securities,

(c) any rights under applicable corporate law, in the constating documents or otherwise, of holders of restricted securities that are the subject of the distribution or that will result from the distribution, either directly or following a conversion, exchange or exercise, to attend, in person or by proxy, meetings of holders of equity securities of the investment fund and to speak at the meetings to the same extent that holders of equity securities are entitled, and

(d) how the investment fund complied with, or the basis upon which it was exempt from, the requirements of Part 12 of the Instrument.

(2) If holders of restricted securities do not have all of the rights referred to in subsection.

(3) The detailed description referred to in that subsection must include, in boldface type, a statement of the rights the holders do not have.

(4) If the investment fund is required to include the disclosure referred to in subsection.

(5), state the percentage of the aggregate voting rights attached to the investment fund's securities that will be represented by restricted securities after effect has been given to the issuance of the securities being offered.

18.5 Modification of Terms

(1) Describe provisions about the modification, amendment or variation of any rights attached to the issuer's listed securities.

(2) If the rights of holders of securities may be modified otherwise than in accordance with the provisions attached to the securities or the provisions of the governing statute relating to the securities, explain briefly.

18.6 Ratings

(1) If the investment fund has asked for and received a stability rating, or if the investment fund is aware that it has received any other kind of rating, including provisional rating, from one or more approved rating organizations for the securities being distributed and the rating or ratings continue in effect, disclose

(a) each security rating, including a provisional rating or stability rating, received from an approved rating organization,

(b) the name of each approved rating organization that has assigned a rating for the securities to be distributed,

(c) a definition or description of the category in which each approved rating organization rated the securities to be distributed and the relative rank of each rating within the organization's overall classification system,

(d) an explanation of what the rating addresses and what attributes, if any, of the securities to be distributed are not addressed by the rating,

(e) any factors or considerations identified by the approved rating organization as giving rise to unusual risks associated with the securities to be distributed,

(f) a statement that a security rating or a stability rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating organization, and

(g) any announcement made by, or any proposed announcement known to the investment fund that is to be made by, an approved rating organization to the effect that the organization is reviewing or intends to revise or withdraw a rating previously assigned and required to be disclosed under this section.

18.7 Other Attributes

(1) If the rights attaching to the securities being distributed are materially limited or qualified by the rights of any other class of securities, or if any other class of securities ranks ahead of or equally with the securities being distributed, include information about the other securities that will enable investors to understand the rights attaching to the securities being distributed.

(2) If securities of the class being distributed may be partially redeemed or repurchased, state the manner of selecting the securities to be redeemed or repurchased.

INSTRUCTION

This section requires only a brief summary of the provisions that are material from an investment standpoint. The provisions attaching to the securities being distributed or any other class of securities do not need to be set out in full. They may, in the investment fund's discretion, be attached as a schedule to the Listing Statement.

19. Securityholder Matters

19.1 Meetings of Securityholders

(1) Under the heading "Securityholder Matters" and under the sub-heading "Meetings of Securityholders", describe the circumstances, processes and procedures for holding any securityholder meeting and for any extraordinary resolution.

19.2 Matters Requiring Securityholder Approval

(1) Under the sub-heading "Matters Requiring Securityholder Approval", describe the matters that require securityholder approval.

19.3 Amendments to Declaration of Trust

(1) For an investment fund established pursuant to a declaration of trust, under the sub-heading "Amendments to the Declaration of Trust", describe the circumstances, processes and procedures required to amend the declaration of trust.

19.4 Reporting to Securityholders

(1) Under the sub-heading "Reporting to Securityholders" describe the information or reports that will be delivered or made available to securityholders and the frequency with which such information or reports will be delivered or made available to securityholders, including any requirements under securities legislation.

20. Termination of the Fund

20.1 Termination of the Fund

(1) Under the heading "Termination of the Fund", describe the circumstances in which the investment fund will be terminated, including:

(a) the date of termination,

(b) how the value of the securities of the investment fund at termination will be determined,

(c) whether securityholders will receive cash or any other type of payment upon termination,

(d) the details of any rollover transaction, if securityholders will receive securities of another investment fund as part of a rollover transaction upon termination,

(e) how the assets of the investment fund will be distributed upon termination, and

(f) if the investment fund is a commodity pool, disclose whether the investment fund will be wound up without the approval of securityholders if the net asset value per security falls below a certain predetermined level, and, if so, the net asset value per security at which this will occur.

21. Options to Purchase Securities

21.1 Options to Purchase Securities

(1) Under the heading "Options to Purchase Securities", state, in tabular form, as at a specified date within 30 days before the date of the Listing Statement or pro forma Listing Statement, information about options to purchase securities of the investment fund, or a subsidiary of the investment fund, that are held or will be held upon completion of the distribution by

(a) all executive officers and past executive officers of the investment fund, as a group, and all directors and past directors of the investment fund who are not also executive officers, as a group, indicating the aggregate number of executive officers and the aggregate number of directors to whom the information applies,

(b) all executive officers and past executive officers of all subsidiaries of the investment fund, as a group, and all directors and past directors of those subsidiaries who are not also executive officers of the subsidiary, as a group, excluding, in each case, individuals referred to in paragraph (a), indicating the aggregate number of executive officers and the aggregate number of directors to whom the information applies,

(c) all other employees and past employees of the investment fund as a group,

(d) all other employees and past employees of subsidiaries of the investment fund as a group,

(e) all consultants of the investment fund as a group, and

(f) any other person or company, other than the underwriter(s), naming each person or company.

(2) Describe any material change to the information required to be included in the Listing Statement under subsection (1) to the date of the Listing Statement.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) Describe the options, warrants, or other similar securities stating the material provisions of each class or type of option, including:

(a) the designation and number of the securities under option;

(b) the purchase price of the securities under option or the formula by which the purchase price will be determined, and the expiration dates of the options;

(c) if reasonably ascertainable, the market value of the securities under option on the date of grant;

(d) if reasonably ascertainable, the market value of the securities under option on the specified date; and

(e) with respect to options referred to in paragraph (1)(f), the particulars of the grant including the consideration for the grant.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(f), provide the information required for all options except warrants and special warrants.

22. Principal Holders of Securities of the Investment Fund and Selling Securityholders

22.1 Principal Holders of Securities of the Investment Fund and Selling Securityholders

(1) Under the heading "Principal Holders of Securities of the Investment Fund [and Selling Securityholders]", provide the following information for each principal securityholder of the investment fund and, if any securities are being distributed for the account of a securityholder, for each selling securityholder, as of a specified date not more than 30 days before the date of the Listing Statement:

(a) the name,

(b) the number or amount of securities of the investment fund of any class to be owned, controlled or directed after the distribution, and the percentage that number or amount represents of the total outstanding, and

(c) whether the securities referred to in paragraphs (b) are owned both of record and beneficially, of record only, or beneficially only.

(2) If, to the knowledge of the investment fund more than 10 percent of any class of voting securities of the investment fund is held, or is to be held, subject to any voting trust or other similar agreement, disclose, to the extent known, the designation of the securities, the number or amount of the securities held or to be held subject to the agreement and the duration of the agreement. State the names and addresses of the voting trustees and outline briefly their voting rights and other powers under the agreement.

(3) If, to the knowledge of the investment fund, any principal securityholder is an associate or affiliate of another person or company named as a principal securityholder, disclose, to the extent known, the material facts of the relationship, including any basis for influence over the investment fund held by the person or company other than the holding of voting securities of the investment fund.

(4) In addition to the above, include in a footnote to the table the required calculation(s) on a fully-diluted basis.

(5) Describe any material change to the information required to be included in the Listing Statement under subsection (1) to the date of the Listing Statement.

INSTRUCTION

If a company, partnership, trust or other unincorporated entity is a principal securityholder of an investment fund, disclose, to the extent known, the name of each individual who, through ownership of or control or direction over the securities of the company, trust or other unincorporated entity, or membership in the partnership, as the case may be, is a principal securityholder of that entity.

23. Interests of Management and Others in Material Transactions

23.1 Interests of Management and Others in Material Transactions

(1) Under the heading "Interests of Management and Others in Material Transactions", describe, and state the approximate amount of, any material interest, direct or indirect, of any of the following persons or companies in any transaction within the three years before the date of the Listing Statement or pro forma Listing Statement that has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect the investment fund:

(a) a director or executive officer of the investment fund or the investment fund manager,

(b) a person or company that beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly, more than 10 percent of any class or series of the outstanding voting securities of the investment fund or the investment fund manager, and

(c) an associate or affiliate of any of the persons or companies referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b).

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) The materiality of an interest is to be determined on the basis of the significance of the information to investors in light of all the circumstances of the particular case. The importance of the interest to the person having the interest, the relationship of the parties to the transaction with each other and the amount involved are among the factors to be considered in determining the significance of the information to investors.

(2) Give a brief description of the material transaction. Include the name of each person or company whose interest in any transaction is described and the nature of the relationship to the investment fund.

(3) For any transaction involving the purchase of assets by or sale of assets to the investment fund, state the cost of the assets to the purchaser, and the cost of the assets to the seller if acquired by the seller within three years before the transaction.

(4) This Item does not apply to any interest arising from the ownership of securities of the investment fund if the securityholder receives no extra or special benefit or advantage not shared on an equal basis by all other holders of the same class of securities or all other holders of the same class of securities who are resident in Canada.

(5) No information need be given under this Item for a transaction if

(a) the rates or charges involved in the transaction are fixed by law or determined by competitive bids,

(b) the interest of a specified person or company in the transaction is solely that of a director of another company that is a party to the transaction,

(c) the transaction involves services as a bank or other depository of funds, a transfer agent, registrar, trustee under a trust indenture or other similar services,

(d) the transaction does not involve remuneration for services and the interest of the specified person or company arose from the beneficial ownership, direct or indirect, of less than ten percent of any class of equity securities of another company that is party to the transaction and the transaction is in the ordinary course of business of the investment fund or its subsidiaries.

(6) Describe all transactions not excluded above that involve remuneration (including an issuance of securities), directly or indirectly, to any of the specified persons or companies for services in any capacity unless the interest of the person or company arises solely from the beneficial ownership, direct or indirect, of less than ten percent of any class of equity securities of another company furnishing the services to the investment fund.

24. Proxy Voting Disclosure

24.1 Proxy Voting Disclosure for Portfolio Securities Held

(1) Under the heading "Proxy Voting Disclosure for Portfolio Securities Held", include the disclosure required by subsection 10.2(3) of National Instrument 81-106.

25. Material Contracts

25.1 Material Contracts

(1) Under the heading "Material Contracts", list and provide particulars of

(a) the articles of incorporation, the declaration of trust or trust agreement of the investment fund or any other constating document, if any,

(b) any agreement of the investment fund or trustee with the manager of the investment fund,

(c) any agreement of the investment fund, the manager or trustee with the portfolio adviser of the investment fund,

(d) any agreement of the investment fund, the manager or trustee with the custodian of the investment fund,

(e) any agreement of the investment fund, the manager or trustee with the underwriters or agents of the investment fund,

(f) any swap or forward agreement of the investment fund, the manager or trustee with a counterparty that is material to the investment fund fulfilling its investment objectives,

(g) any agreement of the investment fund, the manager or trustee with the principal distributor of the investment fund, and

(h) any other contract or agreement that can reasonably be regarded as material to an investor in the securities of the investment fund.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) Set out a complete list of all contracts for which particulars must be given under this section, indicating those that are disclosed elsewhere in the Listing Statement. Particulars need only be provided for those contracts that do not have the particulars given elsewhere in the Listing Statement.

(2) Particulars of contracts must include the dates of, parties to, consideration provided for in, termination provisions, general nature and key terms of, the contracts.

26. Legal and Administrative Proceedings

26.1 Legal and Administrative Proceedings

(1) Under the heading "Legal and Administrative Proceedings", describe briefly any ongoing legal and administrative proceedings material to the investment fund, to which the investment fund, its manager or principal distributor is a party.

26.2 Particulars of the Proceedings

(1) For all matters disclosed under section 32.1, disclose

(a) the name of the court or agency having jurisdiction,

(b) the date on which the proceeding was instituted,

(c) the principal parties to the proceeding,

(d) the nature of the proceeding and, if applicable, the amount claimed, and

(e) whether the proceeding is being contested and the present status of the proceeding.

(2) Provide similar disclosure about any proceedings known to be contemplated.

26.3 Penalties and Sanctions

(1) Describe the penalties or sanctions imposed and the grounds on which they were imposed or the terms of any settlement agreement and the circumstances that gave rise to the settlement agreement, if, within the 10 years before the date of the Listing Statement or pro forma Listing Statement, the manager of the investment fund, a director or executive officer of the investment fund or a partner, director or executive officer of the manager of the investment fund has

(a) been subject to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or a securities regulatory authority relating to Canadian securities legislation, promotion or management of an investment fund, theft or fraud or has entered into a settlement agreement before a court or with a regulatory body in relation to any of these matters, or

(b) been subject to any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body or has entered into any other settlement agreement before a court or with a regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in determining whether to purchase securities of the investment fund.

27. Experts

27.1 Names of Experts

(1) Under the heading "Experts", name each person or company

(a) who is named as having prepared or certified a report, valuation, statement or opinion in any document filed as part of the listing application, and

(b) whose profession or business gives authority to the report, valuation, statement or opinion made by the person or company.

27.2 Interests of Experts

(1) Disclose all registered or beneficial interests, direct or indirect, in any securities or other property of the investment fund or of an associate or affiliate of the investment fund received or to be received by a person or company whose profession or business gives authority to a statement made by the person or company and who is named as having prepared or certified a part of the Listing Statement or prepared or certified a report or valuation described or included in the Listing Statement.

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), if the ownership is less than one percent, a general statement to that effect is sufficient.

(3) If a person, or a director, officer or employee of a person or company referred to in subsection (1) is or is expected to be elected, appointed or employed as a director, officer or employee of the investment fund or of any associate or affiliate of the investment fund, disclose the fact or expectation.

INSTRUCTIONS

(1) Section 28.2 does not apply to the investment fund's predecessor auditors, if any, for those periods when they were not the investment fund's auditor.

(2) Section 28.2 does not apply to registered or beneficial interests, direct or indirect, held through mutual funds.

28. Exemptions and Approvals

28.1 Exemptions and Approvals

(1) Under the heading "Exemptions and Approvals", describe all exemptions from or approvals under securities legislation obtained by the investment fund or the manager of the investment fund that continue to be relied upon by the investment fund or the manager, including all exemptions to be evidenced by the issuance of a receipt for the Listing Statement pursuant to section 19.3 of the National Instrument 41-101.

29. Other Material Facts

29.1 Other Material Facts

(1) Under the heading "Other Material Facts", using sub-headings as appropriate, give particulars of any material facts about the securities being distributed that are not disclosed under any other section and are necessary in order for the Listing Statement to contain full, true and plain disclosure of all material facts relating to the securities to be distributed.

30. Financial Disclosure

30.1 Financial Statements

(1) Unless incorporated by reference under Item 37, include in the Listing Statement the comparative annual financial statements and the auditor's report prepared in accordance with NI 81-106 for the investment fund's most recently completed financial year.

(2) If an investment fund's most recent financial year ended within 90 days of the date of the Listing Statement referred to in subsection (1), the investment fund may treat the previous year as the most recently completed financial year under subsection (1).

(3) If the investment fund has not completed its first financial year, the fund must include in the Listing Statement audited financial statements and the auditor's report prepared in accordance with NI 81-106 for the period from the date of the fund's formation to a date not more than 90 days before the date of the Listing Statement and as at a date not more than 90 days before the date of the Listing Statement, as applicable.

(4) Despite subsections (1) and (3), if the investment fund is a newly established fund, include in the Listing Statement the opening balance sheet of the investment fund, accompanied by the auditor's report prepared in accordance with NI 81-106.

30.2 Interim Financial Statements

(1) Include in the Listing Statement financial statements for the investment fund prepared in accordance with National Instrument 81-106 for the interim period that began immediately after the financial year to which the annual financial statements required to be included in the Listing Statement under section 38.1 relate, if the Listing Statement is filed 60 days or more after the end of that interim period.

30.3 Management Reports of Fund Performance

(1) Include in the Listing Statement the most recently filed interim management report of fund performance, if filed after the most recently filed annual management report of fund performance and include the most recently filed annual management report of fund performance.

 

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned solemnly declare that:

1. Each of the undersigned is an officer or director of the issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. This Listing Statement contains full, true and plain disclosure of all material information relating to [full legal name of issuer] and contains no untrue statement of a material fact and does not omit to state a material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to prevent a statement that is made from being false or misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made; and

3. They are making this solemn declaration believing it to be true and knowing it is of the same force and effect as if made under the Canada Evidence Act.

Dated at __________________ this ___ day of __________, 20__.

_______________

_______________

Signature of CEO

Name

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

_______________

_______________

Signature of CFO

Name

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

_______________

_______________

Signature of Director

Name

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

_______________

_______________

Signature of Director

Name

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

_______________

_______________

Signature of Promoter (if applicable)

Name

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

FORM 3

PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM

General Instructions

1. All terms defined in Alpha Requirements have the same meaning in this form.

2. This form is to be completed by

(a) every individual who is or proposed to become a related person of a listed issuer;

(b) each director, senior officer and person who directly or indirectly owns, controls or exercises discretion over 20% or more of the outstanding voting shares of any person other than an individual that is or becomes a related person of a listed issuer; and

(c) any person required by the Exchange to complete this form.

3. If you have submitted a completed form to the Exchange within the past 36 months and the information on the previously submitted form has not changed, you may provide a sworn declaration to that effect in lieu of completing a new form.

4. This form must be sworn before a notary public in the jurisdiction in which it is sworn. If the jurisdiction does not have notary publics, it must be sworn before a person who meets the requirements of the Canada Evidence Act. All attachments must be initialled by you and the notary public.

5. The Exchange will only accept originally-executed copies of this form.

6. All questions must have a response. The Exchange will not accept a "Not Applicable" or "N/A" response. Failure to answer a question fully may result in the return of the PIF, a delay in processing the issuer's application or denial of the issuer's application.

7. An individual who makes a false statement by statutory declaration commits an offence under applicable securities legislation and an indictable offence under the Criminal Code (Canada). The Exchange may verify the information contained in this form, including verification of any previous criminal record. If incomplete or misleading information is provided, the Exchange may disqualify the individual from association with the issuer and/or other issuers.

 

COMPANY IN CONNECTION WITH WHICH THIS FORM IS FILED:

PRESENT OR PROPOSED POSITION WITH THE ISSUER

(check all applicable boxes):

Director
___
Officer (give title)
___
Investment Manager
___
Director of Investment Manager
___
Officer of Investment Manager (give title)
___
Insider
___
Other (give details)
___

1. IDENTIFICATION

Last Name
First Name
Middle Names
 
 
(If none, state "none")
 
__________
__________
__________
 
NAME MOST COMMONLY KNOWN BY
 
____________________
 
Any other legal names, assumed names or nicknames under which you have carried on business or been known by. Include any name change(s) resulting from marriage, divorce, court order or other process. If you have not been known by any other names, state "none"
 
____________________
 
Sex
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
 
 
(YYYY-MM-DD)
(City, Province/State, Country)
 
__________
_______________
_______________
 
Marital Status
Full Name of Spouse
Spouse's Occupation
 
(include common law)
 
 
__________
_______________
_______________

2. CONTACT INFORMATION

RESIDENTIAL PHONE NUMBER:

BUSINESS PHONE NUMBER:

MOBILE PHONE NUMBER:

FACSIMILE:

E-MAIL:

Include area code and country code (if outside of Canada and the United States) for each number. State "none" if you do not have one of the contacts listed.

3. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY

Provide your residential history for the previous 10 years, giving full street address, the municipality, the province or state and country. Begin with your current address. If you are unable to identify a street address, provide the municipality, province or state and country. The Exchange may require you to provide the full address.

Address
From
To
 
 
(MM-YY)
(MM/YY)
 
____________________
_____
_____
 
____________________
_____
_____
 
____________________
_____
_____
 
____________________
_____
_____

4. IDENTIFICATION

Attach a legible photocopy of a piece of identification issued in the past 5 years from a government authority (such as a driver's licence or passport) containing a recognizable photograph of you and your signature. If the piece of identification is not a passport, it must contain your full first and last names, date of birth, sex and current mailing address.

5. CITIZENSHIP

ARE YOU A CANADIAN CITIZEN?

IF NOT, ARE YOU LAWFULLY RESIDENT IN CANADA AS AN IMMIGRANT?

IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO THE PREVIOUS QUESTION, HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU LIVED CONTINUOUSLY IN CANADA?

LIST ANY OTHER CITIZENSHIP(S) YOU CURRENTLY HOLD:

(If none, state "none")

PROVIDE YOUR U.S. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

(If none, state "none")

PROVIDE YOUR HONG KONG IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:

(If none, state "none")

PROVIDE YOUR CANADIAN SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER:

(If none, state "none")

6. PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)

Please list all professional designations you have and professional associations to which you belong (please include membership numbers where applicable). For each association, state whether you are an active member.

7. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Provide you employment history for the last 10 years, beginning with your current employer. If you changed positions with the same employer, list each position separately.

EMPLOYER
ADDRESS
POSITION
FROM
TO
 
 
 
 
(MM-YY)
(MM-YY)
 
__________
__________
__________
_____
_____
 
__________
__________
__________
_____
_____
 
__________
__________
__________
_____
_____
 
__________
__________
__________
_____
_____

Has your employment in a sales, investment or advisory capacity in a firm engaged in the sale of real estate, insurance, or mutual funds ever been terminated for cause?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

Has a firm registered under applicable securities legislation ever terminated your employment for cause?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

8. POSITIONS WITH OTHER ISSUERS

Provide the names of any reporting issuers and any issuer with continuous disclosure obligations in any jurisdiction of which you are now, or during the last 10 years, have been a director, promoter, insider or control person

Name of
Position(s) Held
Market Traded On
From
To
Reporting Issuer
 
(MM YY)
(MM YY)
 
__________
__________
__________
_____
_____
 
__________
__________
__________
_____
_____
 
__________
__________
__________
_____
_____

9. PROCEEDINGS BY REGULATORS

Have you personally ever been the subject of a cease trading order issued by any authority regulating trading in securities?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

Have you, or has any partnership or company of which you were at the time of such event a partner, officer, director, or beneficial owner of more than 10% of the voting securities, ever been denied the benefit of any exemption provided by any act regulating trading in securities?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

Have you, or has any partnership or company of which you were at the time of such event a partner, officer, director, or beneficial owner of more than 10% of the voting securities, ever been the subject of disciplinary action, not disclosed in 3(b) above, undertaken by any authority regulating or supervising trading in securities, including any stock exchange, association of investment dealers or similar organization?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

While you were a partner, officer, director, or beneficial owner of more than 10% of the voting securities of an issuer, did the issuer ever had an application for listing or quotation refused (including applications resulting from a backdoor listing)?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

Have you personally ever been the subject of disciplinary action, not disclosed above, undertaken by any tribunal, organization or society responsible for the regulation of a profession?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

10 OFFENCES

Note

An "offence" includes

• A summary conviction or indictable offence under the Criminal Code (Canada)

• A quasi-criminal offence (for example, under the Income Tax Act (Canada), or the tax, immigration, drugs, firearms, money laundering or securities legislation of any jurisdiction; or

• A misdemeanour of felony under the criminal laws of the United States of America or any of its states or territories or an offence under criminal legislation of any jurisdiction.

If a pardon under the Criminal Records Act (Canada) has been formally requested and you have received formal written notice that such pardon has been granted and it has not been revoked, you are not obliged to disclose any such pardoned offence. In such circumstances, the appropriate response would be: "Yes, pardon granted on (date)."

Have you ever been convicted under any law of any province, territory, state or country of any offence relating to trading in securities, commodities or commodity futures contracts, or with the theft of securities, or with any related offence, or been a party to any proceedings taken on account of fraud arising out of any trade in or advice respecting securities?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

Have you ever been convicted under any law of any province, territory, state or country for contraventions or criminal offences not noted in 4(a) above? (Do not include non-criminal traffic convictions.)

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

Are you currently the subject of a charge or indictment, under any law of any province, territory, state or country for contraventions, criminal offences, or other conduct of the type described above?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

To the best of your knowledge, has any partnership or company of which you were at the time of such event a partner, officer, director, or beneficial owner of more than 10% of the voting securities, ever been convicted, or is any partnership or company in which you hold such a position currently the subject of a charge or indictment, under any law of any province, territory, state or county for contraventions, criminal offences, or other conduct of the type described above?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

10. CIVIL PROCEEDINGS

Has a court in a civil proceeding ever rendered a judgment, ordered garnishment or issued an injunction or similar ban (whether or not by consent) against you or against any partnership or company of which you were (at the time of the conduct underlying the judgment, garnishment, injunction or ban) a partner, officer, director, or beneficial owner of more than 10% of the voting securities in a claim based in whole or in part on fraud, theft, deceit, misrepresentation, conspiracy, breach of trust, breach of fiduciary duty, insider trading, unregistered trading, illegal distributions, failure to disclose material facts or charges or allegations of similar conduct?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

Are you now, or, to the best of your knowledge any partnership or company of which you were (at the time of the conduct underlying the cliam) a partner, officer, director, or beneficial owner of more than 10% of the voting securities subject to a claim based in whole or in part on fraud, theft, deceit, misrepresentation, conspiracy, breach of trust, breach of fiduciary duty, insider trading, unregistered trading, illegal distributions, failure to disclose material facts or charges or allegations of similar conduct?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

11. Bankruptcy

Have you ever been declared bankrupt, made a voluntary assignment in bankruptcy, made a compromise or agreement with your creditors or gone out of business leaving debts outstanding, or produced a declaration under the Quebec Voluntary Deposit of Salary Wages Law, or has a receiver or a receiver and manager appointed by or at the request of your creditors ever assumed control of your assets?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

If so, have you been discharged? (Attach a copy of the discharge):

Has any partnership or company of which you were at the time of such event a partner, director, officer, or beneficial owner of more than 10% of the voting securities ever been declared bankrupt or made a voluntary assignment in bankruptcy, or had control of its assets assumed by a receiver and manager appointed by or at the request of its creditors?

Yes:

No:

If "yes" provide details:

 

Acknowledgement and Consent to Collection and Use of Personal Information

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTION POLICY ("PRIVACY POLICY") OF ALPHA EXCHANGE. I HEREBY AUTHORIZE AND CONSENT TO THE COLLECTION AND USE BY ANY OF ALPHA EXCHANGE AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, REGULATORS AND AGENTS OF ANY INFORMATION WHATSOEVER (WHICH MAY INCLUDE PERSONAL, CREDIT, OR OTHER INFORMATION) FROM ANY SOURCE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION AN INVESTIGATIVE AGENCY OR A RETAIL CREDIT AGENCY AS PERMITTED BY LAW IN ANY JURISDICTION IN CANADA OR ELSEWHERE. I ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT SUCH INFORMATION MAY BE SHARED WITH AND RETAINED BY ALPHA EXCHANGE AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, REGULATORS AND AGENTS INDEFINITELY.

Date:_________________________

Signature:______________________

 

Statutory Declaration

I, __________________ (Name of Person Completing this Form) Do Solemnly Declare That

(a) I have read and understand the questions, caution and acknowledgement in this Form;

(b) The answers I have given to the questions in this Form and in any attachments to the Form are true and correct except where stated to be to the best of my knowledge in which case I believe the answers to be true; and

(c) I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing it to be true and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath and by virtue of the Canada Evidence Act.

SWORN/DECLARED before me at the City of ____________ in the Province

(or State) of _____________________

This ___ day of ______, 20__

____________________
Notary Public
 
____________________
NOTARY'S SEAL

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Release and Discharge Relating to Consent to Disclosure of Criminal Record Information

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

________________________________________

Surname

Given Name

Middle Name

Date of Birth (dd/mmm/yyyy)

Male[ ]

 

 

 

 

 

Female[ ]

 

________________________________________

Previous Surnames (eg. Former marriage, maiden)

________________________________________

Address (number, street, apt., lot, concession, township, rural route #, city, postal code)

________________________________________

Occupation

I hereby authorize the Ontario Provincial Police (the OPP) to release records of criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted, records of discharges which have not been removed from the CPIC system in accordance with the Criminal Records Act, and records of outstanding criminal charges of which the OPP is aware, to the person(s) listed below.

________________________________________

Name

 

Title

Name

 

[Title of Alpha Investigator]

________________________________________

Department and Branch

[Name of Alpha Department and Branch]

________________________________________

Name of Organization

Alpha Exchange

________________________________________

Release and Discharge

I hereby release and forever discharge Her Majesty the Queen in right of Ontario, the Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police and all members and employees of the OPP from any and all actions, claims and demands for damages, loss or injury howsoever arising which may hereafter be sustained by myself as a result of the disclosure of information by the OPP to the above named organization.

I acknowledge that information so disclosed may be confirmed only by a comparison of the fingerprints on file to which the information relates and my fingerprints.

__________
____________________
__________
 
Signature
Date

Confidential

This record and the information contained therein, is being provided in confidence and shall not be disclosed to any person with the exception of the person(s) named above without the express written consent of the Commissioner of the OPP.

Based on a name check only, and having a birth date as provided above - a records check:

fails to reveal any record relating to the above subject.

indicates the following information may relate to the above subject.

Details cannot be certified as relating to the subject of inquiry, without a fingerprint comparison.

LE 219 (Rev. 12/05)

PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTION POLICY

Give policy -- needs to be part of Alpha's privacy policies.

 

FORM 4

LISTING AGREEMENT

IN CONSIDERATION for the listing of its securities on Alpha Exchange ("Exchange"), the undersigned (the "Listed Issuer") agrees with the Exchange as follows:

1. The Listed Issuer will comply with all Exchange requirements applicable to Listed Issuers, including Exchange rules, policies and procedural requirements which may be in effect from time to time.

2. Without limiting the generality of the preceding section, the Listed Issuer will

(a) promptly provide the Exchange and its regulator all such information or documentation concerning the Issuer as the Exchange or its regulator may require;

(b) not undergo a material change in its business and affairs without the consent of the Exchange;

(c) notify the Exchange at least seven trading days in advance of any dividend or distribution record date;

(d) maintain transfer and registration facilities in the City of Toronto where all listed securities are directly transferable and registrable, with no fee for transfer or registration other than government stock transfer taxes;

(e) post all forms, notices, particulars, reports, statements and information required by the Exchange in a timely manner;

(f) not change the provisions attaching to any warrants, convertible debentures, rights or other securities outstanding form time to time (other than debt securities that are not convertible into equity securities) without the consent of the Exchange;

(g) remove or cause the resignation of any Related Person of an Issuer the Exchange deems unacceptable; and

(h) pay when due, all applicable fees or charges, established by the Exchange. The current fees and charges are set out in Schedule 4A to this Form and may be amended from time to time.

3. The Listed Issuer acknowledges that the Exchange has the right, at any time and without notice, to halt or suspend trading in any of the Listed Issuer's securities without giving any reason for such action, or to delist the securities provided that the Exchange will not delist the securities without given the Issuer an opportunity to be heard.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date
 

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

FORM 5

QUARTERLY UPDATE

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading Symbol:

Date:

Complete the following table for each class of Listed Securities for the period beginning on the date of the last quarterly update:

Class
Number of securities issued at beginning of quarter (A)
Number of securities reserved for issuance at beginning of quarter (B)
Number of securities issued during the quarter (C)
Number of securities redeemed during the quarter (D)
Number of new securities reserved for issuance during the quarter (E)
Number of securities previously but no longer reserved for issuance (F){1}
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

Total number for each class outstanding at the end of quarter (A+C-D):

Total number reserved for issuance at the end of quarter (B+E-F):

Provide the following information for securities listed in (B), (C), (D) and (E) (other than grants of compensation options{2}) during the quarter:

Date of Issue or Reservation
Type of security
Type of transaction
Number issued or reserved{3}
Price
Consideration (cash, property, etc.)
Details of any related person involvement
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

Give the following information for compensation options granted during the quarter:

Date
Class of security
Name of Optionee and Relationship to Issuer
Number
Exercise Price
Expiry Date
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________

Total number of shares reserved for issuance on exercise of options at the beginning of the quarter:

Total number of shares reserved for issuance on exercise of options at the end of the quarter:

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Alpha Requirements;{4} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} For example, shares reserved for issuance on exercise of warrants that expired during the period.

{2} Include shares issued on exercise of compensation options in this table.

{3} For redemptions or securities no longer reserved for issuance, put the amount in brackets.

{4} If the Listed Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

FORM 6

NOTICE OF PROSPECTUS OFFERING

Name of Listed Issuer:

 

Trading Symbol:

 

Date:

 

If this is updating a prior notice, give date(s) of those notices:

 

Date of news release announcing the offering:

 

Date of preliminary prospectus:

 

Date of (final) prospectus:

 

Provide the following information concerning the offering:

Type of security{1}
Number to be issued{2}
Price per security{3}
Conversion or exercise price (if applicable)
Net proceeds to the issuer per security
_____
_____
_____
__________
__________
_____
_____
_____
__________
__________

If securities other than currently-listed securities are sold in the offering, provide details of the security:{4}

If the securities are Listed Securities with different particulars (e.g. flow through shares, special warrants), describe:

Describe the terms and conditions of the offering:

Summarize the intended use of proceeds:

Give full particulars of any direct or indirect involvement by related persons in the offering (including purchases in the offering, receipt of any brokerage or finder's fees or receipt of any proceeds):

Provide the following information with respect to any agent's or broker's or finder's fee, commission or other compensation paid in connection with the offering:

Name
Relationship to Listed Issuer
Cash compensation
Securities compensation
Other compensation
Exercise price of any convertible security
Expiry date
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
 
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

Describe the plan of distribution:

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Alpha Requirements;{5} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} Describe the security to be offered (for example, unit of one share and 1/2 share purchase warrant, convertible debenture, etc.).

{2} If not determined, provide highest and lowest number contemplated.

{3} If not determined, provide a price range.

{4} For convertible securities, include the conversion or exercise price and terms, expiry date, number of listed securities issuable on conversion or exercise and any other significant terms. For debentures, include the interest rate, conversion price and terms and default provisions.

{5} If the Listed Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

FORM 7

NOTICE OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading Symbol:

Date:

If this is updating a prior notice, give date(s) of those notices:

Date of news release announcing the private placement:

Date of request for price protection (if applicable):

Closing market price on the day prior to the earlier of the date of this notice or the date price protection was granted:

Number of Securities Issued and Outstanding as of: the Date of This Notice:

Provide the following information concerning the offering:

Type of security{1}
Number to be issued{2}
Percentage of the number of listed securities outstanding prior to the placement{3}
Price per security{4}
Conversion or exercise price (if applicable)
Prospectus Exemption
 
_____
_____
__________
_____
_____
_____

If securities other than currently-listed securities are sold in the offering, provide details of the security:{5}

If the securities are listed securities with different particulars (e.g. flow through shares, special warrants), describe:

Provide the following information with respect to direct or indirect participation by any related person or person who will become a related person on closing of the offering:{6}

Name
Holding prior to offering{7}
Percentage of outstanding{8} prior to offering
Number of securities to be purchased
Holding following the offering{9}
Percentage of outstanding{10} following offering
_____
_____
_____
__________
__________
__________

Describe the terms and conditions of the offering:

Summarize the intended use of proceeds:

Give full particulars of any direct or indirect involvement by related persons in the offering not disclosed above (including receipt of any brokerage or finder's fees or receipt of any proceeds):

Provide the following information with respect to any agent's or broker's or finder's fee, commission or other compensation paid in connection with the offering:

Name
Relationship to Issuer
Cash compensation
Securities compensation
Other compensation
Exercise price of any convertible security
Expiry date
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Alpha Requirements;{11} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} Describe the security to be offered (for example, unit of one share and 1/2 share purchase warrant, convertible debenture, flow through common shares, etc.). Indicate whether the securityholders have voting rights in all or certain circumstances.

{2} If not determined, provide highest and lowest number contemplated.

{3} Calculate on a partially diluted basis assuming all of the placees exercise any conversion or exercise rights attaching to the securities purchased, but no other holders of convertible securities.

{4} If not determined, provide a price range.

{5} For convertible securities, include the conversion or exercise price and terms, expiry date, number of listed securities issuable on conversion or exercise and any other significant terms. For debentures, include the interest rate, conversion price and terms and default provisions.

{6} If the offering will result in a new related person, the person must file a Personal Information Form (Form 3) with the Exchange and obtain Exchange approval prior to closing. The purchase by the person may close in escrow pending receipt of Exchange Approval.

{7} List separately securities held and securities to be issued on conversion of any securities held.

{8} Calculate on a partially diluted basis assuming the person converts or exercises all convertible securities held, but no other holders do.

{9} List separately securities held and securities to be issued on conversion of any securities held.

{10} Calculate on a partially diluted basis assuming the person converts or exercises all convertible securities held, but no other holders do.

{11} If the Listed Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

FORM 8

NOTICE OF ACQUISITION

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading Symbol:

Date:

If this is updating a prior notice, give date(s) of those notices:

Date of news release announcing acquisition:

Closing market price on the day prior to the date of this notice:

Total number of securities issued and outstanding as of the date of this notice:

Describe the assets to be acquired. The description must be sufficiently detailed that a reader will understand the transaction without reference to any other material:

Describe the acquisition, including the date, the parties and the terms of the transaction. The description must be sufficiently detailed that a reader will understand the transaction without reference to any other material:

Describe how the purchase price was determined (e.g. arm's length negotiations, special committee of the Board, etc.):

Provide details of any valuation or appraisal of the subject of the acquisition known to the Listed Issuer:

Provide the following information concerning the acquisition:

Type of security{1}
Number to be issued{2}
Percentage of the number of listed securities outstanding prior to the acquisition{3}
Price per security{4}
Conversion or exercise price (if applicable)
Prospectus Exemption
_____
_____
__________
_____
__________
_____

If securities other than currently-listed securities are sold in the offering, provide details of the security:{5}

If the securities are Listed Securities with different particulars (e.g. flow through shares, special warrants), describe:

Provide the following information with respect to direct or indirect participation by any related person or person who will become a related person on closing of the acquisition:{6}

Name
Holding prior to acquisition{7}
Percentage of outstanding{8} prior to acquisition
Number of securities to be acquired
Holding following the acquisition{9}
Percentage of outstanding{10} following acquisition
 
_____
_____
__________
_____
_____
__________

Give full particulars of any direct or indirect involvement by related persons in the offering not disclosed above (including receipt of any brokerage or finder's fees or receipt of any proceeds):

Provide the following information with respect to any agent's or broker's or finder's fee, commission or other compensation paid in connection with the offering:

Name
Relationship to Issuer
Cash compensation
Securities compensation
Other compensation
Exercise price of any convertible security
Expiry date
 
_____
_____
__________
__________
__________
_____
_____

If the securities to be issued are only partial consideration for the acquisition, describe the additional consideration. Include any future payments or expenditures the issuer may be required to make under the acquisition agreement:

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Alpha Requirements;{11} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} Describe the security to be offered (for example, unit of one share and 1/2 share purchase warrant, convertible debenture, flow through common shares, etc.). Indicate whether the securityholders have voting rights in all or certain circumstances.

{2} If not determined, provide highest and lowest number contemplated.

{3} Calculate on a partially diluted basis assuming all of the securities issued in connection with the acquisition are exercised or converted, but no other holders of convertible securities.

{4} If not determined, provide a price range.

{5} For convertible securities, include the conversion or exercise price and terms, expiry date, number of listed securities issuable on conversion or exercise and any other significant terms. For debentures, include the interest rate, conversion price and terms and default provisions.

{6} If the offering will result in a new related person, the person must file a Personal Information Form (Form 3) with the Exchange and obtain Exchange approval prior to closing. The purchase by the person may close in escrow pending receipt of Exchange Approval.

{7} List separately securities held and securities to be issued on conversion of any securities held.

{8} Calculate on a partially diluted basis assuming the person converts or exercises all convertible securities held, but no other holders do.

{9} List separately securities held and securities to be issued on conversion of any securities held.

{10} Calculate on a partially diluted basis assuming the person converts or exercises all convertible securities held, but no other holders do.

{11} If the Listed Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

FORM 9

NOTICE OF OPTION GRANT OR AMENDMENT

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading Symbol:

Date:

Number of Securities Issued and Outstanding as of the Date of This Notice:

1. OPTION GRANTS

Provide the following information for each option grant:

Name of Optionee
 
 
 
 
 
Position with Issuer
 
 
 
 
 
Date of Grant (YYYY-MM-DD)
No. of shares in option grant
Exercise price
Closing Market Price the day prior to the grant
Total number of options held
 
__________
__________
_____
__________
__________

Provide the following information for all outstanding options, including those listed above:

Total number of optioned shares
Percentage of the number of listed securities outstanding prior to the date of this notice{1}
Exercise prices{2}
Expiry dates{3}
 
_____
__________
_____
_____

Provide the following information with respect to any agent's or broker's or finder's fee, commission or other compensation paid in connection with the offering:

Name
Relationship to Issuer
Cash compensation
Securities compensation
Other compensation
Exercise price of any convertible security
Expiry date
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If shareholder approval is required for the option grant, state when the approval was or is expected to be given:

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Alpha Requirements;{4} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} Calculate on a partially diluted basis assuming all of the optionees exercise their options, but no other holders of convertible securities do.

{2} Give the number exercisable at each price (e.g. 10,000 @ 10.25 and 5,000 @ 10.36)

{3} Give the number for each date (e.g. 10,000 on June 30, 2011 and 5,000 on June 30, 2012)

{4} If the Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

FORM 10

NOTICE OF ISSUER BID

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading Symbol:

Date:

Date of news release announcing the issuer bid:

Number of securities issued and outstanding as of the date of this notice:

Describe the issuer bid:

Normal Course:

Substantial:

Maximum number of shares to be acquired under the bid:

Percentage that number represents of the issued and outstanding securities as of the date of this notice:

Price:{1}

Expiry date of the bid:

Describe any agreements to tender to the bid:

Give full particulars of any direct or indirect involvement by related persons in the bid (including receipt of any brokerage or finder's fees):

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Alpha Requirements and will conduct the issuer bid in compliance with applicable securities legislation;{2} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} If the securities are to be purchased at market price, state "market price [subject to a maximum of $X]". If the price is to be determined by auction, describe the auction process.

{2} If the Listed Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

FORM 11

NOTICE OF SECURITIES EXCHANGE TAKE-OVER BID

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading Symbol:

Date:

Date of news release announcing the take-over bid:

Number of securities issued and outstanding as of the date of this notice:

Describe the securities to be issued pursuant to the bid:

Maximum number of shares to be issued under the bid:

Percentage that number represents of the issued and outstanding securities as of the date of this notice:

Price:{1}

Expiry date of the bid:

Describe any agreements to tender to the bid:

Give full particulars of any direct or indirect involvement by related persons in the bid (including holding shares of the bid target and receipt of any brokerage or finder's fees):

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Alpha Requirements and will conduct the take-over bid in compliance with applicable securities legislation;{2} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} If the securities are to be purchased at market price, state "market price [subject to a maximum of $X]".

{2} If the Listed Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

FORM 12

NOTICE OF ADDITIONAL LISTING

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading Symbol:

Date:

If this is updating a prior notice, give date(s) of those notices:

Date of news release announcing the transaction that is the subject of this notice:

Closing market price on the day prior to the date of this notice:

Total number of shares issued and outstanding as of the date of this notice:

Describe the particulars of the issuance (e.g. stock dividend):

Provide the following information concerning the share issuance:

Type of security{1}
Number to be issued{2}
Percentage of the number of listed securities outstanding as of the date of this notice{3}
Price per security{4}
Conversion or exercise price (if applicable)
Prospectus Exemption
_____
_____
__________
_____
__________
_____

If the securities are listed securities with different particulars (e.g. flow through shares, special warrants), describe:

Provide the following information with respect to direct or indirect participation by any related person or person who will become a related person on closing of the transaction:{5}

Name
Holding prior to transaction{6}
Percentage of outstanding{7} prior to transaction
Number of securities to be acquired
Holding following the transaction{8}
Percentage of outstanding{9} following transaction
 
_____
_____
__________
_____
_____
__________

Give full particulars of any direct or indirect involvement by related persons in the offering not disclosed above:

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Alpha Requirements;{10} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} Describe the security to be offered (for example, unit of one share and 1/2 share purchase warrant, convertible debenture, flow through common shares, etc.). Indicate whether the securityholders have voting rights in all or certain circumstances.

{2} If not determined, provide highest and lowest number contemplated.

{3} Calculate on a partially diluted basis assuming all of the securities issued in connection with the acquisition are exercised or converted, but no other holders of convertible securities.

{4} If not determined, provide a price range. If no consideration is received (e.g. for a stock dividend) enter "0."

{5} If the offering will result in a new related person, the person must file a Personal Information Form (Form 3) with the Exchange and obtain Exchange approval prior to closing. The purchase by the person may close in escrow pending receipt of Exchange Approval.

{6} List separately securities held and securities to be issued on conversion of any securities held.

{7} Calculate on a partially diluted basis assuming the person converts or exercises all convertible securities held, but no other holders do.

{8} List separately securities held and securities to be issued on conversion of any securities held.

{9} Calculate on a partially diluted basis assuming the person converts or exercises all convertible securities held, but no other holders do.

{10} If the Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

FORM 13

NOTICE OF STOCK SUBDIVISION (Stock Split)

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading Symbol:

Date:

If this is updating a prior notice, give date(s) of those notices:

Date of news release announcing the subdivision:

Closing market price on the day prior to the date of this notice:

Total number of shares issued and outstanding as of the date of this notice:

Type of subdivision:

Push-out

Call in

Terms of the subdivision (e.g. 2 for 1, 1.5 for one, etc.):

If a push-out, record date for the subdivision:

If a push-out, expected date of mailing the share certificates:

If a call-in, expected date of mailing of letters of transmittal:

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Alpha Requirements;{1} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} If the Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

FORM 14

NOTICE OF STOCK CONSOLIDATION

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading Symbol:

Date:

If this is updating a prior notice, give date(s) of those notices:

Date of news release announcing the consolidation:

Total number of shares issued and outstanding as of the date of this notice:

Total number of shares outstanding after giving effect to the consolidation:

Terms of the consolidation (e.g. 1 for 10):

Describe the treatment of a holding less than required for a full share (e.g. rounding up, rounding down):

Date of shareholders' meeting to approve the consolidation:

Record date for the consolidation:

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Alpha Requirements;{1} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} If the Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

FORM 15

NOTICE OF RECLASSIFICATION (Other than By Stock Split or Consolidation)

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading Symbol:

Date:

If this is updating a prior notice, give date(s) of those notices:

Date of news release announcing the reclassification:

Total number of securities issued and outstanding as of the date of this notice:

Total number of securities outstanding after giving effect to the reclassification:

Terms of the reclassification:

Describe the anticipated impact of the reclassification on the liquidity of the market for the listed security and on public securityholders' voting rights and equity interest:

Date of security holders' meeting to approve the reclassification:

Record date for the reclassification:

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Alpha Requirements;{1} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} If the Listed Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

FORM 16A

NOTICE OF NORMAL COURSE ISSUER BID

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading symbol for the securities that are the subject of the bid:{1}

Date:

If this is updating a prior notice, give date(s) of those notices:

Date of news release announcing the bid:

Number of securities that are the subject of the bid outstanding:

Public float of the securities that are the subject of the bid:

Amount of securities that may be acquired under the bid: If the issuer has determined a specific number of shares, state it here. If not, state the amount as a percentage of the outstanding or public float, as the case may be.

Expiry: Give the date on which the bid will terminate, which cannot be more than one year from the date of this notice.

Method of acquisition: State on which exchange(s) purchases will be made.

Consideration: Describe any restrictions on the price the issuer will pay for securities, such as price, specific funds available, method of purchasing, etc.

Reasons for bid: State the reason or business purpose for the bid.

Valuation: Include a summary of any appraisal or valuation{2} known to the directors or officers after reasonable inquiry of the issuer, its material assets or its securities in the previous two years, together with a statement of where and when a copy of the appraisal or valuation may be inspected.

Previous Purchases: Give details of any purchases by the Listed Issuer or persons acting jointly or in concert with the Listed Issuer of the securities that are the subject of the bid in the previous twelve months.

Identify any persons acting jointly or in concert with the Listed Issuer:

Participation by Related Persons: State the name of every director or senior officer of the Listed Issuer who intends to sell shares of the Listed Issuer during the course of the bid. Where their intention is known after reasonable inquiry, state the name of every other Related Person of the Listed Issuer or person acting jointly or in concert with the Listed Issuer who intends to sell shares of the Listed Issuer during the course of the bid:

Benefits to Related Persons: State any direct or indirect benefits any person named in the previous section will receive from selling or not selling shares of the Listed Issuer during the bid. An answer is not required if the benefit will be the same as the benefit to any other shareholder who sells or does not sell during the bid.

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Exchange requirements;{3}

3. There is no material information concerning material changes or plans or proposals for material changes in the affairs of the Listed Issuer that have not been previously disclosed; and

4. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} This notice may cover acquisitions of more than one class of listed securities. If this is the case, provide the information for each class of securities that is the subject of the bid.

{2} This includes independent and material non-independent valuations and appraisals.

{3} If the Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

FORM 16B

NOTICE OF NORMAL COURSE ISSUER BID PURCHASES{1}

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading symbol for the securities that are the subject of the bid:{2}

Date:

Date of filing of Form 16A in connection with the bid:

Listed Issuer's Broker:{3}

Number of securities purchased during the previous month: State the total number of securities purchased and specify on which exchange(s) the purchases were made. Specify whether purchases were made using the block purchase exemption.

Number of securities purchased during the course of the bid: State the total number of securities purchased under the bid to the end of the calendar month covered by this notice.

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Exchange requirements;{4} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} This notice is used to report purchases in the previous calendar month.

{2} This notice may cover acquisitions of more than one class of listed securities. If this is the case, provide the information for each class of securities that is the subject of the bid.

{3} If the Listed Issuer changed brokers during the period covered by this notice, provide the names of both brokers and state the date on which the change occurred.

{4} If the Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

FORM 17

NOTICE OF SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTION

Name of Listed Issuer:

Trading Symbol:

Date:

If this is updating a prior notice, give date(s) of those notices:

Date of news release announcing acquisition:

Describe the transaction. The description must be sufficiently detailed that a reader will understand the transaction without reference to any other material:

Describe the consideration. Include any future payments or expenditures the issuer may be required to make under the acquisition agreement:

Describe how the value of the consideration was determined (e.g. special committee of the Board, third party valuation, etc.):

If the transaction is an acquisition, provide details of any valuation or appraisal of the subject of the acquisition:

Give full particulars of any direct or indirect involvement by related persons in the transaction not disclosed above (including receipt of any brokerage or finder's fees or receipt of any proceeds):

Provide the following information with respect to any agent's or broker's or finder's fee, commission or other compensation paid in connection with the offering:

Name
Relationship to Issuer
Cash Compensation
Securities Compensation
Other Compensation
Exercise Price of any Convertible Security
Expiry Date

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned certifies that:

1. The undersigned is an officer or director of the Listed Issuer and has been duly authorized to sign this form;

2. To the best of the undersigned's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the Listed Issuer is in compliance with applicable securities legislation and Exchange requirements;{1} and

3. All information in this form is true and complete and the form contains no misrepresentations.

_______________

_______________

Signature of Authorized Person
Name
 

_______________

_______________

Position
Date

{1} If the Issuer is not in compliance (e.g. has not filed required financial statements), add "except as follows:" and provide details.

 

APPENDIX C

ALPHA EXCHANGE INC.

TRADING POLICIES

(the "TRADING POLICIES")

PART I. Definitions and Interpretations

1.1. Definitions

(1) Unless otherwise defined or interpreted or the subject matter or context otherwise requires, every term used in Alpha Requirements that is defined or interpreted in

(a) Ontario securities law,

(b) UMIR, or

(c) IIROC Rules,

has the same meaning in these Trading Policies.

(2) The following terms have the meanings set out when used in the Alpha Requirements and apply to the trading of both Alpha Listed Securities and Other Traded Securities unless otherwise specified:

 

Alpha

The recognized exchange which provides a marketplace for Alpha Listed Securities and Other Traded Securities on Alpha.

 

Alpha Approval

Any approval given by Alpha under the Alpha Requirements.

 

Alpha Best Bid and Offer (ABBO)

In respect of a particular security, the best bid, the highest price and its corresponding volume that a Member has published to buy, and the best offer, the lowest price and its corresponding volume that a Member has published to sell, in the Alpha CLOB.

 

Alpha Closing Price or (ACP)

The CCP for an Alpha Listed Security unless it exceeds parameters established by Alpha. The Alpha Closing Price for Other Traded Securities will be adjusted overnight to reflect the closing price on the principal market as established in UMIR.

 

Alpha Last Sale Price (ALSP)

The price at which the last trade of a Board Lot was executed on Alpha, other than a Special Terms trade.

 

Alpha Listed Security

Securities listed by and traded on Alpha.

 

Alpha Requirements

Alpha Requirements include the following:

 

 

 

1.

These Trading Policies;

 

 

 

2.

The Alpha Exchange Listing Handbook;

 

 

 

3.

Obligations arising out of the Member Agreement or any Listing Forms;

 

 

 

4.

Any forms issued pursuant to these Trading Policies or the Alpha Exchange Listing Handbook;

 

 

 

5.

UMIR; and

 

 

 

6.

Ontario securities law, and any decision thereunder as it may be amended, supplemented and in effect from time to time.

 

Alpha Systems

The electronic systems operated by Alpha for providing all facilities and services related to the trading of Alpha Listed Securities and Other Traded Securities on Alpha.

 

Approved Trader

An employee of a Member who has been approved as a Trader, or an employee of a client of a Sponsoring Member who has been approved as a Trader.

 

Assigned Security

The particular Alpha Listed Security or Other Traded Security for which a Member has been appointed either the Market Maker or the Odd Lot Dealer.

 

Board

The Board of Directors of Alpha and any committee of the Board of Directors to which powers have been delegated.

 

Board Lot

A standard trading unit.

 

Bypass Cross

A cross that has a bypass marker.

 

Bypass Order

An order that has a bypass marker to indicate that it is:

 

 

 

(a)

part of a designated trade; or

 

 

 

(b)

to satisfy an obligation to fill an order imposed on a Member or DMA Eligible Client by any provision of UMIR or a Policy;

 

 

and that is entered on a protected marketplace to execute as against the disclosed volume on that marketplace prior to the execution or cancellation of the balance of the order.

 

Calculated Opening Price (COP)

A single price calculated for a security whereby the trading volume is maximized and the trading imbalance in minimized and is within parameters defined by Alpha in the opening call.

 

Calculated Closing Price (CCP)

A single price calculated for a security whereby the trading volume is maximized and the trading imbalance is minimized, and is within parameters defined by Alpha in the closing call.

 

Central Limit Order Book (CLOB)

The electronic book containing all Board Lot orders entered for execution in a continuous manner with price and priority rankings.

 

Clearing Corporation

CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. and any successor corporation or entity recognized as a clearing agency.

 

Directed Action Order (DAO)

A specific order type as defined in NI 23-101 that informs a marketplace that the order can be immediately carried out without delay or regard to any other better priced orders displayed by another marketplace.

 

Decision

Any decision, direction, order, ruling, guideline or other determination of Alpha, or of the Market Regulator made in the administration of these Trading Policies.

 

DMA Eligible Client

A DMA Eligible Client is a client of a Member to which it provides sponsored access and that is:

 

 

 

1.

A client that falls within the definition of "acceptable counterparties" or "acceptable institutions" or "regulated entities" as defined in the General Notes and Definitions section of the Joint Regulatory Financial Questionnaire and Report.

 

 

 

2.

A client that is registered as a portfolio manager under the Securities Act of one or more of the Provinces of Canada.

 

 

 

3.

A client that is a foreign broker or dealer (or the equivalent registration) registered with the appropriate regulatory body in the broker's or dealer's home jurisdiction and that is an affiliate of a Member acting for its own account, the accounts of other Eligible Clients or the accounts of its clients.

 

 

 

4.

A client that in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $100 million in securities of issuers that are not affiliated with the customer and falls into one of the following categories:

 

 

 

 

(a)

An insurance company as defined in section 2(13) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933,

 

 

 

 

(b)

An investment company registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or any business development company as defined in section 2(a)(48) of that Act,

 

 

 

 

(c)

A small business investment company licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration under section 301 (c) or (d) of the U.S. Small Business Investment Act of 1958,

 

 

 

 

(d)

plan established and maintained by a U.S. state, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a U.S. state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees,

 

 

 

 

(e)

An employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Securities Act of 1974,

 

 

 

 

(f)

A trust fund whose trustee is a bank or trust company and whose participants are exclusively plans of the types identified in (d) or (e) above, except trust funds that include as participants individual retirement accounts or U.S. H.R. 10 plans,

 

 

 

 

(g)

A business development company as defined in section 202(a)(22) of the U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940,

 

 

 

 

(h)

An organization described in section 501 (c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, corporation (other than a bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or a savings and loan association or other institution referenced in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or a foreign bank or savings and loan association or equivalent institution), partnership or Massachusetts or similar business trust, and

 

 

 

 

(i)

An investment adviser registered under the U.S. Investment Advisers Act.

 

 

 

5.

A client that is a dealer registered pursuant to section 15 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, acting for its own account or the accounts of other Eligible Clients, that in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $10 million of securities of issuers that are not affiliated with the dealer, provided that securities constituting the whole or a part of an unsold allotment to or subscription by a dealer as a participant in a public offering shall not be deemed to be owned by such dealer.

 

 

 

6.

A client that is an investment company registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act, acting for its own account or for the accounts of other Eligible Clients, that is part of a family of investment companies which own in the aggregate at least $100 million in securities of issuers, other than issuers that are affiliated with the investment company or are part of such family of investment companies and, for these purposes, "family of investment companies" means any two or more investment companies registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act, except for a unit investment trust whose assets consist solely of shares of one or more registered investment companies, that have the same investment adviser (or, in the case of unit investment trusts, the same depositor), provided, for these purposes:

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Each series of a series company (as defined in Rule 18f-2 under the U.S. Investment Company Act) shall be deemed to be a separate investment company; and

 

 

 

 

(b)

Investment companies shall be deemed to have the same adviser (or depositor) if their advisers (or depositors) are majority-owned subsidiaries of the same parent, or if one investment company's adviser (or depositor) is a majority owned subsidiary of the other investment company's adviser (or depositor).

 

 

 

7.

A client, all of the equity owners of which are Eligible Clients, acting for its own account or the accounts of other Eligible Clients.

 

 

 

8.

A client that is not an individual, with total securities under administration or management exceeding $10 million, where the client is a resident in a Basel Accord country as defined in the General Notes and Definitions section of the Joint Regulatory Financial Questionnaire and Report.

 

 

 

9.

A client that is a bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, or any savings and loan institution or other institution as referenced in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, acting for its own account or the accounts of other Eligible Clients, that in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $100 million in securities of issuers that are not affiliated with it and that has an audited net worth of at least $25 million.

 

IIROC

The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

 

IIROC Rules

UMIR and IIROC's dealer member rules.

 

Intentional Cross

A trade resulting from the entry by a Member or DMA Eligible Client of both the order to purchase and the order to sell a security, but does not include a trade in which the Member has entered one of the orders as a jitney order.

 

Internal Cross

An Intentional Cross between two accounts which are managed by a single firm acting as a portfolio manager with discretionary authority to manage the investment portfolio granted by each of the holders of the accounts and includes a trade in respect of which the Member or DMA Eligible Client is acting as a portfolio manager in authorizing the trade between the two accounts.

 

Market Maker

The Member or Members appointed as a market maker for a particular Alpha Listed Security.

 

Market Maker Approved Trader

The Approved Trader, given responsibility to fulfill a Market Maker's responsibilities under these Trading Policies.

 

Market Regulator

IIROC or such other person recognized by the Ontario Securities Commission as a Regulation Services Provider for the purposes of Ontario securities law and which has been retained by Alpha as an acceptable Regulation Services Provider.

 

Member

A member approved by Alpha to access the Alpha Systems, provided such access has not been terminated.

 

Member Agreement

The agreement entered into between Alpha and a Member which sets out the terms and conditions of the Member's access to the Alpha Systems.

 

Mixed Lot

An order containing at least one Board Lot and an Odd Lot.

 

National Best Bid and Offer (NBBO)

The best bid and best offer of at least a Board Lot on all visible marketplaces, but does not include special terms orders.

 

National Cross

A cross entered during the continuous trading session which at the time of entry was at or within the NBBO.

 

National Last Sale Price (NLSP)

The most recent trade of at least a Board Lot on any marketplace, other than a special terms trade.

Notice

A communication or document given, delivered, sent or served by Alpha.

 

Odd Lot

Any amount less than a Board Lot.

 

Odd Lot Approved Trader

The Approved Trader, given responsibility to fulfill an Odd Lot Dealer's responsibilities under these Trading Policies.

 

Odd Lot Dealer

A Member appointed as an Odd Lot Dealer for a particular security.

 

Odd Lot Order Book (OLOB)

The electronic book containing all Odd Lot orders.

 

Order Protection Rule (OPR)

NI 23-101, which sets out the requirements that ensure that all immediately accessible, visible, better-priced limit orders are executed before inferior-priced limit orders and are not traded through. OPR requires each marketplace to establish, maintain and ensure compliance with written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent trade-throughs on that marketplace.

 

Other Marketplace

An exchange, quotation and trade reporting system, or alternative trading system other than Alpha, which is subject to UMIR, on which any of the same securities as are tradable on Alpha are tradable, which has been identified as a Protected Marketplace by an applicable regulatory authority, excluding marketplaces which Alpha specifically identifies as an excepted Other Marketplace.

 

Other Traded Security (OTS)

A security listed by a stock exchange other than Alpha and traded on Alpha.

 

Person

Includes without limitation a corporation, incorporated syndicated or other incorporated organization, sole proprietorship, partnership or trust.

 

Related Entity{1}

A Person that is

 

 

 

1.

an affiliated entity of a Member, or

 

 

 

2.

a control person of a Member or of which the Member is a control person,

 

 

and that carries on as a substantial part of its business in Canada that of a broker, dealer or advisor in securities and that is not itself a Member.

 

Related Person{2}

A Related Person is:

 

 

 

1.

A Related Entity,

 

 

 

2.

An employee of a Member or a Related Entity,

 

 

 

3.

Partners, directors and officers of a Member or Related Entity, and

 

 

 

4.

Any other Person designated by Alpha.

 

Retail Customer

Is defined in accordance with Rule 1 of IIROC's dealer member rules.

 

Settlement Day

Any day on which trades may be settled through the facilities of the Clearing Corporation.

 

Sponsoring Member

A Member that provides a DMA Eligible Client with access to the Alpha Systems.

 

Trading Contract

Any agreement or contract:

 

 

 

1.

To buy or sell any Alpha Listed Security or OTS through Alpha's facilities; or

 

 

 

2.

For delivery of, or payment for, any Alpha Listed Security or OTS (or security which was an Alpha Listed Security or OTS when the contract was made) arising from settlement through the Clearing Corporation.

 

Trading Policies

These Alpha Exchange trading policies, as they may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

TTM Service

The service used by Alpha to route designated orders, in part or in whole, to Other Marketplaces with the objective of complying with the Order Protection Rule (NI 23-101) to not trade through displayed better priced orders on such marketplaces.

 

UMIR

The Universal Market Integrity Rules adopted by IIROC as amended, supplemented and in effect from time to time

1.2. Interpretation

(1) A company is an affiliate of another company if one of them is a subsidiary of the other or if both are subsidiaries of the same company or if each of them is controlled by the same Person.

(2) The division of Alpha Requirements into separate policies, divisions, sections, subsections and clauses and the provision of a table of contents, headings and notes is for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of Alpha Requirements.

(3) The words "hereof," "herein," "hereby," "hereunder" and similar expressions mean the whole of these Trading Policies and not simply the particular section of the Trading Policies in which the term is mentioned, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(4) The word "or" is not exclusive.

(5) The word "including," when following any general statement or term, does not limit the meaning of the general statement or term to the specific matter immediately following the statement or term.

(6) Unless otherwise specified, any reference to a statute includes that statute and the regulations made pursuant to that statute, with all amendments made and in force from time to time, and to any statute or regulation that supersedes that statute or regulation.

(7) Unless otherwise specified, any reference to a rule, policy, blanket order or instrument includes all amendments made and in force from time to time, and to any rule, policy, blanket order or instrument that supersedes that rule, policy, blanket order or instrument.

(8) Grammatical variations of any defined term have the same meaning.

(9) Any word imputing gender includes the masculine, feminine and neuter genders.

(10) Any word in the singular includes the plural and vice versa.

(11) All references to time in Alpha Requirements are to Toronto time unless otherwise stated.

(12) All references to currency in Alpha Requirements are to Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

(13) All provisions of these Trading Policies apply to the trading of both Alpha Listed Securities and Other Traded Securities unless otherwise specified.

PART II. Application of Policies and Authority of Alpha

2.1. Application of policies

(1) Members and Related Persons must comply with all applicable Alpha Requirements when trading on Alpha.

(2) Alpha may take disciplinary action against any Member or Related Person who violates any Alpha Requirement.

2.2. Exercise of powers

(1) Unless otherwise expressly provided, whenever Alpha is given any power, right, exercise of discretion or entitlement to take action in respect of Alpha Requirements, the same may be exercised by the Board, any Committee of the Board, the appropriate officers of Alpha or any committee or person designated by the Board or the CEO of Alpha, including the Market Regulator.

(2) Unless the subject matter or context otherwise requires, any action taken by a Person under subsection (1) is subject to the overall authority of the Board.

2.3. General Exemptive Relief

(1) Alpha may exempt any Member from the application of any Alpha Requirement, if in the opinion of Alpha, the provision of such exemption:

a. Would not be contrary to the provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) and the rules and regulations thereunder or UMIR;

b. Would not be prejudicial to the public interest or to the maintenance of a fair and orderly market; and

c. Is warranted after due consideration of the circumstances.

2.4. No waiver of rights

(1) Failure by Alpha or the Market Regulator to exercise any of its rights, powers or remedies under Alpha Requirements or their delay to do so is not a waiver of those rights, powers or remedies.

(2) The single or partial exercise of a right, power or remedy does not in any way limit the ability of Alpha or the Market Regulator to exercise that right, power or remedy.

(3) Any waiver of a right, power or remedy must be in writing and may be general or particular in its application.

2.5. Anti-avoidance

(1) If, in the opinion of Alpha, a Member has organized its business and affairs for the purpose of avoiding the application of any Alpha Requirement, Alpha may apply such Alpha Requirement to the Member in the same manner as if such provision had directly applied to such Member.

PART III. Membership

DIVISION 1 -- APPROVAL

3.1. Qualification for becoming a Member

(1) An applicant must

(a) be a dealer member of IIROC (or any successor recognized as a self regulatory entity or comparable self-regulatory entity) in good standing;

(b) be a participant of the Clearing Corporation or have entered into an arrangement for the clearing and settlement of trade with a participant in the Clearing Corporation; and

(c) meet Alpha Requirements, including completion of a Member Agreement.

(2) A Member is authorized to trade both Alpha Listed Securities and OTSs on Alpha.

(3) Membership is not transferable or assignable.

(4) Membership is solely an authorization to have access to Alpha Systems and to trade on Alpha and does not confer any ownership or shareholder rights.

3.2. Application and approval

(1) An applicant for membership shall submit:

(a) a completed Member Agreement; and

(b) such books and records as may be reasonably required by Alpha to ascertain relevant facts bearing on the applicant's qualifications or activities on the Alpha Systems.

(2) Alpha may:

(a) approve an applicant for membership without condition,

(b) defer approval pending receipt of further information concerning the applicant,

(c) approve a Person as a Member subject to such terms and conditions as are appropriate or necessary to ensure compliance with Alpha Requirements, or

(d) refuse the application for such factors it considers relevant, including

(i) past or present misconduct by the applicant or any Related Person,

(ii) the applicant or any Related Person refuses to comply with Alpha Requirements,

(iii) the applicant is not qualified by reason of integrity, solvency, training or experience, or

(iv) such approval is otherwise not in the public interest.

(3) An applicant that is approved subject to conditions or is rejected may appeal the Decision using the procedures set out in Part 10.

(4) Subject to the exercise of a right of appeal, a rejected applicant may not reapply for a period of six months following the date of refusal.

DIVISION 2 -- CONTINUING REQUIREMENTS

3.3. Authorized Representative

(1) Each Member must appoint a senior officer, director or partner as its representative who shall be named in the Member Agreement.

(2) The representative shall:

(a) have authority to speak for the Member in dealings with Alpha; and

(b) serve as primary contact to Alpha on inquiries regarding the conduct and supervision of the Member's Approved Traders and DMA Eligible Clients.

(3) A Member must give Alpha notice of a change of its representative at least 10 business days prior to the change unless circumstances make this impossible, in which case notice must be given as soon as possible.

3.4. Payment of fees, etc.

(1) Members must pay all fees and charges fixed by Alpha and the Market Regulator, which are due and payable as Alpha or the Market Regulator require from time to time.

(2) Alpha may at any time, and from time to time, on not less than 30 days' Notice to Members, increase any or all fees or charges. Alpha may decrease fees by providing Members with Notice of such a change within 30 days prior to the effective date of the change.

(3) Alpha may suspend without further notice a Member that has not paid any fees or charges within 30 days of becoming payable, and such suspension shall remain in place until all outstanding fees and charges have been paid by the Member.

3.5. Continuing SRO Membership

(1) A Member that ceases to comply with the requirements of Section 3.1(1) must notify Alpha immediately.

(2) A Member must inform Alpha immediately if it ceases to be a member of, is being investigated by, or is subject to an enforcement action (a hearing has been scheduled) by a recognized self-regulatory organization.

(3) If a Member ceases to be a member of IIROC (or any successor recognized as a self regulatory entity or comparable self-regulatory entity), it shall be terminated as a Member of Alpha. In such case, the Member may reapply for membership with Alpha upon becoming reinstated as a member of IIROC, by following the procedures set forth in Section 3.2.

(4) Alpha may from time to time review the continued eligibility of a Member for membership.

3.6. Notifications

(1) A Member must give Alpha written notice of:

(a) a change of its name or the name under which it does business; or

(b) a change in the address of its head office.

(2) The Member must give such notice at least 10 business days prior to the change.

3.7. Maintaining Records

(1) The Member shall be responsible for maintaining any required records relating to transactions sent and received by it on the Alpha Systems. For the purpose of this section records relating to transactions will include all information directly or indirectly relating to orders routed to the Alpha Systems or trades executed on the Alpha Systems.

3.8. Training

(1) The Member shall be responsible for developing and providing comprehensive training and materials with respect to applicable regulatory requirements relating to, among other things, the entry and trading of orders through Alpha and other Canadian marketplaces required to allow the Member to meet its obligations under applicable regulatory requirements, these Trading Policies and the Member Agreement.

DIVISION 3 -- TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

3.9. Voluntary Surrender

(1) A Member may resign its membership by giving not less than 30 days' prior written notice.

(2) Alpha may postpone the effective date of termination if the Member

(i) is the subject of disciplinary proceedings or is under investigation for a failure to comply with Alpha Requirements, or

(ii) has any trades outstanding.

3.10. Automatic suspension

(1) A Member will be suspended immediately and without prior notice if any of the following events occur:

(a) the Member ceases to comply with the requirements of Section 3.1(1), paragraphs (b), (c) or (d);

(b) the Member is for any reason unable to meet its obligations as they generally become due;

(c) the Member has ceased paying its current obligations in the ordinary course of business as they become due;

(d) the aggregate of the property of the Member is not, at a fair valuation, sufficient, or if disposed of in a fairly-conducted sale under legal process, would not be sufficient to enable payment of all of its obligations due or becoming due; or

(e) continued access by the Member raises inappropriate risk to the operations of Alpha, financial risk to other Members, and/or market quality issues.

(2) The Member may, at Alpha's discretion, be reinstated with or without any restrictions upon the Member demonstrating to Alpha's satisfaction that:

(a) it now complies with all provisions of Section 3.1,

(b) if the Member has been suspended due to the occurrence of one or more of the events listed in paragraphs (b), (c), (d) or (e) of Section 3.10, such events have been remedied to Alpha's satisfaction; and

(c) it otherwise meets the criteria for membership with Alpha.

3.11. Discretionary Suspension

(1) Alpha may, in its sole and absolute discretion, suspend the Member's access to the System for any period of time as Alpha believes is advisable. Alpha shall, where practical, provide prior written notification of such a suspension. Where the provision of prior written notice is impractical, Alpha shall promptly notify the Member that access has been suspended. In each case Alpha shall advise of the reasons for such suspension.

Commentary: Examples of situations where Alpha may exercise its discretion to suspend a Member include:

1. runaway algorithmic trading

2. continuous breaches of price band parameters unrelated to a market event

(2) The membership may, at Alpha's discretion, be reinstated upon the Member demonstrating to Alpha's satisfaction that the reasons for the suspension have been remedied.

3.12. Termination by Alpha

(1) Alpha may terminate a membership by giving not less than 5 days' prior written notice if Alpha has concluded after reasonable investigation that the Member has

(a) failed to comply or is not in compliance with Alpha Requirements; or

(b) engaged in conduct, business or affairs that is unbecoming, inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade or detrimental to the interests of Alpha.

3.13. Automatic Termination

(1) Alpha will terminate a membership without notice if:

(a) the Member has committed an act of bankruptcy as provided in the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada);

(b) the Member defaults in, or fails to meet or admits its inability to meet its liabilities to the Canadian Investor Protection Fund or the Clearing Corporation or another Member; or

(c) Section 3.5(3) applies.

(2) A Member must give Alpha immediate notice on the occurrence of any act listed in subsection (1).

3.14. Effect of Suspension or Termination

(1) Upon suspension or termination, Alpha may at its discretion cancel all of the Member's or former Member's open orders or impose any other restrictions and/or conditions on the Member's rights until the Member has been reinstated in accordance with Section 3.14(3) or Section 3.14(4).

(2) A Member that has been suspended or terminated or that has been deprived of some of the rights of membership under Alpha Requirements does not for that reason alone lose its rights in respect of any claims it may have against another Member unless such rights are expressly dealt with.

(3) A Member that has been suspended may have its rights to access reinstated, at Alpha's discretion, upon providing evidence, satisfactory to Alpha in its sole discretion, that the reason for the suspension has been remedied.

(4) A Member that has had its membership terminated may, no sooner than six months after the date of the termination of membership, reapply for membership with Alpha by following the procedures set out in Section 3.2.

PART IV. Access to Trading

DIVISION 1 - APPROVED TRADERS

4.1. Approved Traders

(1) A Member must provide Alpha with the names and identifiers of all Approved Traders.

(2) A Member must maintain a list of all Approved Traders and their identifiers for the preceding 7-year period.

(3) A Member must give Alpha written notice of additions or terminations of Approved Traders at least 10 business days prior to the change unless circumstances make such prior notice of a termination impossible, in which case notice must be given as soon as possible.

(4) The Member shall be responsible for all instructions entered, transmitted or received under an Approved Trader identifier, and for the trading and other consequences thereof.

4.2. Access

(1) A Member must not allow an employee to enter orders or crosses on Alpha if the person is not properly qualified in accordance with the requirements of a Market Regulator or securities regulatory authority.

(2) Alpha may suspend an Approved Trader's access or approval without notice if it concludes after reasonable investigation that the Approved Trader is misusing the Alpha Systems or is causing a disorderly market.

(3) Alpha may suspend an Approved Trader's access or approval by giving not less than 5 days' prior written notice if Alpha has concluded after reasonable investigation that the Approved Trader has:

(a) failed to comply or is not in compliance with Alpha Requirements; or

(b) engaged in conduct, business or affairs that is unbecoming, inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade or detrimental to the interests of Alpha.

(4) A Member must terminate an Approved Trader's access to the Alpha Systems immediately upon receiving notice and must not reinstate access without Alpha's written approval. If the Member fails to comply with this provision, Alpha shall have the right to take such action as it considers necessary, in its sole discretion, to prevent access to the Alpha Systems by any person, including the termination of the Member's right to access the Alpha Systems in its entirety.

(5) Upon termination of an Approved Trader, Alpha may in its sole discretion cancel all open orders entered by that trader.

(6) A Member shall cease use of the Alpha Systems as soon as practicable after it is notified by Alpha of, or it otherwise becomes aware of or suspects, a technical failure or security breach of the Alpha Systems and shall immediately notify Alpha of such failure or breach of security in accordance with the notice provisions set out in these Trading Policies.

DIVISION 2 -- DMA ELIGIBLE CLIENTS AND MEMBER-SPONSORED ACCESS

4.3. Sponsoring Member Supervisory Responsibilities

(1) If a Sponsoring Member provides access to the Alpha Systems to its DMA Eligible Clients, then prior to granting such access, the Sponsoring Member shall enter into a binding legal agreement with such DMA Eligible Client which contains, at a minimum, the terms set out in Schedule 5 to the Member Agreement and shall provide to Alpha any DMA Eligible Client documentation as requested by Alpha from time to time;

(2) A Sponsoring Member which enters into an agreement with a DMA Eligible Client to transmit orders received from the DMA Eligible Client in accordance with these Trading Policies shall exercise due diligence to ensure that each such DMA Eligible Client complies with all Alpha Requirements and shall put in place policies and procedures governing, and be responsible for, compliance with the Alpha Requirements with respect to the entry and execution of orders transmitted by DMA Eligible Clients through the Member.

(3) The Sponsoring Member shall have the ability to receive an immediate report of the entry and execution of orders entered by the DMA Eligible Client. The Sponsoring Member shall have the capability of rejecting orders that do not fall within the designated parameters of authorized orders for a particular DMA Eligible Client.

(4) The Sponsoring Member shall have procedures in place to ensure that DMA Eligible Clients use system interconnects and can comply with the Alpha Requirements and other applicable regulatory requirements.

(5) The eligibility of DMA Eligible Clients using system interconnects shall be reviewed at least annually by the Sponsoring Member.

(6) In addition to all other account documentation, the Sponsoring Member shall ensure specifically that the Sponsoring Member or Alpha has the right, at any time and for any reason, including if compelled to do so by any regulatory authority or Alpha to discontinue receiving or processing orders which will be routed to the System from any DMA Eligible Client.

4.4. Contents of agreement with DMA Eligible Clients

(1) The agreement between the Sponsoring Member and the DMA Eligible Client must provide that:

(a) the DMA Eligible Client will only enter orders in compliance with Alpha Requirements and other applicable regulatory requirements respecting the entry and trading of orders;

(b) specific parameters defining the orders that may be entered by the DMA Eligible Client are stated, including restriction to specific securities or size of orders;

(c) the Sponsoring Member has the right to reject an order for any reason;

(d) the Sponsoring Member has the right to change or remove an order in the Alpha Systems and has the right to cancel any trade made by the DMA Eligible Client for any reason;

(e) the Sponsoring Member has the right to discontinue accepting orders from the DMA Eligible Client at any time without notice;

(f) the Sponsoring Member agrees to train the DMA Eligible Client in the Alpha Requirements dealing with the entry and trading of orders and other applicable Alpha Requirements; and

(g) the Sponsoring Member accepts the responsibility to ensure that revisions and updates to Alpha Requirements relating to the entry and trading of orders are promptly communicated to the DMA Eligible Client.

4.5. Termination of Sponsored Access

(1) Alpha may suspend a DMA Eligible Client's access to Alpha Systems without notice if it concludes after reasonable investigation that the DMA Eligible Client has:

(a) misused the Alpha Systems or has caused a disorderly market;

(b) failed to comply or is not in compliance with Alpha Requirements; or

(c) engaged in conduct, business or affairs that is unbecoming, inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade or detrimental to the interests of Alpha.

(2) A Sponsoring Member must terminate a DMA Eligible Client's access to the Alpha Systems immediately upon receiving notice and must not reinstate access to Alpha Systems without Alpha's written approval.

PART V. Governance of Trading Sessions

DIVISION 1 -- GENERAL

5.1. Market Integrity and General Compliance Requirement

Each Member and each Approved Trader on Alpha shall comply with all Alpha Requirements.

5.2. Times of Sessions

(1) On each business day Alpha will be open for trading sessions.

(2) Alpha will determine from time to time the opening and closing times for each session and will publish the time of the sessions by Notice to Members.

(3) The current trading sessions are:

(a) System open for queries

(b) Pre-opening until the opening call (Pre-Open)

(c) Opening Call

(d) Continuous trading from the opening call to the closing call (Continuous Trading)

(e) Closing Call

(f) Extended closing session from the closing call to the final closing call (Extended Closing)

(g) Final Closing Call

(h) Extended Trading session

5.3. Changes to Trading Sessions

(1) The CEO or in his or her absence any person designated by the CEO may at any time in the event of an emergency

(a) suspend all trading at any session or sessions or trading in any security during any session or sessions, or

(b) close, reduce, extend or otherwise alter the time of any session or sessions.

5.4. Trades or Queries Outside of Trading Session Hours

(1) No Member or DMA Eligible Client may make a bid, offer or transaction on Alpha or issue a commitment to trade on Alpha outside trading session hours.

(2) Members and DMA Eligible Clients have the ability to run queries on the Alpha Systems during and outside of trading session hours.

5.5. Trading Halts

(1) Alpha can initiate a trading halt based on certain external events at any time.

(2) The Market Regulator may initiate a trading halt due to market conditions, or to allow for the dissemination of material information by an issuer.

(3) Trading may be halted by Alpha or any applicable securities regulatory authority.

Commentary: Examples of circumstances when Alpha may halt trading include:

(a) Halt trading of a security to permit the dissemination of material news; or

(b) Halt trading of a security during a trading halt imposed by another marketplace to permit the dissemination of material news; or

(c) Halt trading in a security when Alpha determines that extraordinary market activity in the security is occurring, such as the execution of a series of transactions for a significant dollar value at prices substantially unrelated to the current market for the security, as measured by the NBBO; or

(d) other unusual conditions or circumstances detrimental to the maintenance of a fair and orderly market are present.

(4) Alpha can initiate two types of trading halts based on certain external events.

(a) During a "full" halt order entry, amendment and matching are not permitted, and orders can be cancelled.

(b) During a "no matching" halt, new orders can be entered and existing orders can be amended or cancelled, but no matching is permitted.

(5) After a trading halt is lifted, the security enters a Pre-open phase allowing for order entry, amendment and cancellation, followed by an auction.

5.6. Exceeding Price Band Parameters (Price Band Limits)

(1) Alpha may determine price band parameters which set limits based on a variance from the ALSP or any other reference price.

(2) Alpha may change the price band parameters to adjust to changes in the markets or to events on a particular day.

(3) Alpha will publish the establishment of a price band parameter and any changes (other than those made for a temporary period to adjust to a particular event) before implementation.

(4) During the Continuous Trading session, if a tradable order would trade through the price band parameter or limit for a security, the order will trade up to the price band parameter and any remaining balance will be cancelled.

(5) Price band parameters do not affect execution of crosses and Special Terms trades.

5.7. General Capacity Thresholds to Achieve Performance

(1) Alpha may determine thresholds based on system capacity criteria.

(2) If a Member or DMA Eligible Client, directly or indirectly, exceeds the threshold, Alpha may take action to mitigate the impact.

5.8. Cancellation and Correction of Trades by Alpha

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of these Trading Policies, Alpha has the right to change and/or cancel any Member order or trade that has not yet been submitted by Alpha to the clearing agency clearance and settlement process for the purposes of mitigating errors made in order execution and maintaining market quality. In situations where the Member is unaware of such a change or cancellation Alpha shall take reasonable steps to notify the Member prior to completing such a change or cancellation, where practicable, or promptly after it has occurred, where prior notice is impracticable

(2) Cancellation or correction of trades involving orders with regulatory markers (such as insider or significant shareholder) will follow the guidelines set out by the Market Regulator.

Commentary:

Decisions may require consultation with the Market Regulator and/or other marketplaces and the counterparties of the trade.

5.9. Error Corrections Requested by Member

(1) A Member may request to have a trade cancelled or changed.

Commentary:

Alpha has implemented processes for handling these requests, and has implemented price band parameters to minimize erroneous trades from occurring. Alpha will publish Information regarding the price band parameters so that Members can efficiently manage risks due to erroneous trades.

(2) Trade Cancellations or Amendments at the Opening:

(a) Requests by Members for cancelling trades that occurred at the opening. Upon request of a Member, Alpha will cancel a trade with the consent of both parties to the trade or after consultation with the Market Regulator. The trader can: (i) attempt to get the consent of the party on the other side to cancel the trade, (ii) request Alpha to seek consent from the contraparty, or (iii) call the Market Regulator and request it to instruct Alpha to cancel the trade.

(b) Requests by Members to amend or correct a trade at the opening. Upon request by a Member, Alpha will grant a request to change the price or increase the volume of a trade with the consent of both parties to the trade and the consent of a representative of the Market Regulator, or after consultation with the Market Regulator. Alpha will grant a request to decrease the volume of a trade with the consent of both parties to the trade or upon instructions of the Market Regulator. The trader can: (i) attempt to get the consent of the party on the other side to cancel the trade, (ii) request Alpha to seek consent from the contraparty, or (iii) call the Market Regulator and request it to instruct Alpha to amend or correct the trade.

(3) Trade Cancellations or Amendments during Continuous Session:

(a) Requests by Members for cancelling trades that occurred during the continuous trading session. Upon request of a Member, Alpha will cancel a trade with the consent of both parties to the trade or after consultation with the Market Regulator. The trader can: (i) attempt to get the consent of the party on the other side to cancel the trade, (ii) request Alpha to seek consent from the contraparty, or (iii) call the Market Regulator and request it to instruct Alpha to cancel or correct the trade.

(b) Requests by Members to amend or correct a trade during the continuous trading session. Upon request of a Member, Alpha will grant a request to change the price or increase the volume of a trade with the consent of both parties to the trade and the Market Regulator, or upon instructions of a representative of the Market Regulator. Alpha will grant a request to decrease the volume of a trade with the consent of both parties to the trade or upon instructions of the Market Regulator. The trader can: (i) attempt to get the consent of the party on the other side to cancel the trade, (ii) request Alpha to seek consent from the contraparty, or (iii) call the Market Regulator and request it to instruct Alpha to cancel or correct the trade.

(4) Trade Cancellations or Amendments at the Closing Auction

(a) Requests by Members for cancelling trades that occurred at the closing. Upon request of a Member, Alpha will cancel a trade with the consent of both parties to the trade or after consultation with the Market Regulator. The trader can: (i) attempt to get the consent of the party on the other side to cancel the trade, (ii) request Alpha to seek consent from the contraparty, or (iii) call the Market Regulator and request it to instruct Alpha to cancel or correct the trade.

(b) Requests by Members to amend or correct a trade at the closing. Upon request of a Member, Alpha will grant a request to change the price or increase the volume of a trade with the consent of both parties to the trade and after consultation with the Market Regulator. Alpha will grant a request to decrease the volume of a trade with the consent of both parties to the trade or upon instructions of the Market Regulator. The trader can: (i) attempt to get the consent of the party on the other side to cancel the trade, (ii) request Alpha to seek consent from the contraparty, or (iii) call the Market Regulator and request it to instruct Alpha to cancel or correct the trade.

(5) Requests by Members for trade cancellations or amendments on T+1 and T+2. Members must send requests for trade cancellations or amendments on T+1 or T+2, for trades executed on T, directly to the Clearing Corporation. Alpha cannot process these requests.

Commentary:

Market Regulator time limit. It is the Member's obligation to promptly contact the Market Regulator if it wants to seek a decision from it regarding whether it will permit a cancellation or amendment. Generally the Market Regulator must be contacted within 30 minutes of the time of the trade.

DIVISION 2 -- ORDER ENTRY

5.10. Order Types

All or None (AON)
An order that may only be executed in full. The order remains in the CLOB with original time priority until it is able to be filled.
 
Fill or Kill (FOK)
An order that is to be filled immediately in full or in part, with the unfilled quantity cancelled.
 
Fill and Kill (FAK)
An order that is to be filled immediately in full, or cancelled.
 
Good for Day
Order that is valid until it is fully filled or cancelled by the Member or DMA Eligible Client or until the end of the continuous trading session
 
Good for Extended Day
Order that is valid until it is fully filled or cancelled by the Member or DMA Eligible Client or until the end of the extended trading session
 
Good till Cancel
Order that remains valid until it is fully filled or is cancelled by the Member or DMA Eligible Client.
 
Good till Date
Order that is valid until it is fully filled or cancelled by the Member or DMA Eligible Client or until a specified expiry date
 
Good till Time
Order that is valid until it is fully filled or cancelled by the Member or DMA Eligible Client or until the specified expiry date and time
 
Inside Match (IM)
Order with a limit price within the NBBO specified by a percentage (between 10% and 90%, in increments of 10%) of the spread that trades with PII orders immediately on entry. Any unfilled balance of an IM order is cancelled. Trades may occur at smaller price increments than the minimum quotation increments contained in UMIR.
 
Limit on Open (LOO)
A Limit Order that is only available for execution at the opening call.
 
Limit Order
An order to buy or sell a security at a price equal to, or better than, the specified limit price. An unfilled Limit Order entered during the Pre-Open session will be available for trading in the Continuous Trading session
 
Market on Close (MOC)
A Market Order participating only in the closing and executing at the CCP. MOC orders do not participate in the continuous trading session. MOC orders can be entered, modified and cancelled any time between 7:00 a.m. and the closing call. Any unfilled part of the order is killed after the Closing Call Note: MOC orders are currently being rejected
 
Market on Open (MOO)
A Market Order that is only available for execution at the Opening Call. Any unfilled MOO orders will be killed when the Continuous Trading Session begins.
 
Market Order
An order to buy or sell a security at the best price available, up to a specified volume. An unfilled Market Order entered during the Pre-Open session, is booked as a Limit Order for trading in the Continuous Trading session at the COP.
 
Mixed Lot
An order for at least one Board Lot and an Odd Lot.
 
Odd Lot
An order for less than a Board Lot.
 
On-Stop
An order that becomes a Market Order or Limit Order if a specified price (the stop price) is reached, or passed.
 
Passive Only (PO)
The PO order is cancelled at the time of entry if any portion of the order is immediately tradable. PO orders are also cancelled if the order becomes active due to a price change (i.e., a price amendment or short sale price re-pegging).
 
Price Improvement Iceberg (PII)
An SI with a non-disclosed, discretionary limit price expressed in a number of ticks beyond its limit price. The PII can match with IM orders at the price of the IM order, if the price of the IM order is equal to or better than the PII discretionary price.
 
Short Sell
An order to sell a security that the seller does not own (either directly, or through an agent or trustee) at the time of the order. Short Sell orders may only be executed at a price equal to, or above the NLSP.
 
Short Sell "exempt"
A Short Sell order that is exempt from the "last sale" pricing restrictions in UMIR. Members are responsible for identifying these orders.
 
Special Terms
Orders that are not for standard settlement or that have a minimum execution condition.
 
Standard Iceberg (SI)
A Limit Order that specifies a total size and a disclosed size. Once the disclosed size is executed in full, the new quantity of the disclosed size is released with time priority corresponding to the release time.

Commentary:

Price Related Orders

A "price-related execution condition" means any restrictions that apply to the price at which an order can execute. Alpha supports the following price conditions:

(a) Market Order: Executed at multiple price levels until the volume of the order is satisfied. The unfilled part of the order is converted to a Limit Order at a price equal to the price of the last fill of the order or the ALSP.

Example:

XYZ Security

Bid
 
Ask
 
 
500 shares
10.00
10.01
500 shares
 
300 shares
9.99
10.02
200 shares
 
200 shares
9.98
 
 

A trader enters a Market Order to buy 3000 shares.

After the trades of 500 shares at $10.01 and 200 shares at $10.02, the remaining 2300 shares will be booked at $10.02.

The book for XYZ would look as follows:

XYZ Security

Bid
 
Ask
 
2300 shares
10.02
 
 
500 shares
10.00
 
 
300 shares
9.99
 
 
200 shares
9.98
 

(b) Limit Order: Executed at the price equal to or better than the specified limit price.

(c) IM Order: Upon receipt, it will trigger PII orders for an immediate match. Any unfilled part of the IM order is killed. If there are no matching PII orders, the entire IM order is killed.

Example:

XYZ Security

Bid
Ask
 
200 shares (1000 reserve)
4.00
3.00 (discretionary 3.20)
200 shares
 
500 shares
 
3.00
 

NBBO is 3.00 -- 4.00

A trader enters a sell Inside Match order for 100 shares with a specified percentage 80%

The engine assigns a limit of $3.20 to the IM order

The IM is matched against the PII order and 100 shares will trade at 3.20

The book for XYZ would look as follows:

XYZ Security

Bid
Ask
 
100 shares (1000 reserve)
4.00
 
3.00 (discretionary 3.20)
200 shares
 
500 shares
 
3.00
 

Trade Session Related Orders

Some orders are only valid during specific Trading Sessions: MOO, LOO, and MOC.

Volume- Related Orders

These are volume-related execution conditions: FAK orders, FOK orders, and AON orders.

Note: A Fill or Kill Order is known in other marketplaces as an Immediate or Cancel Order (IOC).

Time Related Orders

These are orders with time-related conditions, which limit the time the unfilled part of the order remains in the order book. (Note that for Good till Cancel Orders, Alpha will automatically cancel the order if it is older than a set number of days determined by Alpha. Currently, Good till Cancel orders are cancelled after 90 days.

On-Stop Orders

An On-Stop order activates once the specified trigger price is equal to or better than the ALSP. A buy On-Stop order triggers a buy order when the ALSP is greater to or equal to the stop price. A sell On-Stop order triggers a sell order when the ALSP is less than or equal to the stop price.

On-Stop orders may execute immediately after triggering but before entry in the CLOB (see example below).

The trading system will reject an On-Stop order with a Limit price that is not equal to the trigger price.

Note:

On-Stop orders processed via the Trade Through Management Service of the Alpha Router will support On-Stop Market Orders and On-Stop Limit Orders with a limit price not equal to the trigger price.

Example:

XYZ Security

Bid
Ask
 
500 shares 10.00
10.04
 
400 shares
 
200 shares 9.99
10.05
 
500 shares
 
300 shares 9.98
10.06
 
500 shares

ALSP is 10.03.

Trader 1 enters a limit on-stop buy order for 600 shares, with trigger and limit price of 10.05.

A market buy order for 500 shares is entered and executed.

ALSP becomes 10.05 and triggers the on-stop order. The order is immediately executed 400 shares at 10.05 and the remaining 200 shares is booked into the CLOB with a limit price of 10.05

The book for XYZ would look as follows:

XYZ Security

Bid
Ask
 
200 shares 10.05
10.06
 
500 shares
 
500 shares 10.00
 
 
200 shares 9.99
 
 
300 shares 9.98
 

Short Sale Orders

A Short Sell order is an order to sell a security that the seller does not own. To facilitate compliance with the short sale rule, the system generally pegs the price of short sell orders to the NLSP. However in the Pre-Open phase, short sale order prices are adjusted to the closing price of the principal market. Members are responsible for the identification of short sell orders.

A Short Sell "exempt" order is a Short Sell order that is exempt from the "last sale" pricing restrictions in UMIR. Members are responsible for identifying these orders.

Iceberg Orders

An SI order is a Limit Order containing a total size and a disclosed size. The CLOB displays the disclosed size. Once the displayed size is completely executed, the CLOB will display another order equal to the originally disclosed size and the undisclosed size, or reserve, will be reduced accordingly.

A PII order is an SI order with a hidden, discretionary limit price expressed as a number of ticks beyond its limit price. The PII can match with IM orders at the price of the IM order, if the price of the IM order is equal to or better than the PII discretionary price.

Special Terms Orders

Special Settlement Terms: Orders with settlement terms that differ from the standard settlement terms.

Mixed and Odd Lot Orders

A Mixed Lot order is a Market Order or Limit Order for a quantity that is larger than a Board Lot but is not a Board Lot.

An Odd Lot order is a Market Order or Limit Order for a quantity that is less than a Board Lot.

5.11. Account Types

(1) The Alpha Systems support order entry for

(a) client accounts;

(b) house or principal accounts; and

(c) non-client accounts.

5.12. Crosses

(1) A Member or DMA Eligible Client may report trades made outside the CLOB.

(2) Crosses other than Specialty Price crosses during the Continuous Trading session must be made at a price that is at or within the ABBO.

(3) National crosses entered during the continuous trading session must be made at a price that is at or within the NBBO.

(4) Crosses can be entered at any price during the Extended Trading session.

(5) Bypass Crosses are only allowed on a regular Alpha cross (no BBO check), and are not allowed on SPC Contingent Cross, Internal Cross, National Cross and SST Cross. A bypass Cross is exempt from cross interference, is short sell and short exempt supported, is only allowed on round lots and mixed lots and does not update NLSP.

Commentary: Crosses entered during the Extended Trading session at the Closing Price can be entered by the Approved Trader through the Alpha Systems. For crosses at any other price during the Extended Trading Session, Alpha must be in receipt of a completed "Extended Trading Cross Request" Form prior to executing the cross in the Extended Session. This form must be received between 4:15 and 4:50 pm on the day the cross is to be entered. The Extended Session cross will be entered by a representative of Alpha in accordance with the submitted request and confirmed to the client by email. Alpha will confirm that the price of the cross is at or within the NBBO at the time Alpha receives the order. If the price is not at or within the NBBO, the cross will be rejected. Alpha staff will also confirm that the price of the cross would not trade outside a better priced order in the Alpha CLOB at 4 pm. If the cross would in fact trade outside a better priced order in the Alpha book, the cross will be rejected. Alpha will not be responsible for a Member's compliance with applicable securities regulation or rules of a Market Regulator. A Bypass Cross entered in the Extended Trading Session is allowed at any price. As a result, the submission of a completed "Extended Trading Cross Request" Form is not required for crosses marked bypass.

5.13. Specialty Price Crosses

(1) A Specialty Price cross is one of the following:

 
Basis Cross
A cross of at least 80% of the component share weighting of the basket of securities or index participation unit that is the subject of the basis trade. A Member shall report details of the transaction to Alpha and the Market Regulator in the format and at the time required by Alpha and the Market Regulator and such information shall include complete details relating to the calculation of the price of the basis trade and all relevant supporting documentation
 
Volume-Weighted Average Price (VWAP) Cross
A VWAP trade price based on all trades during the Continuous Trading session. A VWAP trade price calculated on any other basis must be determined in such a manner that the time period for calculating the volume-weighted average price commences after the receipt of the order by the Member and the types of trades to be excluded from the calculation are determined prior to the commencement of the calculation. A Member shall report details of the transaction to Alpha and the Market Regulator in the format and at the time required by Alpha and the Market Regulator.

(2) Specialty Price Crosses may be executed during the Continuous Trading session and the Extended Trading session.

(3) Specialty Price Crosses will not be reflected in the ALSP and will not be used in the calculation of the ACP.

(4) Specialty Price Crosses must contain the order identifier required by the Market Regulator.

5.14. Bypass Order

(1) A Bypass Order must be entered as a Limit Order during the Continuous Trading or Extended Trading sessions.

(2) The Bypass marker is only allowed on Board Lot orders.

(3) A Bypass Order only executes against disclosed volume.

Commentary:

All Bypass Orders are FOK/ FAK; as a result all CFO or Cancel instructions with the bypass marker are rejected. It can be used through the Trade Through Service and updates the national last sale price (NLSP) which is the most recent trade of at least a Board Lot on any marketplace, other than a Special Terms trade.

Example 1:

The book for XYZ would look as follows:

XYZ Security

Buy Volume

Bid

Offer

Sell Volume

Non-disclosed/Reserved Volume

 

500 shares

$2.00

$2.50

200 shares

800 shares

 

 

 

$2.51

500 shares

 

 

 

 

$2.53

200 shares

1000 shares

A user enters a Bypass Limit Order to buy 1000 @2.54

The order is validated and accepted by the system

The order is checked against the order book

Three trades occur:

200 @2.50

500 @2.51

200 @2.53

The remaining 100 of the Bypass Order is cancelled (Bypass Order is always FOK or FAK).

ALSP updates to 2.53

Post-Trade:

XYZ Order Book

Buy Volume

Bid

Offer

Sell Volume

Non-disclosed/Reserved Volume

 

500 shares

$2.00

$2.50

200 shares

600 shares

 

 

 

$2.53

200 shares

800 shares

Note: UMIR Rule 6.2 Designations and Identifiers, clarifies the responsibility of ensuring that each order in any marketplace has specific identifiers and designations upon entry.

Example 2: -- Bypass Short Sell order pegged to NLSP

National Last Sale Price is $1.90

XYZ Security

Non-disclosed/Reserve Volume

Buy Volume

Bid

Offer

Sell Volume

 

1000 shares

500 shares

$2.00

$2.50

500 shares

 

 

400 shares

$1.80

 

 

Dealer A sent short sell Bypass Order for 900 at 1.80.

Order is booked as Short Sell with limit price 1.90. (Pegged to National Last Sale Price)

Alpha executes trade as 500 at 2.00

Outstanding volume of 400 is killed.

Alpha Last Sale Price updates to 2.00

Post-Trade Order Book

XYZ Security

Non-disclosed/reserve Volume

Buy Volume

Bid

Offer

Sell Volume

 

500 shares

500 shares

$2.00

$2.50

500 shares

 

 

400 shares

$1.80

 

 

Example 3: Bypass Short Sell Exempt Order

XYZ Security

Reserve Volume

Buy Volume

Bid

Offer

Sell Volume

 

1000 shares

500 shares

$2.20

$2.50

500 shares

 

 

400 shares

$2.00

 

 

Dealer A sent Short Sell Exempt Bypass Order for 600 at $2.00.

Order is booked as Short Sell Exempt at $2.00 (Order is NOT Pegged to National Last Sale Price)

Alpha executes 2 trades; 500 at $2.20, 100 at $2.00

Alpha Last Sale Price updates to $2.00

Post-Trade Order Book

XYZ Security

Non-disclosed/Reserve Volume

Buy Volume

Bid

Offer

Sell Volume

 

500 shares

500 shares

$2.20

$2.50

500 shares

 

 

300 shares

$2.00

 

 

5.15. Cancel on Disconnect

(1) Orders may be marked Cancel on Disconnect. The Alpha Systems will cancel all orders that are designated Cancel on Disconnect when the user is logged out from the trading system. When the session for the user in question is either disconnected or logged out, no matter whether it is planned or not, executed by the user or not, then any orders marked as cancel on disconnect managed through this session will be cancelled.

5.16. Self Trade Management

(1) Alpha Self Trade Management is a designation that suppresses trades from the public feed where orders on both sides of the trade are from the same Member and contain the same "self trade key" set by the Member.

(2) Self Trade Management applies only to unintentional trading (e.g. does not apply to intentional crosses).

(3) The designation is only applicable in Continuous Trading.

(4) Self trades are not disseminated on the public trade messages and do not update the last sale price, daily volume and turnover, or other trading statistics.

(5) The designation is applicable to board lot orders and board lot portion of mixed lot orders.

Note: The unique trading key provided by the Member for Self Trade Management is intended for use only on buy and sell orders for accounts that may result in trades where there is no change in beneficial or economic ownership.

5.17. Trades on a "When-Issued" Basis

(1) Alpha may post any security to trade on a when issued basis if such security is conditionally approved for listing as an Alpha Listed Security.

(2) Alpha may trade any OTS on a when issued basis if it is trading on a when issued basis on the marketplace where it has been conditionally listed.

(3) Unless otherwise specified, trades on a when issued basis are subject to all applicable Alpha Requirements relating to trading in an Alpha Listed Security or OTS, notwithstanding that the security is not listed.

(4) All trades on a when issued basis shall be cancelled if Alpha determines that the securities subject to such trades will not be listed.

5.18. Advantage Goes with Securities Sold

(1) Except as provided in section 5.18(2), in all trades of Alpha Listed Securities or OTSs, all entitlements to receive dividends or any other distribution made or right given to holders of that security shall pass with the security and shall belong to the purchaser, unless otherwise provided by Alpha for Alpha Listed Securities or the listing market of the OTS, as applicable, or the parties to the trade by mutual agreement.

(2) In all sales of listed bonds and debentures, all accrued interest shall belong to the seller unless otherwise provided by Alpha for Alpha Listed Securities or the listing market of the bonds or debentures, for OTSs, or parties to the trade by mutual agreement.

(3) Claims for dividends, rights or any other benefits to be distributed to holders of record of listed securities on a certain date shall be made in accordance with the procedures established by the Clearing Corporation.

(4) If subscription rights attaching to securities are not claimed by the persons entitled to those rights at least twenty-four hours before the expiration of the time within which trading in respect of such rights may take place on Alpha, a Member holding such rights may, in its discretion, sell or exercise all or any part of such rights, and shall account for such sale or exercise to the person or persons entitled to such rights, but in no case shall a Member be liable for any loss arising through failure to sell or exercise any unclaimed rights.

5.19. Foreign Currency Trading

(1) A report of a cross trade agreed to in a foreign currency shall be converted to Canadian dollars using the mid-market spot rate or 7-day forward exchange rate in effect at the time of the trade, plus or minus 15 basis points.

(2) If the converted price falls between two ticks, trades shall be done at each of the ticks immediately above and below the converted price for the number of shares, which yields the appropriate average price per share.

(3) The Member making the cross shall keep a record of the exchange rate used.

5.20. Unattributed Orders

(1) Members and DMA Eligible Clients may enter orders on an attributed or unattributed basis.

Commentary:

When an order is entered in an Alpha order book, the identity of the Member will be disclosed to the trading community for attributed orders and will not be disclosed for unattributed (anonymous) orders.

(3) Orders with Special Settlement terms must be attributed.

DIVISION 3 -- TRADING AT THE OPENING

5.21. Display of Orders

(1) During the pre-opening session, Market Orders and better-priced Limit Orders will be displayed at the COP.

(2) Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and the Opening Call, CLOB orders will be displayed and the COP and the imbalance are disseminated. During this time the following orders can be entered, modified or cancelled:

Market Order
Limit Order
Order with time conditions
Market on Open Order
Limit on Open Order
Market on Close Order
On-Stop Order
All or None Order
Short Sell Order
Standard and Price Improvement Iceberg Order
Odd Lot Order
Mixed Lot Order
Dark Order

5.22. Opening Call

(1) The Opening Call for each security will occur at a random time between 9:30:00 a.m. and a time specified by Notice.

(2) Each security will open at the COP.

Commentary:

The COP is calculated to maximize the traded volume. If there are two prices at which the same volume will trade, the COP is the price that will leave the smallest imbalance. If the imbalances are equal, the price will be the one closest to the previous day's closing price. For the purposes of determining the COP, Market Orders are assigned the worst price on the opposite side of the book, or if that price is not available, the best price of its own side.

(3) Orders will be matched at the COP in the following priority:

(a) Better-priced Limit and LOO orders trade with offsetting orders entered by the same Member, according to time priority, provided that neither order is an unattributed order; then

(b) Better-priced Limit and LOO orders trade with all other offsetting orders according to time priority; then

(c) Market and MOO Orders trade with offsetting orders entered by the same Member, according to time priority, provided that neither order is an unattributed order; then

(d) Market and MOO Orders trade with all other offsetting orders, according to time priority; then

(e) Limit and LOO Orders at the COP trade with offsetting orders entered by the same Member, according to time priority, provided that neither order is an unattributed order; then

(f) Remaining orders in the Opening Call trade with offsetting orders, according to time priority.

Commentary:

Limit Orders and LOO Orders have the same priority. Market Orders and MOO Orders have the same priority.

(4) Market Orders that are not completely filled in the Opening Call will be booked in the CLOB as Limit Orders at the COP.

(5) Limit Orders that are not completely filled in the Opening Call will be booked in the CLOB at the original limit price.

(6) The unfilled balance of any LOO and MOO Order will be cancelled immediately after the opening call.

5.23. Delayed Openings

(1) Alpha may delay the opening of a security for trading on Alpha if:

(a) The COP differs from the previous day's ACP (adjusted to the Closing price on principal market for OTSs) by an amount greater than the price band parameters set by Alpha, or

(b) Alpha determines that it is appropriate due to market conditions.

DIVISION 4 -- CONTINUOUS TRADING SESSION

5.24. Establishing Price and Time Priority

(1) An order, other than a Special Terms order, entered in the CLOB at a particular price will be executed in priority to all orders at inferior prices.

(2) Except as provided in section 5.21, an order at a particular price, other than a Special Terms order, will be executed prior to any orders at the same price entered subsequently in time, and after all orders at the same price entered previously ('time priority').

(3) An undisclosed portion of an order does not have time priority until it is disclosed.

(4) An order loses its time priority if its disclosed volume is increased

(5) Special Terms orders have no priority in the CLOB.

5.25. Allocation of Trades

(1) Internal Crosses, unattributed Intentional Crosses and Specialty Price crosses may be entered without interference from orders in the CLOB at that price.

(2) Intentional attributed crosses will be subject to interference only from attributed orders in the CLOB from the same Member according to time priority.

(3) A tradable order entered in the CLOB will be executed in the following sequence:

(a) against offsetting orders entered in the CLOB by the same Member, according to the time of entry of the offsetting order, provided neither order is an unattributed order; then

(b) against offsetting orders in the CLOB according to time priority.

DIVISION 5 -- CLOSING CALL

5.26. Closing Call

(1) The Closing Call for each security will occur at a random time between 4:00:00 p.m. and a time specified by Notice.

Commentary:

The Indicative Closing Imbalance is calculated and disseminated publicly through the Alpha broadcast feed starting at 3:40 p.m. and then every second until the Closing Call.

(2) Orders participating in the closing call will be matched at the CCP.

Commentary:

The CCP is the price at which the most securities will trade. If two prices have an equal volume, the CCP will be the price that minimizes the Closing Imbalance. If the imbalances are equal, the CCP is the price that minimizes the difference from a selected parameter.

If the Calculated Closing Price for a security does not exceed the price band parameters, it is the Alpha Closing Price for the day.

(3) Orders will be executed in the Closing Call in the following sequence:

(a) Better-priced Limit Orders will trade with offsetting orders entered by the same Member, according to time priority, provided that neither order is an unattributed order; then

(b) Better-priced Limit Orders will trade with all other offsetting orders according to time priority; then

(c) MOC orders will trade with offsetting orders entered by the same Member, according to time priority, provided that neither order is an unattributed order; then

(d) MOC orders will trade with all other offsetting orders, according to time priority; then

(e) Limit Orders will trade with offsetting orders entered by the same Member, according to time priority, provided that neither order is an unattributed order; then

(f) Remaining orders in the closing call will trade according to time priority.

Commentary:

Currently, All MOC orders are rejected. Under these circumstances the ACP is the LSP.

(4) The unfilled balance of any Limit Orders, other than Good For Day Orders, will remain in the CLOB.

(5) Any unfilled balance of a MOC Order will be cancelled immediately following the Closing Call.

DIVISION 6 -- EXTENDED CLOSING SESSION:

5.27. Additional Closing Call

(1) If the CCP for a security exceeds the price band parameters set by Alpha, an Extended Closing session for the security will follow.

(2) During the Extended Closing session, Market Orders, Limit Orders and MOC orders may be entered, modified and cancelled.

(3) During the Extended Closing session a new CCP will be calculated.

(4) At the end of the Extended Closing session, a Closing call will occur at a random time between 4:10:00 p.m. and 4:10:30 p.m.

Commentary:

If this new Calculated Closing Price does not exceed the price band parameters, it will become the ACP.

(5) Orders will be executed in the new Closing Call in the priority listed in section 5.23.

(6) If the new CCP exceeds the price band parameters, Alpha may set a Closing Price within the price band parameters.

5.28. Closing Price Adjustment

(1) The Alpha Closing Price for all OTSs will be adjusted overnight to reflect the closing on the principal market, which will be the listing marketplace unless otherwise identified by Notice.

DIVISION 7 - EXTENDED TRADING SESSION:

5.29. Eligible Securities Trade at ACP

(1) All Listed Securities and OTSs shall be eligible for trading during the Extended Trading session at the Alpha Closing Price for each security.

Commentary:

See Section 5.12 for facilitation of Intentional Crosses at any price.

PART VI. Market Makers and Odd Lot Dealers

DIVISION 1 -- MARKET MAKERS

6.1. Appointment of Market Makers

(1) Alpha may appoint a Member or Members as a Market Maker for an Alpha Listed Security or OTS for the term specified in any Notice notifying the Members of the availability of the securities.

(2) A Member wishing to be appointed as a Market Maker for a particular Alpha Listed Security or OTS must apply and agree to the terms on the designated Market Maker Application Form.

(3) Alpha may

(a) approve an applicant;

(b) defer approval pending receipt of further information concerning the applicant's qualifications to be appointed a Market Maker; or

(c) refuse the application for such factors it considers relevant.

(4) A Member whose application is refused may not make another application for a period of 90 days from the date of refusal.

(5) A Member that is approved as a Market Maker agrees to: (i) maintain its status as a Member of Alpha; and (ii) take all commercially reasonable steps to ensure that it complies with all requirements to act as a Market Maker set out in the Alpha Requirements, as amended from time to time. Where the Market Maker does not comply with such requirements it will immediately advise Alpha of such failure in writing. Such notification will include specific information as to the nature of such failure to comply.

(6) A Member that is approved as a Market Maker agrees that it has and will continue to have necessary resources, including trained personnel and technology, to allow it to carry out all if its obligations pursuant to the Market Maker Agreement and these Trading Policies.

(7) Alpha may revoke the Market Maker's appointment as a Market Maker for any or all securities or attach such additional terms or conditions to the Market Maker Agreement as Alpha deems to be necessary, where:

(a) the Market Maker fails to comply with any term of the Market Maker Agreement or these Trading Policies;

(b) Alpha determines, in its sole discretion, that the Market Maker or its officers, employees, directors or agents have violated any applicable regulatory requirement;

(c) Alpha believes, in its sole discretion, that the Market Maker cannot or may not in the future carry out its obligations as a Market Maker under these Trading Policies or the Market Maker Agreement; or

(d) Alpha has determined, in its sole discretion, that the Market Maker or its officers, employees, directors or agents have in any way acted in a manner that is detrimental to the interests of Alpha or the public

6.2. Responsibilities of Market Makers in Their Assigned Securities

(1) A Market Maker must trade for its own account in a sufficient degree to ensure reasonable price continuity and liquidity for the securities assigned to it.

(2) In particular, a Market Maker must

(a) post bids and offers on a continuous basis at no more than the spread agreed upon with the Exchange;

(b) maintain a market and/or promote the fair value of the security in all trading sessions that is competitive with other marketplaces on which the security trades;

(c) appoint a Market Maker Approved Trader and back-up acceptable to Alpha;

(d) assist other Members in executing orders;

(e) notify Alpha and the Market Regulator of any perceived violation of Alpha Requirements;

(f) provide Alpha with information concerning trading in their Assigned Securities.

(3) A Market Maker must appoint, in writing, a trading officer, director or partner of the Member as its Market Maker Contact.

(4) The Market Maker Contact:

(a) serves as the primary contact with Alpha, with authority to speak for the Member concerning its activities as a Market Maker; and

(b) manages the Member's market making responsibilities.

6.3. Termination of Responsibilities

(1) A Market Maker's obligations with respect to a right, warrant or similar security terminate 10 business days prior to the expiry date of the security.

(2) A Market Maker's obligations with respect to a preferred share that has been called for redemption or retraction terminate 10 business days prior to the redemption or retraction date of the security.

(3) Alpha may suspend or terminate a Market Maker's responsibilities where a corporate action or other unusual circumstance makes it impractical for the Market Maker to carry out its responsibilities.

(4) Alpha may suspend or terminate a Market Maker's obligation to post an offer where

(i) the Market Maker is not long the security; and

(ii) the Market Maker cannot borrow securities to cover short sales at a reasonable cost.

6.4. Notification

(1) A Market Maker must give Alpha at least 10 days' prior notice of any change in the Market Maker Contact, the Market Maker Approved Trader or backup, unless circumstances make such prior notice impossible, in which case notice must be given as soon as possible.

(2) A Market Maker must inform Alpha immediately if market conditions in any of its assigned securities have changed such that it is no longer possible for the Market Maker to carry out its responsibilities.

(3) A Market Maker must give Alpha at least 60 days' prior written notice that it intends to relinquish its responsibilities in an Assigned Security, unless Alpha has consented to a shorter notice period.

6.5. Transition

(1) Alpha will provide Notice to all Members at least 30 days prior to the end of a Market Maker's term when a Market Maker has given notice under Section 6.4.

(2) If the Market Maker has not given notice of its intention to terminate its status as a Market Maker, the assigned securities will remain with the current Market Maker for successive one year terms.

(3) The transfer of an assignment occurs on the date of the assignment to a new Market Maker. Unless otherwise provided by Alpha and as set out in a Notice, the transfer of the assignment will occur 10 business days after Notice of the new appointment.

DIVISION 2 -- ODD LOT DEALERS

6.6. Appointment of Odd Lot Dealers

(1) Alpha may appoint a Member as Odd Lot Dealer for an Alpha Listed Security or OTS.

(2) A Member wishing to be appointed as an Odd Lot Dealer must apply and shall agree to the terms of the designated Odd Lot Dealer Agreement.

(3) A Member wishing to be appointed as an Odd Lot Dealer must act as such for at least 200 securities, unless Alpha consents to a lower number.

(4) Alpha may

(a) approve an applicant;

(b) defer approval pending receipt of further information concerning the applicant's qualifications to be appointed an Odd Lot Dealer; or

(c) refuse the application for such factors it considers relevant.

(5) A Member whose application is refused may not make another application for a period of 90 days from the date of refusal.

(6) Alpha may revoke the Odd Lot Dealer's appointment as an Odd Lot Dealer for any or all securities or attach such additional terms or conditions to the Odd Lot Dealer Agreement as Alpha deems to be necessary, where:

(a) the Odd Lot Dealer fails to comply with any term of the Odd Lot Dealer Agreement or these Trading Policies;

(b) Alpha determines, in its sole discretion, that the Odd Lot Dealer or its officers, employees, directors or agents have violated any applicable regulatory requirement;

(c) Alpha believes, in its sole discretion, that the Odd Lot Dealer cannot or may not in the future carry out its obligations as an Odd Lot Dealer under these Trading Policies or the Odd Lot Dealer Agreement; or

(d) Alpha has determined, in its sole discretion, that the Odd Lot Dealer or its officers, employees, directors or agents have in any way acted in a manner that is detrimental to the interests of Alpha or the public.

(7) A Member that is approved as an Odd Lot Dealer agrees to: (i) maintain its status as a Member of Alpha; and (ii) take all commercially reasonable steps to ensure that it complies with all requirements to act as an Odd Lot Dealer set out in these Trading Policies, as amended from time to time. Where the Odd Lot Dealer does not comply with such requirements it will immediately advise Alpha of such failure in writing. Such notification will include specific information as to the nature of such failure to comply.

(8) A Member that is approved as an Odd Lot Dealer agrees that it has and will continue to have necessary resources, including trained personnel and technology, to allow it to carry out all if its obligations pursuant to the Odd Lot Dealer Agreement and these Trading Policies.

6.7. Assignment of Securities

(1) Alpha will assign securities to Odd Lot Dealers at least five business days prior to the effective date of the assignment.

(2) Alpha may reassign a security if

(a) the number of Odd Lot Dealers increases;

(b) the Odd Lot Dealer for that security requests a reassignment.

(c) the Odd Lot Dealer for that security has chosen not to renew its appointment; or

(d) Alpha withdraws its approval of the Odd Lot Dealer for that security.

(3) Any reassignment will be made on a random basis.

(4) If a reassignment request has been made pursuant to Rule 6.7(2)(b) and the security cannot be reassigned, the Odd Lot Dealer will continue to have responsibility for the rest of its one year tem, subject to Rule 6.10(3) and (4).

Commentary

Alpha Odd Lot facilities are available to Members for all instruments other than listed or unlisted debt securities.

6.8 Responsibilities of Odd Lot Dealer in their Assigned Securities

(1) An Odd Lot Dealer must

(a) accept and honour automatic execution of Odd Lot orders in accordance with Alpha Requirements for one year following its appointment;

(b) appoint an Odd Lot Approved Trader and back-up acceptable to Alpha;

(c) assist other Members in executing Odd Lot orders;

(d) notify Alpha and the Market Regulator of any perceived violation of Alpha Requirements;

(e) provide Alpha with information concerning Odd Lot trading in their assigned securities.

(2) An Odd Lot Dealer must appoint, in writing, a trading officer, director or partner of the Member as its Odd Lot Dealer Contact.

(3) The Odd Lot Dealer Contact:

(a) serves as the primary contact with Alpha, with authority to speak for the Member concerning its activities as an Odd Lot Dealer; and

(b) manages the Member's Odd Lot dealing responsibilities.

6.9. Termination of Responsibilities

(1) An Odd Lot Dealer's obligations with respect to a right, warrant or similar security terminate 10 business days prior to the expiry date of the security.

(2) An Odd Lot Dealer's obligations with respect to a preferred share that has been called for redemption or retraction terminate 10 business days prior to the redemption or retraction date of the security.

(3) Alpha may suspend or terminate an Odd Lot Dealer's responsibilities where a corporate action or other unusual circumstance makes it impractical for the Odd Lot Dealer to carry out its responsibilities.

(4) Alpha may suspend or terminate an Odd Lot Dealer's obligation to execute against buy orders where

(a) the Odd Lot Dealer is not long the security; and

(b) the Odd Lot Dealer cannot borrow securities to cover short sales at a reasonable cost.

6.10. Notification

(1) An Odd Lot Dealer must give Alpha at least 10 days' prior notice of any change in the Odd Lot Dealer Contact, the Odd Lot Approved Trader or backup, unless circumstances make such prior notice impossible, in which case notice must be given as soon as possible.

(2) An Odd Lot Dealer must inform Alpha immediately if market conditions in any of its Assigned Securities have changed such that it is no longer possible for the Odd Lot Dealer to carry out its responsibilities.

(3) An Odd Lot Dealer must give Alpha at least 30 days' prior written notice that it will not renew its appointment, unless Alpha has consented to a shorter notice period.

(4) Failure to give the notice required by Rule 6.10(3) will result in a renewal of the Odd Lot Dealer's responsibilities for a further one year term.

6.11. Transition of an Odd Lot Book

(1) Alpha will provide Notice to all Members at least 30 days prior to the end of an Odd Lot Dealer's term, or when an Odd Lot Dealer has given notice under Section 6.10, so that other Members may apply to be an Odd Lot Dealer for the subsequent term.

(2) If no new Member applies to become an Odd Lot Dealer at the end of a term of a current Odd Lot Dealer and the Odd Lot Dealer had not given notice of its intention to terminate its status as an Odd Lot Dealer, the assigned securities will remain with the current Odd Lot Dealer until such time that a new Odd Lot Dealer is assigned those securities or that the Odd Lot Dealer gives notice under Section 6.10(3).

(3) The transfer of an assignment occurs on the date of the assignment to a new Odd Lot Dealer. Unless otherwise provided by Alpha and as set out in a Notice, the transfer of the assignment will occur 10 business days after the new appointment.

(4) If there is no new appointment of an Odd Lot Dealer to the securities and the Odd Lot Dealer has requested a termination of its Odd Lot Dealer status those securities will be assigned to the remaining Odd Lot Dealers. However, if for some reason there is no Odd Lot Dealer for a security, then the Odd Lot Orders or Mixed Lot Orders for the securities will be rejected upon the effective date of the termination.

(5) Any Odd Lot Orders or Mixed Lot Orders remaining in the Central Limit Order Book or the Odd Lot Order book at the time of termination or suspension of the appointment will be cancelled if there has not been a re-assignment of securities.

6.12. Sessions, Dates and Times

(1) Odd Lot Orders may be entered for trading during the Pre-Open Phase, Continuous Trading Session, and Extended Trading Session.

(2) Odd Lot Orders may be executed during the Continuous Trading Session and the Extended Trading Session.

DIVISION 3 -- TRADING IN THE ODD LOT BOOK

6.13. Continuous Trading Session.

(1) Incoming Odd Lot Market Orders will auto-execute at the time of order entry, at the National Best Bid and Offer price (sell orders at the best bid and buy orders at the best offer).

(a) If the relevant price is not available in the National Best Bid and Offer, the Odd Lot Market Order will be booked in the Odd Lot Order Book (OLOB) at the National Last Sale Price.

(2) Incoming Odd Lot Limit Orders

(a) with price equal to or better than the National Best Bid and Offer will auto-execute at the time of order entry, at the National Best Bid and Offer price, and

(b) all other Odd Lot Limit Orders will be booked in the OLOB.

(3) Odd Lot Limit Orders booked in the OLOB will be executed at the NBBO. Odd Lot limit sell orders will be executed at the National Best Bid price if the limit price is equal to or better than the National Best Bid and Odd Lot limit buy orders will be executed at the National Best offer price if the limit price is equal to or better than the National Best Offer.

(a) at each National Last Sale Price-setting trade Odd Lot limit orders booked in the OLOB will be validated against the NBBO.

(b) when the there is an update (i.e. new order or order amend) in the Alpha CLOB Odd Lot limit orders booked in the OLOB will be validated against the NBBO.

(c) when the Odd Lot limit price is worse than the National Best Bid for sell orders and worse than the National Best Offer for buy orders, than the Odd Lot order will remain in the Odd Lot order book.

(4) For Mixed Lot Orders,

(a) the round lot portion will trade in the CLOB using regular CLOB matching mechanism, and

(b) the Odd Lot portion will auto-execute when the last Board Lot of the round lot portion is executed, at the price of the last Board Lot.

Commentary:

Example:

Bid

Ask

 

200 shares 10.00

10.05 100 shares

NLSP is 10.04

Example 1:

• Incoming order to buy 50 @ market will auto-execute at 10.05 (section 6.12(1)(a))

Example 2:

• Incoming order to buy 50 @ 10.06 will auto-execute at 10.05 (section 6.12(2)(a))

Example 3:

• Incoming order to buy 50 @ 10.03 will be registered in the OLOB - no auto-execution (section 6.12(2)(b))

Example 4:

• A new order to buy 100 @ market is entered and 100 shares execute in the CLOB at 10.05. As a result there is now no current National Best Offer price.

• An order is entered to buy 50 @10.03 and is registered in the OLOB.

• A new sell order is entered for 500 shares at $10.03, 200 shares subsequently execute at $10.03. As a result the NBBO: $10.00 - $10.03 and NLSP: $10.03).

• The odd lot order will auto-execute at 10.03, which is at the National Best Offer (section 6.12(3)(a)).

Example 5:

• An order is entered to buy 50 @10.03 and is registered in the OLOB.

• A new order to sell 200 @ 10.02 is registered in the Alpha CLOB.

• The odd lot order will auto-execute at $10.02, since there was an update to the Alpha CLOB (section 6.12(3)(b))

Example 6:

• An order is entered to buy 250 @ 10.05.

• 1 trade will execute: 100 shares at 10.05. 100 shares are registered in the CLOB and available for trading and 50 shares hidden. ABBO is now 10.05-10.06

• An order to sell 100 @ market is entered and 100 shares execute at 10.05.

• The 50 hidden shares will now execute at 10.05, since 10.05 is the price at which the last board lot of the original mixed lot order was executed (section d.)

Example 7:

• An order is entered to buy 50 @10.04 and is registered in the OLOB.

• The NLSP is updated to $10.04

• No Trade is executed (Section 6.12(3)(c)). Limit Price is outside the National Best Offer.

6.14. Opening Session

(1) Odd Lot Orders do not participate in the opening auction.

(2) If trades are executed in the Opening,

(a) Odd Lot Market Orders entered in the pre-open will auto-execute at the COP, immediately following the Opening.

(b) Odd Lot Limit Orders with price equal to or better than the will auto-execute at the COP, in accordance with rule 6.12(3), immediately following the Opening.

(3) If no trades are executed in the Opening

(a) Odd lot market orders entered in the Pre-Open will be booked as the odd lot limit orders at the price equal to the adjusted closing price that is used in the pre-open.

(4) If the last board lot size of a mixed lot order is executed in the Opening, the odd lot part of the mixed lot order will be executed at the COP.

6.15. Closing Session

(1) Odd Lot orders do not participate in the Closing auction.

(2) If trades are executed in the Closing, odd lot limit orders with price equal to or better than the Alpha Closing Price will auto-execute at the closing price, immediately following the Closing.

(3) If the last board lot size of a mixed lot order is executed in the Closing, the odd lot part of the mixed lot order will be executed at the Alpha Closing Price.

6.15 Mixed Lot Short Sale Orders

(1) Mixed lot Short Sale orders will be pegged to the NLSP up to the order's limit price and then executed according to 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15.

6.16 Orders Booked in OLOB

(1) Orders booked in the OLOB are not disseminated on the public data feed.

Odd-Lot Dealer will receive an auto-execution message for each Odd-Lot trade that it participated in.

 
Accepted Odd Lot Orders
Non-Accepted Odd Lot Orders
 
Market Orders
Standard Iceberg Orders
 
Limit Orders
Price Improvement Iceberg Order
 
FOK Orders
Inside Match Order
 
FAK Orders
Specialty Price Cross
 
AON Orders
MOO
 
On-Stop Orders
LOO
 
Short Sales (pass-through marker only, no price adjustment)
MOC
 
Special Terms Orders
 
 
Cross (Regular)
 
 
GTx Orders
 

DIVISION 4 -- ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE OF OLDS AND MARKET MAKERS

6.17. Assessment of Performance

(1) From time to time and at least annually, Alpha will assess the performance of Market Makers and Odd Lot Dealers.

(2) On completion of the assessment, the Alpha may, for such factors as it sees fit

(a) continue the appointment of the Member as a Market Maker or Odd Lot Dealer in any or all of its Assigned Securities;

(b) continue the appointment of the Member as a Market Maker or Odd Lot Dealer in any or all of its Assigned Securities and impose additional terms and conditions; or

(c) withdraw approval of the Member as a Market Maker or Odd Lot Dealer in any or all of its Assigned Securities.

(3) Alpha may withdraw approval of or impose additional terms and conditions on a Market Maker, its Market Maker Contact, any Market Maker Approved Traders or backups, Odd Lot Dealer, or Odd Lot Dealer Approved Trader, if Alpha determines that any of these parties has contravened or is contravening any Alpha Requirement or IIROC rule.

DIVISION 5 -- UNFAIR TRADING

6.18. Unfair Trading in Odd Lots

(1) Odd Lot Dealers and Members are responsible to ensure that Odd Lot activity is in compliance with all requirements.

Commentary:

The following types of activity may be reviewed as an indication of unfair trading:

Unbundling Round Lots for the purpose of entering Odd Lot orders.

Entering of both buy and sell Odd Lot Limit orders in the same security before one of the orders is executed, for the purpose of capturing the spread in the stock.

Other types of trading activity that is not consistent with traditional Odd Lot investment activity.

Effecting pre-arranged wash sales in Odd Lots, which are trades in which an offer to buy is coupled with an offer to sell back at the same or advanced price (or vice versa).

Entering orders into the CLOB for the purpose of affecting the execution price of the Odd Lot trades.

(2) If Alpha deems a Member is engaging in Odd Lot trading activity that is unfair, Alpha may restrict the Member or suspend the Approved Trader from Odd Lot activity.

PART VII. Clearing and Settlement

7.1. Clearing and Settlement

(1) All trades on the Alpha Systems will be reported, confirmed and settled through the Clearing Corporation pursuant to the Clearing Corporation's rules and procedures, unless otherwise authorized or directed by Alpha.

(2) A Member must clear and settle all of their Alpha trades by:

(a) self-clearing as a participant of the Clearing Corporation; or

(b) maintaining a clearing and settlement arrangement with a carrying broker, custodian or other institution that is a participant of the Clearing Corporation.

(3) Except in circumstances where the transaction is settled outside Canada or where the Member and the settlement agent are not participants in the same securities depository, the client or settlement agent shall use the facilities or services of a securities depository for the affirmation and settlement of all depository eligible transactions, including both book entry settlements and certificate based settlements.

(4) A Member shall provide a client, by electronic, facsimile or physical means, a confirmation as soon as possible on the next business day following execution, with respect to the execution of any order, in whole or in part, for the purchase or delivery of securities where payment for or delivery of the securities is to be made to or by a settlement agent of the client, and shall indicate that the trade occurred on Alpha.

(5) Members shall obtain agreement from their clients that the client will provide instructions with respect to the receipt or delivery of the securities to the settlement agent promptly upon receipt by the client of the confirmation referred to in Section 7.1(4) and that the client will ensure that its settlement agent affirms the transaction in accordance with National Instrument 24-101.

7.2. Settlement of Alpha Trades

(1) Unless otherwise provided by the parties to the trade by mutual agreement, trades of OTSs on Alpha must settle on the date fixed for settlement by the exchange on which the security is listed.

7.3 Settlement of Alpha Trades of Alpha Listed Securities

(1) Unless otherwise provided by Alpha or the parties to the trade by mutual agreement, trades of Alpha Listed Securities on Alpha must settle on the third settlement day following the trade.

(2) Notwithstanding Section 8.3(1), unless otherwise provided by Alpha or the parties to the trade by mutual agreement:

(a) trades on a when issued basis made on Alpha Listed Securities:

(i) prior to the second trading day before the anticipated date of issue of the security must settle on the anticipated date of issue of such security, and

(ii) on or after the second trading day before the anticipated date of issue of the security must settle on the third settlement day after the trade date,

provided if the security has not been issued on the date for settlement such trades shall settle on the date that the security is actually issued and provided that if the security will not be issued all trades made on a when issued basis will be cancelled;

(b) trades for rights, warrants and instalment receipts made on Alpha Listed Securities:

(i) on the third trading day before the expiry or payment date must settle on the settlement day before the expiry or payment date;

(ii) on the second and first trading day before the expiry or payment date, must be made as cash trades for next day settlement, and

(iii) on expiry or payment date must be made as cash trades for immediate settlement and trading will cease at 12:00 noon (unless the expiry or payment time is set prior to the close of business, in which case trading will cease at the close of business on the trading day preceding the expiry or payment), and

(iv) selling Members must have the securities that are being sold in their possession or credited to the selling account's position prior to such sale;

(c) cash trades on Alpha Listed Securities for next day delivery must be settled through the facilities of the Clearing Corporation on the first settlement cycle following the date of the trade or, if applicable, over-the-counter, by noon of the first settlement day following the trade; and

(d) cash trades on Alpha Listed Securities for same day settlement must be settled by over-the-counter delivery no later than 2:00 p.m. on the trade day.

(3) Notwithstanding Section 8.3(1), a trade on Alpha may specify delayed delivery, which gives the seller the option to deliver at any time within the period specified in the contract, and, if no time is specified, delivery will be at the option of the seller within thirty days from the date of the trade.

7.4. Corners

(1) If Alpha is of the opinion that a single interest or group has acquired such control of an Alpha Listed Security that the security cannot be obtained for delivery on existing Alpha trades except at prices and on terms arbitrarily dictated by such interest or group, Alpha may postpone the time for delivery on the trades and provide that any trade calling for delivery prior to the time established by Alpha are to be settled by the payment of a fair settlement price to the party entitled to receive such security.

(2) If the parties to any trade on Alpha that is to be settled by payment of a fair settlement price cannot agree on the amount, Alpha may, at its discretion, fix the fair settlement price and the date of the payment after providing each party with an opportunity to be heard.

7.5. When Security Disqualified, Suspended or No Fair Market

(1) Alpha may postpone the time for delivery on Alpha trades if:

(a) the security is delisted;

(b) trading is suspended in the security; or

(c) Alpha is of the opinion that there is not a fair market in the security.

(2) If Alpha is of the opinion that a fair market in the security is not likely to exist, Alpha may provide that trades on Alpha be settled by payment of a fair settlement price and if the parties to an Trading Contract cannot agree on the amount, Alpha may at its discretion fix the fair settlement price after providing each party with an opportunity to be heard.

7.6. Failed Trades in Rights, Warrants and Instalment Receipts

(1) Should fail positions in rights, warrants or instalment receipts exist on the expiry or payment date, purchasing Members have the option of demanding delivery of the securities into which the rights, warrants or instalment receipts are exercisable, any additional subscription privilege, and any subscription fee payable to a Member, that may be available, such demand shall be made before 4:00 p.m. on the expiry date.

(2) Where a demand has been made in accordance with Section 8.6(1), payment by purchasing Members for:

(a) the rights, warrants or instalment receipts shall be in accordance with normal settlement procedures, but delivery of the rights, warrants or instalment receipts, as the case may be, is not required; and

(b) the securities into which the rights, warrants or instalment receipts are exercisable and payment for any additional subscription privilege shall be made upon delivery of the securities.

(3) Where a demand has not been made in accordance with Section 8.6(1), settlement shall be in accordance with normal settlement procedures, but delivery of the rights, warrants or instalment receipts, as the case may be, is not required.

7.7. Defaulters

(1) If a Member against which an Alpha trade is closed out under the Clearing Corporation's rules and procedures fails to make payment of the money difference between the contract price and the buy-in price within the time specified, the Member concerned shall become a defaulter, and Notice of such default shall be provided by Alpha to each Member.

(2) A Member failing to make delivery to the Clearing Corporation of securities and/or a certified cheque within the time limited by the rules governing the Clearing Corporation may be adjudged a defaulter.

7.8. Delivering Member Responsible for Good Delivery Form

(1) The delivering Member is responsible for the genuineness and complete regularity of the Alpha Listed Security, and a certificate that is not in proper negotiable form shall be replaced forthwith by one which is valid and in prior negotiable form, or by a certified cheque in lieu thereof, if a replacement certificate is not available.

(2) A Member that has received delivery of a certificate that is not acceptable as good transfer by the transfer agent shall return it to the delivering Member, which shall make delivery of a certificate that is good delivery or of a certified cheque in lieu thereof.

7.9 Delisted Securities

(1) Any open orders on an Alpha Listed Security or an OTS that will no longer be listed on its applicable exchange will be cancelled after the end of the Extended Trading Session on the day preceding the delisting.

PART VIII. Order Protection

8.1 Implementation of the Order Protection Rule (OPR)

Alpha will use the Alpha Order Router's Trade Through Management Service to comply with the Order Protection Rule.

8.2 The Trade Through Management (TTM) Service

The TTM Service routes designated orders, in part or in whole, to all Other Marketplaces to meet Alpha marketplace obligations under the Order Protection Rule (NI 23-101) to not trade through visible, immediately accessible better-priced limit orders on any Canadian marketplace.

8.3 Directed Action Order (DAO)

An order sent to Alpha that is not designated as TTM will be treated as a DAO.

8.4 Participation and Connectivity in Other Marketplaces

(1) Access to Marketplaces

(a) In addition to being a Member of Alpha, the Member must be a subscriber or a participant of Other Marketplaces which have been designated as protected marketplaces.

(b) If the Member has direct access to the Other Marketplace, orders routed away to Other Marketplaces will include the Member's firm ID and trader ID. If the Member does not have direct access to the Other Marketplace, it must have an acceptable arrangement with another Member or participant of the Other Marketplace through which they can place orders.

(c) If the Member/trader ID in Alpha is different from the Other Marketplace, the Member/trader ID on the Other Marketplace must be provided to Alpha. It is assumed that the Member will provide Alpha with any updates to keep this information correct and up-to-date. Similarly, if the Member is using a Sponsored DMA or other acceptable arrangement, then up-to-date details of the arrangement and IDs of both parties shall be made available to Alpha upon request.

(2) Order Routing When a Service is Not Available

When the TTM Service has been shut down for any reason during continuous trading, the incoming TTM orders will be rejected back to the Client as Alpha will not be able to route to Other Marketplaces. A notice will be sent to all Members, regulation service providers, Other Marketplaces and any information processor indicating that Alpha will not be routing to Other Marketplaces.

(3) Trading Halts

Alpha may disallow the use of its routing services for the routing of an order if a trading halt has been initiated by a regulator ("Regulatory Halt") or a Marketplace ("Non-Regulatory Halt").

In circumstances in which Alpha deems it necessary or in other unusual conditions or circumstances impacting the Alpha Order Router Services, Alpha may suspend all routing.

When the routing is not suspended, the TTM Service will facilitate order entry during Regulatory Halts and Non-Regulatory Halts on Alpha and/or one or more Other Marketplaces, and will continue to route orders in accordance with its standard functionality outlined in this document; however the following matters should be considered:

(a) The routed order will be processed in accordance with the rules or policies of the Other Marketplace to which it has been routed. This may result in:

(i) The generation of a "rejection" notice where trading is halted on the Other Marketplace to which the order is routed where such Marketplace will not accept orders;

(ii) The generation of a "time out" event where the order is routed to an Other Marketplace which accepts and queues orders received and does not acknowledge the order within the "time out" duration. Such queued orders cannot be cancelled or amended utilizing the Order Router.

(b) The entry of cancellations is permitted during both Regulatory Halts and Non-Regulatory Halts and will be routed to the Marketplace where the order is booked, for action in accordance with that Marketplace's standard operational processes.

(4) Exclusion of a Marketplace and Self Help

(a) Automatic Exclusion of a Marketplace

Alpha will cease routing to an Other Marketplace where (i) the Other Marketplace's continuous trading session is not operating (ii) and/or no data on orders in its CLOB are available.

(b) Manual Exclusion of a Marketplace and Self Help

A specific Other Marketplace may be excluded based on the following criteria:

(i) The Other Marketplace is not disseminating order information, is not distributing data in relation to its CLOB in a timely manner or Alpha considers, in its discretion, that such data is not reliable. This covers the case when a system failure or degradation of service occurs at an Other Marketplace during continuous trading at that Other Marketplace.

(ii) The connectivity to the Other Marketplace is lost.

(iii) An Other Marketplace is not responding to orders sent by the Order Router (system failures, slowdowns, etc.). This may include circumstances where the response time to orders routed by Alpha from the Other Marketplaces is too long for it to be practically considered reliable.

Alpha may declare self help in the above instances. Alpha will notify the affected Other Marketplace, Members, any information processors and regulators (i.e. IIROC and the OSC) that it has done so and has excluded such Other Marketplace from the TTM Service. After the issue is resolved, Alpha will send out another notification stating self help has been revoked.

(c) Impact of Exclusions

(i) Once an Other Marketplace is excluded manually or automatically from the Order Router Services, no further orders will to be routed to that Marketplace. Any remaining "in-flight" orders (where an order sent by the Order Router has not received an acknowledgment from the Other Marketplace) will be processed in the same manner as they would have been if the exclusion had not occurred.

(ii) Once the event precipitating the Other Marketplace exclusion has ended, Alpha may commence routing to the previously excluded Other Marketplace at its discretion.

8.5 TTM Service

(1) Member's Choice

(a) A Member relying on Alpha to comply with the OPR will designate each order as a TTM order. Any order that is designated as a TTM order will be eligible for trade-through protection through the TTM Service.

(b) Any order that is not designated as a TTM order will be treated by Alpha as a Directed Action order (DAO) to immediately execute or book on Alpha without checking for better-priced orders on Other Marketplaces. For DAO orders, any requirements regarding order protection under NI 23-101 will be the responsibility of the Member.

(2) TTM Routing Strategy

The TTM Service simultaneously routes portions of the order to all Other Marketplaces with better priced orders, up to the original order's limit price. Any residual is sent to Alpha.

The TTM Service will:

(a) Receive the depth of book (to 10 price levels) made available by each marketplace, then

(b) Create a Consolidated Market Feed of the aggregate bid or ask order volume for each price level, then

(c) Identify the marketplace which has the best priced order(s) for a particular security and will route the order based on the following criteria: (1) price and (2) volume of shares available. If the same price is available on Alpha and another marketplace, priority is given to Alpha, then

(d) Send orders to Other Marketplaces as Fill or Kill (FOK) Bypass Limit orders and will be treated as DAO:

(i) If the order is tradable upon receipt by the Other Marketplace, it is immediately executed and any unfilled portion will be killed at the Other Marketplace and sent to Alpha.

(ii) If the order is not tradable upon receipt by the Other Marketplace, the whole order will be killed at the Other Marketplace and sent to Alpha.

8.6 Executions

(1) If an order is routed to an Other Marketplace, Alpha may receive an execution response from the Other Marketplace. In the case of an execution (full or partial), an execution message will be sent back by Alpha to the originator of the order.

(2) An incoming order may result in two different types of executions; those at Alpha and those at Other Marketplaces:

(a) The executions at Alpha will be sent to the appropriate clearing agency from Alpha and they will reflect the clearing identifier of the Member for the applicable order.

(b) The executions at the Other Marketplaces will be sent to the clearing agency from the Other Marketplace on which the execution occurred and they will reflect the clearing identifier of the originator of the order or its designated clearing agent.

(3) In both cases, it is assumed that the Member originating the order is able to clear its trades (either directly or through an agent) and the reconciliation is done directly between the Member and the appropriate clearing agency.

PART IX. Application of UMIR

9.1 Application

(1) The provisions of UMIR as amended from time to time apply to trading on the Alpha Systems and form part of Alpha Requirements.

(2) Any investigations and enforcement actions concerning a violation of a provision of UMIR will be conducted by the Market Regulator following the procedures set out in UMIR.

PART X. Appeals

10.1 Appeals of Decision

(1) A Member or any other person adversely affected by a Decision, other than a Decision of the Market Regulator, may appeal such Decision to Alpha's Regulatory Oversight Committee.

Commentary: Appeals shall be conducted according to the procedures established by the Regulatory Oversight Committee.

(2) A Member or other person who has appealed a decision pursuant to Subsection (1) may appeal the decision of the Regulatory Oversight Committee by following the arbitration procedures set out in the Member Agreement and/or by appeal to the securities regulatory authority. A Member may not appeal the same issue by both arbitration and appeal to the securities regulatory authority; however, a Member may appeal different issues separately by arbitration and to the securities regulatory authority. Once an issue has been decided upon, whether by arbitration or by the securities regulatory authority, that same issue cannot be pursued to the alternative forum so that the same issue is being reviewed by both arbitration and appeal to the regulatory authority.

(3) A Member or any other person adversely affected by a Decision of the Market Regulator may appeal such Decision pursuant to the provisions of UMIR.

PART XI. Administration

11.1 Method of Notifications

(1) Unless otherwise specifically provided in any Alpha Requirement, Notice shall be sufficiently given and be reasonably expected to come to the attention of such person if:

(a) delivered to the person to whom it is to be given;

(b) delivered to the last address of such Person as recorded by Alpha or any recognized self-regulatory organization; or

(c) mailed or sent electronically, including e-mail, to such person.

(2) Alpha may change the address of any person on the records of Alpha in accordance with any information believed by Alpha to be reliable.

(3) A Notice delivered in accordance with this policy shall be deemed to have been given when it is sent.

(4) Alpha will provide Notice of updates to this Trading Policies within 30 days prior to the change and provide the link to the updated or newly added section.

11.2 Computation of Time

(1) In computing the time when a Notice must be given for the doing of anything or taking any proceeding under any provision of an Alpha Requirement, the date of giving of the Notice or of such event shall be excluded and the date of the meeting, hearing, doing of the act or taking of the proceedings shall be included.

(2) Where the time limited for a proceeding or the doing of anything under any provision of an Alpha policy or requirement expires, the time so limited extends to and the thing may be done on the next day following.

11.3 Waiver of Notice

(1) Any Person referred to in Section 11.1 may waive any Notice required to be given to such person and such waiver, whether given before or after the meeting, hearing or other event of which Notice is required to be given, shall cure any default in giving such Notice.

11.4 Omission or Errors in Giving Notice

(1) The accidental omission to give any Notice to any person or the non-receipt of any Notice by any person or any error in any Notice not affecting the substance thereof shall not invalidate any action or proceeding founded thereon or taken at any hearing held pursuant thereto.

11.5 Withdrawal of Approval and Changes in Alpha Requirements

(1) Any Alpha Approval and any Alpha Requirement may at any time be changed, suspended, withdrawn or revoked by Alpha, with 30 days' Notice unless otherwise provided in these Trading Policies, agreements or as required by circumstance.

(2) Each Member and each Approved Trader will comply with such change, suspension, withdrawal or revocation and any Decisions made by Alpha.

11.6 Contact Information

For information on Member and Market Services please contact:

Manager, Alpha Client Services and Business Operations
Alpha Exchange Inc.
70 York Street, Suite 1501
Toronto ON, M5J IS9

{1} Note that this definition is being used for the purposes of these Trading Policies and may differ from definitions used by other parties.

{2} Note that this definition is being used for the purposes of these Trading Policies and may differ from definitions used by other parties.

 

APPENDIX D

MEMBER AGREEMENT

_________________________

This agreement is made as of the _____ day of __________, 20 _____ by and between:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Alpha Exchange Inc.

70 York Street, Suite 1501

Toronto, Ontario M5J 1S9

(Called the "Exchange")

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- AND -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Full Corporate Name

_________________________

Head Office Address

_________________________

(Called the "Member")

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

MEMBER INFORMATION FORM

_________________________

MEMBER

 

Full Corporate Name

 

Principal Business

 

Sponsored DMA Clients [ ] YES [ ] NO

 

Head Office Address:

Business Continuity Address

 
Telephone
Fax
Website
 
Broker Number
CUID(clearing broker)
Sub ID
 
Will Member apply to be an Odd Lot Dealer?
Algorithmic Trading
Program Trading
[ ] YES
[ ] NO
[ ] YES
[ ] NO
[ ] YES
[ ] NO
 
 
Will Member apply to be a Market Maker?
Independent Software Vendor (if more than 1, please provide list)
[ ] YES
[ ] NO
 
Data Vendor (if more than 1, please provide list)
Connectivity Provider(s)
 

ALPHA MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE

HEAD OF TRADING

(appointed Senior Officer, Director or Partner)

(if more than one please attach list)

 

Name and Title

Name and Title

 

E-mail

Phone

E-mail

Phone

 

CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER

TECHNICAL CONTACT

 

Name and Title

Name and Title

 

E-mail

Phone

E-mail

Phone

 

Back Up Contact

Phone

Back Up Contact

Phone

 

BACK OFFICE CONTACT

BILLING CONTACT

 

Name and Title

Name and Title

 

E-mail

Phone

E-mail

Phone

 

Back Up Contact

Phone

Back Up Contact

Phone

 

INCIDENT NOTIFICATION CONTACTS

 

Name and Title

Name and Title

 

E-mail

Phone

E-mail

Phone

 

Back Up Contact

Phone

Back Up Contact

Phone

 

SUBSCRIBER NOTICE SUBCRIPTIONS

 

Notification

Notification No.

Opt-in

 

Alpha Market Data

AMD1

 

 

Alapha Newsletter

STK1

 

 

Alpha Press Releases

STK2

 

 

Alpha Opening Data

STK3

 

 

Alpha Daily Statistics

STK4

 

 

Alpha Weekly Statistics

STK5

 

 

Alpha Market Operations

SUB1

 

 

Corporate Actions

SUB2

 

 

Alpha Product Updates

SUB3

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

AUTHORIZED MEMBER TRADER IDS

(please list as indicated or provide a list)

NOTE: If the address of any of these Authorized Persons is different from the Head Office address provided, please include the addresses as an attachment. Also if you are connecting through more than one ISV, please provide the Trader IDs for each ISV separately.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Trader ID
Name
Trader ID
Name
 
Phone
E-mail Address
Phone
E-mail Address
 
Trading Division
Fax
Trading Division
Fax
 
Trader ID
Name
Trader ID
Name
 
Phone
E-mail Address
Phone
E-mail Address
 
Trading Division
Fax
Trading Division
Fax
 
Trader ID
Name
Trader ID
Name
 
Phone
E-mail Address
Phone
E-mail Address
 
Trading Division
Fax
Trading Division
Fax
 
Trader ID
Name
Trader ID
Name
 
Phone
E-mail Address
Phone
E-mail Address
 
Trading Division
Fax
Trading Division
Fax

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

AUTHORIZED MEMBER DMA TRADER IDS

(please list as indicated or provide a list)

NOTE: If the address of any of these Authorized Persons is different from the Head Office address provided, please include the addresses as an attachment. Also if you are connecting through more than one ISV, please provide the Trader IDs for each ISV separately.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Trader ID
Name
Trader ID
Name
 
 
Phone
E-mail Address
Phone
E-mail Address
 
Trading Division
Fax
Trading Division
Fax
 
Trader ID
Name
Trader ID
Name
 
Phone
E-mail Address
Phone
E-mail Address
 
Trading Division
Fax
Trading Division
Fax
 
Trader ID
Name
Trader ID
Name
 
Phone
E-mail Address
Phone
E-mail Address
 
Trading Division
Fax
Trading Division
Fax

FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS

_________________________

OPTIONS for PAYMENT of TRADING FEES (please select one method)

 

Payment through CDS direct payment (CDS member)

[ ] (please complete Schedule 4 Part A)

 

Payment through CDS Carrying Broker (CDS member)

[ ] (please complete Schedule 4 Part B)

 

Payment directly to Exchange

[ ]

NOTE: All billing will be sent to the Billing Contact information provided on the Member Information Form.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

_________________________

Please indicate below which additional services the Member would be interested in receiving information on:

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

 

Purchasing of Market Data

[ ] YES

[ ] NO

 

Order Router

[ ] YES

[ ] NO

 

Managed Network Services

[ ] YES

[ ] NO

Exchange will provide additional information and applicable documentation on the services that have been indicated above to the Member Representative.

MEMBER AGREEMENT

1. EXCHANGE MEMBER ACCESS

(a) Trading System Access. We, Alpha Exchange Inc. ("Exchange" or "we, "us" and like terms), operate an electronic marketplace and facilitate trading in specified financial instruments. We agree to provide you (the "Member", or "you" and like terms) with access to the Exchange trading system ("System") for the purpose of facilitating trades in specified financial instruments, in accordance with the terms of this agreement (including all Exchange documents: Member Information Form, Schedules 1, 2, 3, 4and 5 that are incorporated by reference herein, the "Agreement"). For greater certainty, this Agreement does not grant the Member a license or comparable right to utilize the System software. Access to the System is subject to compliance with the Trading Policies (as defined in Section 5(a)) and the Exchange's rights pursuant to those Trading Policies.

(b) Application for access. The Member has supplied Exchange with all the information requested in the 'Member Information Form' and such information is complete and accurate. The Member agrees to provide such further documents and information as may be requested by Exchange from time to time concerning the Member and its use of the System in connection with its regulatory status or obligations as reasonably deemed necessary by Exchange. All information provided by the Member shall be considered to be Confidential Information pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement.

(c) System Availability. Exchange may, in its sole and absolute discretion, suspend or terminate the operation of the System in the event of (i) any failures, malfunctions, faults or errors within the System, (ii) any external events or circumstances affecting the use of the System which are material to the System's integrity, capacity or security or (iii) a request or requirement by any government, regulatory authority or applicable securities regulatory authority with authority over Exchange or trading related activity conducted on the System ("Regulatory Authority"). Exchange shall give advance notice to the Member of any such suspension or termination where reasonably practicable, and in each case, shall provide prompt notice to the Member after such termination or suspension is imposed.

(d) Maintenance of System connectivity. If the Member uses a proprietary connection or is connected to Alpha through a third party vendor, the Member, not Alpha is responsible for providing and maintaining all necessary electronic communications with Alpha and connectivity to the System, including wiring, computer hardware, software, communication line access, and networking devices external to the System. Regardless of whether the Member uses a proprietary execution management system or that of a third-party vendor, the Member is solely responsible for all orders submitted to Exchange by the Member or under any authorized trader number assigned to the Member or any of the Member's officers, employees or agents, and agrees to accept and honor all orders submitted by such means, whether or not the orders are in error.

2. MEMBER REPRESENTATIONS

(a) Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) Dealer Membership. The Member represents that it: (i) is a dealer member in good standing of IIROC or any successor recognized as a self regulatory entity or comparable self-regulatory entity, (ii) has the authority, pursuant to all applicable Alpha Requirements (as defined in the Trading Policies), to engage in the activities contemplated herein, and (iii) will promptly notify Exchange in writing if it ceases to be so qualified.

(b) Regulated by IIROC. The Member will be regulated by IIROC or any successor entity recognized as a regulation service provider.

(c) Alpha Requirements. All rights granted to and all obligations assumed by the Member pursuant to this Agreement, whether on its own behalf or on behalf of its clients to which it provides sponsored access ("DMA Eligible Clients"), are subject to all Alpha Requirements and nothing in this Agreement shall diminish or reduce in any way the obligations of the Member that are established by the Alpha Requirements. The Member and its DMA Eligible Clients' use of the System may be monitored by any securities or other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Exchange and any such authority may enforce the Member's compliance with Alpha Requirements.

(d) Appropriate Resources and Settlement Capacity. The Member has appropriate resources, policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance with all applicable Alpha Requirements and the requirements of any clearing agency utilized by the Exchange when undertaking any activity on the System in furtherance of a trade and has the capacity to settle all trades executed on or through the use of the System.

(e) National Instrument 24-101. The Member confirms that it has established, maintains and enforces policies and procedures designed to achieve trade matching in accordance with National Instrument 24-101 -- Trade Matching and Settlement.

(f) Capacity. The Member has the power and capacity to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of the obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other legal action on the part of the Member.

(g) Valid Agreement. This Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Member, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject however to limitations with respect to enforcement imposed by laws in connection with bankruptcy or similar proceedings and to the extent that equitable remedies such as specific performance and injunction are in the discretion of the court from which they are sought.

3. EXCHANGE REPRESENTATIONS AND DISCLOSURE

(a) Regulation of Exchange. Exchange is a marketplace that will be regulated in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

(b) Capacity. Exchange has the power and capacity to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of the obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary legal action on the part of Exchange.

(c) Valid Agreement. This Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Exchange, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject however to limitations with respect to enforcement imposed by laws in connection with bankruptcy or similar proceedings and to the extent that equitable remedies such as specific performance and injunction are in the discretion of the court from which they are sought.

(d) Related Registrants. Individuals who are members of the Board of Directors of the Exchange may be employees, officers, partners, or directors of other registered entities. Exchange has developed policies and procedures to address potential conflicts of interest arising as a result of any conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of such relationships.

4. FEES AND ACCESS

(a) Fees and access. Exchange shall provide the Member with access to the System and shall facilitate trades in specified financial instruments against payment by the Member of the fees and charges as set out by Exchange in Schedule 1, as amended from time to time. Exchange may at any time, and from time to time, on not less than 30 days' written notice, increase any or all such fees or charges. All fees are net of all taxes and duties. A Member may choose to change its selected services with 30 days written notice. For greater certainty, Exchange will be entitled to decrease fees and charges by providing the Member with written notification of such a change within 30 days prior to the effective date of the change.

(b) Termination of access for failure to pay fees. All fees and charges shall become due and payable to Exchange at such time or times and in such a manner as Exchange shall require in writing. If the Member has not paid any fees or charges within 30 days of becoming due and payable, Exchange may, without notice and without incurring liability to the Member, suspend the Member's access to the System until all outstanding fees have been paid by the Member.

(c) Third-party payments. In all cases, the Member shall pay all fees and charges to Exchange in full, without any right of set-off or deduction. The Member shall pay when due all amounts payable to third parties arising from the Member's use of the System, if any, including fees or charges payable to any government, regulatory authority or self regulatory organization in connection with use of the System.

(d) Collection of Fees. The Member will be entitled to elect a method of payment of fees pursuant to the Fee Payment Options section of the Member Application document attached hereto as Schedule 4. Where the Member does not complete Schedule 4, Exchange shall collect such fees from the Member directly.

(e) Sponsored Access of DMA Eligible Clients. If the Member provides access to the System to its DMA Eligible Clients in accordance with Exchange's policies relating to such access, then prior to granting such Sponsored Access, the Member shall execute with each DMA Eligible Client a binding legal agreement containing, among other things, the terms specified in Schedule 5 to this Agreement and provide Exchange with any other required DMA Eligible Client documentation as requested by Exchange from time to time. Member shall comply with the provisions of the Trading Policies regarding DMA Eligible Clients.

5. COMPLIANCE WITH EXCHANGE TRADING POLICIES

(a) Trading Policies. Exchange has adopted specific rules and policies defining how the Exchange marketplace operates to facilitate trades in specified financial instruments, as made available by Exchange and as amended from time to time ("Trading Policies"), which Trading Policies are incorporated by reference into and form a part of this Agreement as if such Trading Policies were set out in their entirety herein. The Member shall comply with such Trading Policies as they may be amended from time to time. By signing this Agreement, the Member acknowledges that it has reviewed all such Trading Policies and warrants that it shall take all reasonable efforts to ensure that it has procedures to monitor subsequent changes to such Trading Policies. Failure by Exchange to exercise any of its rights, powers or remedies under the Trading Policies or its delay to do so will not constitute a waiver of those rights, powers or remedies. The single or partial exercise of a right, power, or remedy will not prevent its subsequent exercise or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. Exchange will not be deemed to have waived the exercise of any right, power or remedy unless such waiver is made in writing and delivered to the person to whom such waiver applies, if such waiver applies generally. Any waiver may be general or particular in its application, as determined by Exchange.

(b) Responsibility for transactions. Exchange shall not be, directly or indirectly, a party to any transaction posted to, or consummated on, the System, and Exchange shall not be responsible for or otherwise guarantee, any transaction effected by the Member through the System with any other party. The Member is solely responsible for confirming the accuracy, completeness and integrity of information used by it and any resulting transaction. The Member shall proceed solely against the counterparty to collect or recover any amounts owing to it or enforce any of its rights in connection with or as a result of transactions entered into with such third party through the System. All Exchange trades are executed directly between Members. Exchange does not act as counterparty to any Exchange trades and does not guarantee settlement.

(c) Maintaining records. The Member shall be respon-sible for maintaining any records required relating to transactions sent and received by it on the System. For the purpose of this section records relating to transactions will include all information directly or indirectly relating to orders routed to the System or trades executed on the System.

(d) Market Makers. Where the Member wishes to act in the role of a "Market Maker", the Member shall execute an agreement in the form of the Market Maker Agreement attached here to as Schedule 2.

(e) Odd-Lot Dealers. Where the Member wishes to act in the role of an "Odd-Lot Dealer" the Member shall execute an agreement in the form of the Odd-Lot Dealer Agreement attached hereto as Schedule 3.

6. COMPLIANCE WITH ALPHA REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORIZED ACCESS

(a) Member Obligations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, as between Exchange and the Member, it is the sole responsibility of the Member to ensure compliance with all Alpha Requirements pertaining to trading related activity of the Member, its officers, employees, directors and agents and all clients or other persons for whom the Member provides access to the System. The liability of the Member under this Agreement shall not, in any circumstance, be limited or mitigated by any failure of Exchange to provide training, training material or updates, or notice of change to the applicable Alpha Requirements relating to the entry and trading of orders.

(b) Authorized Use. The Member shall implement security systems and policies to prevent unauthorized use or misuse of the System and data available by use of the System by persons accessing the System. The Member shall take reasonable steps to ensure each authorized employee is fully aware of the Member's obligations under this Agreement and ensure that all employees comply with such obligations and all Alpha Requirements. The Member shall be responsible for all instructions entered, transmitted or received under an authorized trader identification, and for the trading and other consequences thereof. If Exchange reasonably believes that a Member's employee or agent is breaching System security or is otherwise misusing the System, the Member shall, upon notice from Exchange, promptly terminate such access to the System. If the Member fails to do so, Exchange shall have the right to take such action as it considers necessary, in its sole discretion, to prevent access to the System by any person, including the termination of the Member's right to access the System in its entirety.

(c) Technical failure or security breach. The Member shall cease use of the System as soon as practicable after it is notified by Exchange, or it otherwise becomes aware of or suspects, a technical failure or security breach of the System and immediately notify Exchange of such failure or breach of security in accordance with the notice provisions set out in the Trading Policies or other Exchange documentation.

(d) Monitoring and Surveillance. The Member acknowl-edges that it is not the intention of the parties, as a result of the execution of this Agreement, to delegate to Exchange any responsibilities for compliance with any Alpha Requirements, including but not limited to applicable privacy legislation and applicable anti-money laundering legislation. For greater certainty, Exchange will have no verification requirements pursuant to applicable anti-money laundering legislation.

(e) Information Privacy. By executing this Agreement, the Member confirms that it has obtained the necessary consent to disclose the information provided to Alpha in the Member Application. The Exchange will maintain and use such information in accordance with its Privacy Policy which will be posted on the Exchange website or otherwise communicated to the Member, as amended from time to time.

7. USE OF TRADING DATA

(a) Access to data. Pre-trade order data and post-trade transaction data pertaining to the Member's trading related activity on Exchange ("Private Data") may be obtained through Exchange either directly or through the services of information vendors, including any information processor, with connectivity to the Exchange. The Member agrees that receipt of pre-trade order data and post-trade transaction data pertaining to all other trading related activity on Exchange ("Public Data" and, together with Private Data, "Exchange Trading Data") shall be governed by, and the receipt and use thereof shall be subject to the terms and conditions of, other agreements between the Member and Exchange, including without limitation a data use agreement and/or a data distribution agreement.

(b) Use of Exchange Trading Data. The Member shall be permitted to use the Public Data for internal trading activity purposes only. The Member shall not retransmit, disseminate, sell, lease, license, distribute, publish, broadcast, circulate or commercially exploit Public Data or assign their rights in relation to such Public Data without Exchange's express prior written consent, and the Member shall comply with any limitations imposed on the use of Public Data (whether such limitations are imposed directly by Alpha or communicated by a third party information processor or information vendor). For greater certainty the Member shall be entitled to provide Public Data to its clients to confirm execution of trades, facilitate clearing and settlement, and comply with applicable Alpha Requirements. All Public Data is protected by copyright and we reserve all intellectual property rights therein.

(c) No warranties. Neither the Exchange nor any partner, associate, related party or affiliate makes any warranty, representation or guarantee as to the sequence, accuracy, completeness or timeliness of Exchange Trading Data. Without limiting the foregoing, all express or implied, direct or indirect, representations, warranties and conditions in respect of Exchange Trading Data arising or implied by statute, common law, custom, usage of trade, course of performance, course of dealing or otherwise, including but not limited to any representations or warranties or conditions of merchantable quality and/or fitness for a particular purpose, are expressly excluded.

(d) Rights to resell. Exchange and its affiliates may, in Exchange's sole discretion, resell, distribute, market or license any or all Exchange Trading Data to any other person, or otherwise use any or all such data as Exchange or its affiliates see fit and is entitled to keep all compensation provided, however, that neither Exchange nor its affiliates shall identify the Member in connection with any Exchange Trading Data, except:

i. if the Member uses Exchange functionality that provides order and/or trade attribution;

ii. for reporting to CDS or any clearing and settlement agent for clearing and settlement purposes;

iii. as required pursuant to applicable Alpha Requirements;

iv. for dispute resolution purposes with the Member;

v. to legal or accounting advisers on a confidential basis; or

vi. as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement.

(e) The provisions of this Part 7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

8. PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

(a) Personal information regarding the Member's directors, officers and employees. Exchange will not release personal information relating to the Member's directors, officers, employees, contractors or clients unless:

i. the individual in question has consented in writing to the release of the information;

ii. the release of the information is required by an Alpha Requirement or pursuant to a regulatory purpose; or

iii. the information has been publicly disclosed by another person or company and the disclosure was lawful.

The Member represents that they have obtained or shall obtain, as applicable, all necessary consents to allow the Member to disclose the information relating to its directors, officers, employees, contractors and clients referenced above as required under this Agreement.

(b) Definition of Confidential Information. "Confidential Information" shall mean information about the disclosing party's (or any of its clients') business activities that is proprietary and confidential, which will include all business, financial and technical and other information including:

i. information expressly marked or disclosed or implicitly disclosed as confidential or proprietary, including, without limitation, all forms and types of financial, business, scientific, technical, economic, competitively sensitive or engineering information including, but not limited to, patterns, plans, compilations, program devices, discoveries, ideas, concept, know-how, techniques, formulas, blueprints, designs, prototypes, methods, processes, procedures, codes, unpatented inventions, marketing plans, financial plans, business plans, or names of customers or suppliers, whether tangible or intangible, and whether or how stored, compiled, or memorialized physically, electronically, graphically, photographically, or in writing;

ii. all proprietary software programs, and proprietary computer software designs and architecture, in whatever form, regardless of whether marked or designated as confidential or proprietary;

iii. information commonly recognized as proprietary trade secrets; and

iv. all copies of any of the foregoing or any analyses, studies or reports that contain, are based on, or reflect any of the foregoing.

Confidential Information shall not include any information that the receiving party can show:

i. was in receiving party's possession free of any obligation of confidence prior to receipt from the disclosing party;

ii. is independently developed by the receiving party without access to or unauthorized use or disclosure of Confidential Information;

iii. is in the public domain or becomes available to the public through no breach of this Agreement by the receiving party;

iv. was communicated by the disclosing party to a third party free of obligation of confidence; or

v. is received by the receiving party independently from a third party free to disclose such information to the receiving party.

(c) Treatment of Confidential Information. The receiving party shall treat the Confidential Information with at least the same degree of care that it uses to protect its own confidential and proprietary information of a similar nature, but no less than a reasonable degree of care under the circumstances and shall not disclose, duplicate, copy, transmit or otherwise disseminate in any manner whatsoever, Confidential Information provided to the receiving party by reason of the relationship established by this Agreement, or learned by the receiving party by reason of this Agreement, except to the receiving party's regular employees, including the employees of the receiving party's corporate parent (if any) and those of its direct subsidiaries and of the subsidiaries of its corporate parent, and, subject to the provisions below, to the agents, partners, limited partners, contractors, advisers, and consultants of the receiving party.

(d) Need to know. All such persons receiving Confidential Information shall:

i. have a need to know such Confidential Information for performance of duties or obligations related to the purpose of this Agreement;

ii. have been informed of the confidential nature of the Confidential Information; and

iii. be bound, by terms of their employment, to maintain the confidentiality of confidential information in their possession.

(e) Notice of request by a third party. In the event that the receiving party is requested or required (by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or other governmental or regulatory body exercising legitimate authority, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose any Confidential Information of the disclosing party, that the receiving party will, to the extent permitted by law, provide the disclosing party with prompt notice of such request or requirement so that the disclosing party may seek an appropriate protective order or waive compliance by the receiving party with the provisions of this Agreement. If, in the absence of a protective order or the receipt of a waiver hereunder, the receiving party is nonetheless, in the opinion of the receiving party's counsel, legally required to disclose such Confidential Information forwarded by the disclosing party or else stand liable for contempt or suffer other censure or penalty, the receiving party may disclose such information without liability hereunder, provided, however, that the receiving party shall disclose only that portion of such Confidential Information which it is legally required to disclose.

(f) The provisions of this Part 8 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

9. SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES AND ARBITRATION

(a) Disputes between the Member and Exchange. In the event of any dispute arising between the Member and Exchange which has not been resolved, the Member may appeal to the Regulatory Oversight Committee of the Exchange (the "ROC") in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Trading Policies. If the Member wishes to appeal any decision of the ROC, the Member may appeal the decision by following the arbitration procedures set out below and/or by appeal to the securities regulatory authority. A Member may not appeal the same issue by both arbitration and appeal to the securities regulatory authority; however, a Member may appeal different issues separately by arbitration and to the securities regulatory authority. Once an issue has been decided upon, whether by arbitration or by the securities regulatory authority, that same issue cannot be pursued to the alternative forum so that the same issue is being reviewed by both arbitration and appeal to the regulatory authority.. If the Member chooses arbitration, the issue shall be submitted to the decision of a single arbitrator, who shall be qualified and independent of the parties to the dispute, selected as hereinafter provided, and the decision of such an arbitrator shall be final and binding on all parties. In addition, the electronic records of the Exchange will govern in the event that facts relating to any of the Member's orders or transactions executed through the Exchange are disputed, unless there is clear proof of an error in such electronic records of orders or transactions. The nomination of the arbitrator shall be as follows:

i. The independent arbitrator shall be agreed upon by the Member and Exchange, or if they cannot agree on an arbitrator, either party may apply to the Ontario courts to have an independent arbitrator appointed (the "Arbitrator"). The Arbitrator shall act as the sole arbitrator in respect of all matters, including procedural matters including scheduling, production of documents and giving directions.

ii. Within ten days following the appointment of the Arbitrator, the Member shall deliver to Exchange and the Arbitrator a statement of dispute concisely setting for the facts and law upon which it relies. Ten days following delivery of this statement of dispute, Exchange shall deliver to the Member and the Arbitrator a statement of response responding to the statement of dispute and concisely setting for the facts and law upon which it relies. Where the Arbitrator has not been appointed during such time periods, the statement of dispute and response to the statement of dispute shall be delivered to the Arbitrator promptly following the date of the Arbitrator's appointment.

(b) Notice. The Arbitrator shall forthwith give written notice to the parties of the time and place of its first sitting, which shall be held promptly and if at all possible within ten Business Days after the appointment of the Arbitrator, and shall require them to be present and to produce any records, books, documents or paper respecting the matter at issue, and at such time and place, or at any other time and place to which they shall give written notice to the Member and Exchange, the Arbitrator shall hear each of the parties, shall make such inquiries and receive such evidence as they may deem necessary, and shall decide the subject matter in dispute and fix the costs of arbitration and shall make its award and forward the same in writing to all parties concerned. The Arbitrator shall be instructed that time is of the essence and requested to make its judgment as soon as possible and if at all within ten Business Days of the completion of the hearing.

(c) The Arbitration Act. The Arbitration Act, 1991 (Ontario) shall apply to the arbitration. The arbitration shall take place in Toronto, Ontario, shall be governed in all respects by the substantive law of Ontario (and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein), and shall be kept confidential (both to as its existence and all proceedings and documents related thereto) except as required by applicable law (including disclosure and reporting obligations attendant on public companies) or self-regulatory organization requirements or for enforcement purposes.

(d) Disputes between Members. Any dispute arising between Members relating to trading related activity conducted utilizing the System will be carried on in the same manner as a contractual dispute pursuant to Section 9(a). Even where the Exchange is not a party to any dispute, it shall be entitled, but not required, to be present and state its position. The Exchange shall provide such electronic records as the parties to the dispute may request relating to the dispute, however where such information is Confidential Information the provisions of Part 8 shall take precedence.

(e) Interest on awards. The award shall bear interest from the date of award at 12% per annum payable and calculated monthly, and shall bear pre-award interest as determined by the arbitrators.

(f) Award enforceable. The award may be enforced in court.

(g) Award final. The award of such arbitration shall be final and not subject to review or appeal, and shall be binding upon all parties concerned. Section 9 of the Agreement shall survive any termination of the Agreement.

(h) Exclusive Remedy. Section 9 shall be the exclusive remedy under the Agreement, but without prejudice to any other rights or remedies expressly provided for in the Agreement.

10. GENERAL PROVISIONS

(a) Notices. All notices hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt, by delivery in person, by confirmed facsimile, by registered or certified mail, by overnight delivery (postage prepaid) to the respective party, or by electronic mail sent to the Member at its address, electronic mail address or facsimile number indicated on the Member Information Form hereof, and to Exchange at:

Alpha Exchange Inc.
70 York Street, Suite 1501
Toronto, Ontario, M5J 1S9
Attention: Head of Legal
Fax: 416-642-2120

or, in each case, to such other address or facsimile number subsequently provided in writing by such party to the other. Any such notice shall be effective upon the receipt thereof by the party to whom sent.

(b) Termination. Subject to other specific provisions herein, either party shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement by providing the other party with not less than twenty (20) business days notice, in writing.

(c) Effective Date. This Agreement will take effect immediately upon execution by both the Member and Exchange, and will remain in force until terminated in accordance with the terms hereof. If either party terminates this Agreement, immediately following the effective date of such termination the Member shall permit Exchange to immediately remove the Member's access to the System and shall return or destroy all materials provided by Exchange pursuant to this Agreement relating to the System except where the retention of such materials is required by statute or pursuant to Alpha Requirement. Termination of this Agreement shall not affect any liability, including trading fees, that has accrued as of the date of termination.

(d) Laws governing. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and both parties unconditionally attorn to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario.

(e) Amendments. Exchange may make amendments to this Agreement and the Trading Policies by providing thirty (30) days' written notice to Members.

(f) Assignment of rights. Neither party may transfer or assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party. This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the above, Exchange shall be entitled to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any party (i) controlling Exchange; (ii) controlled by Exchange; or (iii) that shares a common controlling entity as Exchange, by providing the Member with notification of such assignment.

(g) Execution in counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts. Each executed counterpart may be delivered to the other party by facsimile and/or electronic file, and copies bearing the signature of a party will constitute a valid and binding execution and delivery of this Agreement.

(h) Whole or partial invalidity. The whole or partial invalidity of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity of any other provision of this Agreement If any provisions or conditions of this Agreement shall be held to be unenforceable by a court, or regulatory or Self-Regulatory Organization, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision or condition. The validity of the remaining provisions and conditions shall not be affected thereby and this Agreement shall be carried out as if any such invalid or unenforceable provision or condition were not contained herein. To the extent permitted by law, the parties waive any provision of law that renders any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable in any respect.

(i) Natural Disasters. Notwithstanding any other term or condition of this Agreement, neither Exchange nor the Member shall be obligated to perform or observe its obligations undertaken in the Agreement (except for obligations to make payments hereunder and regulatory obligations) if prevented or hindered from doing so by any circumstance found to be beyond its control, including industrial disputes of any nature, acts of nature, acts of a public enemy, acts of government, failure of telecommunications, software or hardware, sabotage, terrorism, lightning or electromagnetic disturbances, earthquake, flood, fire or other casualty and the other party will likewise be excused from performance of its obligations (other than timely payment of fees) to the extent such party's obligations relate to the performance so interfered with; provided that the party so affected uses its reasonable efforts to avoid or remove such causes of non-performance and shall resume performance hereunder with dispatch whenever such causes are removed.

(j) Language. The parties confirm their express wish that this Agreement, as well as any other documents relating to this Agreement, including notices, schedules and authorizations, have been and shall be drawn up in the English language only. Les parties aux présentes confirment leur volonté que cette convention, de même que tous les documents, y compris tous avis, annexes et autorisations s'y rattachant, soient rédigés en la langue anglaise seulement.

(k) Effect of Termination. Termination of the Agreement shall not terminate or negate any obligations of the Member to complete or implement any transaction entered into prior to such termination or arising from or accruing from authorized activities of Member up to the effective time of termination.

(l) System provided "as is". THE SYSTEM IS PROVIDED "AS IS". NONE OF EXCHANGE, ITS RELATED PARTIES, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, PARTNERS OR ANY THIRD PARTY PROVIDER MAKES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY INFORMATION OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE ATTAINED BY MEMBER OR ANYONE ELSE FROM THE USE OF THE SYSTEM. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE STATED IN THIS AGREEMENT, EXCHANGE, ITS RELATED PARTIES, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, PARTNERS OR ANY THIRD PARTY PROVIDER DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, GUARANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN LAW OR IN FACT, ORAL OR IN WRITING, OR THAT ARISE FROM STATUTE OR FROM A COURSE OF DEALING, USAGE OR TRADE INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, GUARANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OF FITNESS FOR PURPOSE, MERCHANTABILITY OR MERCHANTABLE OR SATISFACTORY QUALITY, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. NONE OF EXCHANGE, ITS RELATED PARTIES, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, PARTNERS OR ANY THIRD PARTY PROVIDER SHALL HAVE ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO MAINTAIN THE SYSTEM OR TO SUPPLY ANY CORRECTIONS, UPDATES OR RELEASES IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. NONE OF EXCHANGE, RELATED PARTIES, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, PARTNERS OR ANY THIRD PARTY PROVIDER IS SOLICITING ANY ACTIVITY BASED UPON THE USE OF THE SYSTEM. NONE OF EXCHANGE, RELATED PARTIES, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, PARTNERS OR ANY THIRD PARTY PROVIDER WILL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, HOWEVER CAUSED, INCLUDING ANY TRADING LOSSES OR FAILURE TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT ANY INVESTMENT STRATEGY REGARDLESS OF WHETHER EXCHANGE, ANY OF ITS RELATED PARTIES, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, PARTNERS OR ANY THIRD PARTY PROVIDER HAS BEEN ADVISED OR IS OTHERWISE AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES. THIS SECTION SHALL SURVIVIE THE TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.

(m) Liability.

i. Except for Exchange's indemnity obligations hereunder or breaches of its obligations pursuant to Section 8(a) of this Agreement, Exchange's entire aggregate liability arising from or related to this Agreement shall not exceed the fees charged by Exchange to the Member in the six (6) months preceding the date that the first cause of action arose, even if such cause of action is continuing.

ii. In no event shall any of Exchange's related parties, affiliates, partners or any third party providers of any of Exchange's or such other entities officers, directors, employees or agents have any liability to the Member under or related to this Agreement.

iii. This Section shall not exclude or restrict Exchange's liability for death or personal injury arising from either the negligence of Exchange or its officers, employees, agents, or partners, including where they are acting in the ordinary course of their duties. Such liability shall in no event exceed the sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000).

iv. Money damages may both be incalculable and an insufficient remedy for any breach of the Agreement by such party or its employees, agents or representatives and that any such breach would cause the other party irreparable harm. In the event of any such breach or threatened breach of the Agreement, the other party shall be entitled to seek equitable relief, including by way of injunction and specific performance.

v. Neither Exchange nor the Member shall be liable under any circumstances for any indirect, incidental, reliance, special, punitive or consequential damages including, but not limited to: lost profits, lost opportunities, even if the applicable party has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

(n) Disclaimers. All disclaimers and limitation herein shall apply regardless of the nature of any cause of action or demand (including, but not limited to breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence, strict liability, tort or any other cause of action) and shall survive a fundamental breach or breaches and/or failure of the essential purpose of this Agreement or any remedy contained herein.

(o) Ownership. The components of the System include but are not limited to: operating systems software, database software, applications software, hardware and firmware. Exchange retains ownership of the System and all rights, title and interest therein including all patents copyrights, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights in and to the System. This Agreement does not grant or give the Member any right, title or interest of any type in the System or in any patents, copyrights, trade secrets or other intellectual property rights associated with the System. For greater certainty, this Agreement does not convey to the Member, or any other person, a license or right, either express or implied to use any software incorporated into the System. Except as specifically set out herein, the Member shall not use any of the trademarks or trade names of or used by Exchange in connection with the System or any other intellectual property associated with the System without the prior written consent of Exchange.

(p) Indemnifications.

i. Exchange agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, either on its own behalf, or on behalf of a third party provider, subject to the limitations herein set forth, any losses, damages or expenses incurred by the Member arising from any claim, suit or proceeding commenced by a third party alleging that there has been an infringement of any such third party's intellectual property rights resulting from the execution of this Agreement or use of the System ("Infringement Claim"). The Member agrees that Exchange shall be relieved of the foregoing obligations unless the Member notifies Exchange promptly in writing of such claim, suit or proceeding and gives Exchange authority to defend and settle such proceeding as contemplated herein, and, at Exchange and/or third party's expense, as applicable, gives Exchange and/or third party provider proper and full information and assistance to settle and/or defend any such claim, suit or proceeding but such relief will only apply to the extent that such delay or failure to provide such notification compromises Exchange's ability to defend such claim, suit or proceeding or cause Exchange to incur additional costs. Neither Exchange nor third party providers shall be liable for any costs or expenses incurred without their prior written authorization. Claims resulting from the modification of the System by the Member or any third party or the use or combination of the System with any hardware, software, data or products of any other person (including any entity) other than Exchange are not Infringement Claims and therefore are excluded from this indemnity. In the event of any Infringement Claim, Exchange may at its sole option and discretion (i) obtain a license to enable Exchange to continue to use the System as contemplated hereunder, (ii) replace or modify the subject matter of the Infringement Claim to make it non-infringing, or (iii) immediately terminate this Agreement by notice to the Member. Exchange's obligation to indemnify the Member under this Section shall be limited, in the aggregate, to the total amount actually paid by the Member to Alpha under this Agreement.

ii. The Member will indemnify, defend, and hold Exchange, its related parties, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors and employees harmless of and from any demands, losses, claims, judgment, liabilities, actions, proceedings, penalties, damages, costs or suits (other than for Infringement Claims) that arise out of or relate to the use, or inability to use, or defects or deficiencies with the System including any claims related to the Member's or DMA Eligible Client's use or misuse, or inability to use, the System or defects or deficiencies arising from or related to such use or inability to use the System. The Member shall pay on demand all amounts due under this section. Exchange agrees that the Member shall be relieved of the foregoing obligations unless the Member notifies Exchange promptly in writing of such claim, suit or proceeding and gives Exchange authority to defend and settle such proceeding as contemplated herein, and, at Exchange and/or third party's expense, as applicable, gives Exchange and/or third party provider proper and full information and assistance to settle and/or defend any such claim, suit or proceeding but such relief will only apply to the extent that such delay or failure to provide such notification compromises Exchange's ability to defend such claim, suit or proceeding or cause Exchange to incur additional costs.

iii. The indemnities set out in this Section 10(p) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

(q) Further Documents. Each of Exchange and the Member shall from time to time execute and deliver all such further documents and instruments and do all acts and things as the other party may reasonably require to effectively carry out or better evidence or perfect the full intent and meaning of the Agreement.

(r) Currency. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all amounts referred to herein shall be denominated in Canadian dollars.

(s) Time of the Essence. Time shall be the essence of the Agreement.

(t) Complete Agreement. This Agreement, and the schedules as amended from time to time in accordance with the Agreement and any other agreements executed by the parties for additional services, contains the entire Agreement between the parties with respect to trading on the System. This Agreement may be modified only by a writing signed by all parties to this Agreement and any such modification shall not be deemed to be a cancellation of this Agreement.

MEMBER AUTHORIZATION AND DECLARATION

 

The Member hereby certifies that the information is provided by the Member for the purpose of accessing the Exchange is correct. The undersigned is a signing officer with authority to bind the Member to the terms of the Agreement.

 

Member

 

Name of Signing Officer

Title

 

Signature

Date

 

Alpha Exchange Inc.

 

Name of Signing Officer

Title

 

Signature

Date

 

SCHEDULE 1

_________________________

Exchange Fee Schedule

Effective March 1, 2011

Trading Services

Access Fees

 
Trading Service
Fee
Initial Application
$3,000
 
Monthly Access
$1,250

 

Transactional Fees
 
Equity Trades
Fee/Share
Auction (Open, Close or Halt)
 
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
$0.0000
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1 &<$5
$0.0000
 
Trade Price/Share >= $5
$0.0000
Continuous Active - Exchange Traded Funds
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
$0.0003
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1
$0.0025
Continuous Active - Other
 
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
$0.0003
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1 &<$5
$0.0025
 
Trade Price/Share >= $5
$0.0035
Continuous Passive -- Exchange Traded Funds
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
-$0.0002
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1
-$0.0021
Continuous Passive - Other
 
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
-$0.0002
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1 &<$5
-$0.0021
 
Trade Price/Share >= $5
-$0.0031
Continuous Unintentional Crosses
 
 
Trade Price/Share <$1
$0.0001 (net)
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1 &<$5
$0.0004 (net)
 
Trade Price/Share >=$5
$0.0004 (net)
Printing Facility
 
 
Intentional Crosses
$0.0000
Odd Lot Trades - Exchange Traded Funds
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
$0.0003
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1
$0.0025
Odd Lot Trades - Other
 
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
$0.0003
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1 &<$5
$0.0025
 
Trade Price/Share >= $5
$0.0035
Note/Debenture Trades
Fee/$1,000 par value
Auction (Open, Close or Halt)
$0.0000
Continuous Active
$0.0900
Continuous Passive
-$0.0800
Continuous Unintentional Crosses
$0.0100 (net)
Printing Facility
 
Intentional Crosses
$0.0000
Odd Lot Trades
$0.0900
Specialty Trades
Fee/Share
All or None Orders
See note 5
Iceberg Orders
See note 6

Notes

1) All fees quoted are in Canadian dollars.

2) Transactional Fees are GST/HST-exempt. GST/HST is charged only on Access Fees.

3) Fees relating to "Odd Lot Trades" do not pertain to trades executed by "Odd Lot Dealers" relating to their obligations as an "Odd Lot Dealer". Such fees are set out in the Odd Lot Dealer Agreement.

4) Continuous unintentional crosses will be charged on a net basis. For invoicing purposes, unless using the Alpha Billing Facility, the active side and the passive side of the trade will be charged the amount equal to the corresponding Continuous Active and Continuous Passive fees. Subscribers using the Alpha Billing Facility can select different fees for the active side and for the passive side of the trade while respecting the net fee.

5) "All or Non Orders" will be charged the corresponding Active fees.

6) "Iceberg Orders" will be credited the corresponding Passive rebate for executed transactions.

 

SCHEDULE 2

MARKET MAKER APPLICATION FORM AND AGREEMENT

_________________________

Member: _________________________

Security requested: _________________________

 

January -- March 201_

April -- June 201_

July -- September 201_

October -- December 201_

 

Minimum Size Commitment (shares)

__________

__________

__________

__________

 

Average Time Weighted Spread (cents)

__________

__________

__________

__________

Note: The same size commitment is required for both the bid and offer. The size and spread set in the fourth quarter of this agreement will remain in effect unless the Market Maker receives approval from Alpha Exchange Inc. to change its commitment.

Market Maker Approved Trader: _________________________

Back-up Trader: _________________________

Is the Member, the Market Maker Approved Trader or the Back-up Trader an insider (as defined in section 1.1 of the Securities Act (Ontario) of the issuer of the security that is the subject of this application?

If yes, provide details:

______________________________

______________________________

______________________________

1. MARKET MAKER RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) Appointment of Market Makers. Upon execution of this Agreement, __________ ("the Market Maker") agrees to act as a Market Maker in accordance with the Trading Policies of Alpha Exchange Inc. ("Alpha") provided to the Market Maker ("Policies"), as amended from time to time. Alpha shall be entitled to appoint the Market Maker as the Market Maker and assign responsibility for specific securities in accordance with the terms of the Policies or in such other manner as Alpha may deem appropriate, in its sole discretion.

(b) Status as a Member. The Market Maker agrees to: (i) maintain its status as a Member of Alpha; and (ii) take all commercially reasonable steps to ensure that it complies with all requirements to act as a Market Maker set out in the Policies, as amended from time to time. Where the Market Maker does not comply with such requirements it will immediately advise Alpha of such failure in writing. Such notification will include specific information as to the nature of such failure to comply.

(c) Obligations of Market Makers. The Market Maker will carry out all obligations of a Market Maker as set out in Policies or as otherwise directed by Alpha and will at all times carry out all obligations in compliance with the Alpha Requirements, as defined in the Member agreement entered into by the Market Maker and Alpha, as amended from time to time (the "Member Agreement").

(d) Resources. The Market Maker represents and warrants that it has and will continue to have necessary resources, including trained personnel and technology, to allow it to carry out all if its obligations pursuant to this agreement and the Policies.

(e) Market Maker Policies. The Market Maker shall implement policies and procedures to monitor the conduct for compliance with the Policies applicable to Market Maker and changes to such policies.

(f) Term. The Market Maker agrees to act as a Market Maker for all securities assigned by Alpha for a period of one (1) year, with an automatic renewal for addition one year terms, subject to each party's right to terminate in accordance with the specific provisions of this agreement (the "Term"). All terms shall expire on the anniversary of each year.

2. ALPHA RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) Access to Information. Alpha shall take reasonable steps to provide the Market Maker with access to data and information to allow the Market Maker to undertake its obligations hereunder.

(b) Changes to Policies. Where practical to do so, Alpha shall take reasonable steps to notify the Market Maker of proposed changes to the Policies not less than 30 days prior to the implementation of such a change. Notwithstanding this obligation, Alpha may implement any change in Policies without such notification where Alpha deems the immediate implementation of such change is necessary or desirable, in its absolute discretion. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the Market Maker's responsibility to comply with Section 1(e) herein.

3. TERMINATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) Breach of Obligations. Alpha shall be entitled to revoke the Market Maker's appointment as a Market Maker for any or all securities or attach such additional terms or conditions to this agreement as Alpha deems to be necessary, where:

(i) the Market Maker fails to comply with any term of this agreement or the Policies;

(ii) Alpha determines, in its sole discretion, that the Market Maker or its officers, employees, directors or agents have violated any Alpha Requirement;

(iii) Alpha believes, in its sole discretion, that the Market Maker cannot or may not in the future carry out its obligations as a Market Maker under the Policies or this agreement; or

(iv) Alpha has determined, in its sole discretion that the Market Maker or its officers, employees, directors or agents have in any way acted in a manner that is detrimental to the interests of Alpha or the public.

(b) Termination for Convenience. The Market Maker shall be entitled, during the Term, to terminate its responsibilities hereunder, in relation to all securities for which it acts as a Market Maker by providing not less than sixty (60) days written notice of its intention to do so.

(c) Transition. The Market Maker agrees to comply with all provisions of the Trading Policies relating to the transition responsibilities as a Market Maker wherever its responsibilities have been terminated or suspended hereunder. The Market Maker has appropriate resources, policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance with all applicable Alpha Requirements when undertaking any activity on the System in furtherance of a trade, and has the capacity to settle all trades executed on or through the use of the System.

4. FEES AND CREDITS

(a) Fees. The Market Maker shall be obliged to pay fees and entitled to receive credits in accordance with Attachment A of this Market Maker Agreement.

(b) Invoicing. Alpha shall, as an element of the invoice provided pursuant to the Member Agreement, invoice the Market Maker for all fees payable, or where applicable credits payable by Alpha, under this Market Maker Agreement. All fees payable, or credits earned hereunder will be aggregated with fees payable under the Member Agreement in a single invoice payable monthly.

5. GENERAL

(a) All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the definition assigned for that term in the Member Agreement.

(b) Notices. All notices hereunder shall be provided herein in the same manner as described in the Member Agreement.

(c) Laws governing. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and both parties unconditionally attorn to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario.

(d) Amendments in writing. No amendment to this agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by Alpha and the Market Maker.

(e) Assignment of rights. The Market Maker may not transfer or assign its rights and obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Alpha. This agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

(f) Execution in counterparts. This agreement may be executed in counterparts. Each executed counterpart may be delivered to the other party by facsimile and/or electronic file, and copies bearing the signature of a party will constitute a valid and binding execution and delivery of this agreement.

(g) Whole or partial invalidity. The whole or partial invalidity of any provision of this agreement shall not affect the validity of any other provision of this agreement If any provisions or conditions of this agreement shall be held to be unenforceable by a court, or regulatory or self-regulatory authority, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision or condition. The validity of the remaining provisions and conditions shall not be affected thereby and this agreement shall be carried out as if any such invalid or unenforceable provision or condition were not contained herein. To the extent permitted by law, the parties waive any provision of law that renders any provision of this agreement invalid or unenforceable in any respect.

(h) Natural Disasters. Notwithstanding any other term or condition of this agreement, neither Alpha nor the Market Maker Dealer shall be obligated to perform or observe its obligations undertaken in the agreement (except for obligations to make payments hereunder and regulatory obligations) if prevented or hindered from doing so by any circumstance found to be beyond its control, including industrial disputes of any nature, acts of nature, acts of a public enemy, acts of government, failure of telecommunications, software or hardware, sabotage, terrorism, lightning or electromagnetic disturbances, earthquake, flood, fire or other casualty and the other party will likewise be excused from performance of its obligations (other than timely payment of fees) to the extent such party's obligations relate to the performance so interfered with; provided that the party so affected uses its reasonable efforts to avoid or remove such causes of non-performance and shall resume performance hereunder with dispatch whenever such causes are removed.

(i) Language. The parties confirm their express wish that this agreement, as well as any other documents relating to this Agreement, including notices, schedules and authorizations, have been and shall be drawn up in the English language only. Les parties aux présentes confirment leur volonté que cette convention, de même que tous les documents, y compris tous avis, annexes et autorisations s'y rattachant, soient rédigés en la langue anglaise seulement.

(j) Effect of Termination. Termination of the agreement or the appointment of any Member as an Market Maker shall not terminate or negate any obligations of the Market Maker to complete or implement any transaction entered into prior to such termination or arising from or accruing from authorized activities of the Market Maker up to the effective time of termination.

(k) Liability.

i. Except for Alpha's indemnity obligations hereunder, Alpha's entire aggregate liability arising from or related to this agreement shall not exceed the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), even if such cause of action is continuing.

ii. In no event shall any of Alpha's related parties, affiliates, partners or any third party providers of any of Alpha's or such other entities officers, directors, employees or agents have any liability to the Market Maker under or related to this agreement.

iii. This Section shall not exclude or restrict Alpha's liability for death or personal injury arising from either the negligence of Alpha or its officers, employees, agents, or partners, including where they are acting in the ordinary course of their duties. Such liability shall in no event exceed the sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000).

iv. Money damages may both be incalculable and an insufficient remedy for any breach of the agreement by such party or its employees, agents or representatives and that any such breach would cause the other party irreparable harm. In the event of any such breach or threatened breach of the agreement, the other party shall be entitled to seek equitable relief, including by way of injunction and specific performance.

v. Neither Alpha or the Market Maker shall be liable, under any circumstances, for any indirect, incidental, reliance, special, punitive or consequential damages including, but not limited to, lost profits, lost opportunities, even if the applicable party has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

(l) Disclaimers. All disclaimers and limitation herein shall apply regardless of the nature of any cause of action or demand (including, but not limited to breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence, strict liability, tort or any other cause of action) and shall survive a fundamental breach or breaches and/or failure of the essential purpose of this agreement or any remedy contained herein.

(m) Indemnifications.

i. Alpha agrees to pay, either on its own behalf, or on behalf of a third party provider, subject to the limitations herein set forth, any losses, damages or expenses incurred by the Market Maker arising from any claim, suit or proceeding commenced by a third party alleging that there has been an infringement of any such third party's intellectual property rights resulting from the execution of this agreement ("Infringement Claim"). The Market Maker agrees that Alpha shall be relieved of the foregoing obligations unless the Market Maker notifies Alpha promptly in writing of such claim, suit or proceeding and gives Alpha authority to defend and settle such proceeding as contemplated herein, and, at Alpha and/or third party's expense, as applicable, gives Alpha and/or third party provider proper and full information and assistance to settle and/or defend any such claim, suit or proceeding. Neither Alpha nor third party providers shall be liable for any costs or expenses incurred without their prior written authorization.

ii. The Market Maker will indemnify, defend, and hold Alpha, its related parties, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors and employees harmless of and from any demands, losses, claims, judgment, liabilities, actions, proceedings, penalties, damages, costs or suits (other than for Infringement Claims) that arise out of or relate to the violation of the terms of this agreement by the Market Maker or its officers, employees, directors or agents. The Market Maker shall pay on demand all amounts due under this section.

(n) Currency. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all amounts referred to herein shall be denominated in Canadian dollars.

(o) Time of the Essence. Time shall be the essence of the agreement.

MARKET MAKER AUTHORIZATION AND DECLARATION

 

Market Maker

 

Name of Signing Officer__________

Title__________

 

Signature______________________

Date__________

 

Alpha Exchange Inc.

 

Name of Signing Officer__________

Title__________

 

Signature______________________

Date__________

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ATTACHMENT A

TO THE

MARKET MAKER AGREEMENT

 

(CONTENT TO DETERMINED AND INCLUDED AT A LATER DATE)

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SCHEDULE 3

ODD-LOT DEALER AGREEMENT

_________________________

ODD-LOT DEALER AGREEMENT

1. ODD-LOT DEALER RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) Appointment of Odd-Lot Dealers. Upon execution of this Agreement, _______________ ("the Odd-Lot Dealer") agrees to act as an odd-lot dealer in accordance with the Trading Policies of Alpha ATS LP ("Alpha") provided to the Odd-Lot Dealer, as amended from time to time ("Trading Policies"). Alpha shall be entitled to appoint the Odd-Lot Dealer as the odd-lot dealer and assign responsibility for specific securities in accordance with the terms of the Policies or in such other manner as Alpha may deem appropriate, in its sole discretion.

(b) Status as a Member. The Odd-Lot Dealer agrees to: (i) maintain its status as a Member of Alpha ATS; and (ii) take all commercially reasonable steps to ensure that it complies with all Alpha Requirements to act as an odd-lot dealer. Where the Odd-Lot Dealer does not comply with such Alpha Requirements it will immediately advise Alpha of such failure in writing. Such notification will include specific information as to the nature of such failure to comply.

(c) Obligations of Odd-Lot Dealers. The Odd-Lot Dealer will carry out all obligations of an odd-lot dealer as set out in Trading Policies or as otherwise directed by Alpha and will at all times carry out all obligations in compliance with the Alpha Requirements, as defined in the Trading Policies (which have been incorporated by reference into and form a part of the Member Agreement) entered into by the Odd-Lot Dealer and Alpha, as amended from time to time (the "Member Agreement").

(d) Resources. The Odd-Lot Dealer represents and warrants that it has and will continue to have necessary resources, including trained personnel and technology, to allow it to carry out all of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement and the Trading Policies.

(e) Odd-Lot Dealer Policies. The Odd-Lot Dealer shall implement policies and procedures to monitor the conduct for compliance with the Trading Policies applicable to odd-lot dealers and changes to such policies.

(f) Term. The Odd-Lot Dealer agrees to act as an odd-lot dealer for all securities assigned by Alpha for a period of one (1) year, with an automatic renewal for additional one year terms, subject to each party's right to terminate in accordance with the specific provisions of this Agreement (the "Term"). All Terms shall expire on November 6 of each year.

2. ALPHA RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) Access to Information. Alpha shall take reasonable steps to provide the Odd-Lot Dealer with access to data and information to allow the Odd-Lot Dealer to undertake its obligations hereunder.

3. TERMINATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) Breach of Obligations. Alpha shall be entitled to revoke the Odd-Lot Dealer's appointment as an odd-lot dealer for any or all securities or attach such additional terms or conditions to this Agreement as Alpha deems to be necessary, where:

(i) the Odd-Lot Dealer fails to comply with any term of this Agreement or the Trading Policies;

(ii) Alpha determines, in its sole discretion, that the Odd-Lot Dealer or its officers, employees, directors or agents have violated any Alpha Requirement;

(iii) Alpha believes, in its sole discretion, that the Odd-Lot Dealer cannot or may not in the future carry out its obligations as an odd-lot dealer under the Policies or this Agreement; or

(iv) Alpha has determined, in its sole discretion, that the Odd-Lot Dealer or its officers, employees, directors or agents have in any way acted in a manner that is detrimental to the interests of Alpha or the public.

(b) Termination for Convenience. The Odd-Lot Dealer shall be entitled, during the Term, to terminate its responsibilities hereunder, in relation to all securities for which it acts as an odd-lot dealer by providing not less than thirty (30) days written notice of its intention to do so.

(c) Transition. The Odd-Lot Dealer agrees to comply with all provisions of the Trading Policies relating to the transition responsibilities as an odd-lot dealer wherever its responsibilities have been terminated or suspended hereunder. The Odd-Lot Dealer has appropriate resources, policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance with all applicable Alpha Requirements when undertaking any activity on the System in furtherance of a trade, and has the capacity to settle all trades executed on or through the use of the System.

4. FEES AND CREDITS

(a) Fees. The Odd-Lot Dealer shall be obliged to pay fees and entitled to receive credits and/or cost offsets in accordance with Attachment A of this Agreement.

(b) Invoicing. Alpha shall, as an element of the invoice provided pursuant to the Member Agreement, invoice the Odd-Lot Dealer for all fees payable, or where applicable credits and/or cost offsets payable by Alpha, under this Odd Lot Dealer Agreement. All fees payable, or credits earned hereunder will be aggregated with fees payable under the Member Agreement in a single invoice payable monthly. Any cost offsets payable shall be invoiced and paid separately on a monthly basis.

5. GENERAL

(a) Defined Terms. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the definition assigned for that term in the Member Agreement or the Trading Policies, as applicable.

(b) Notices. All notices hereunder shall be provided herein in the same manner as described in the Member Agreement.

(c) Laws governing. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and both parties unconditionally attorn to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario.

(d) Assignment of rights. The Odd-Lot Dealer may not transfer or assign its rights and obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Alpha. This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

(e) Execution in counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts. Each executed counterpart may be delivered to the other party by facsimile and/or electronic file, and copies bearing the signature of a party will constitute a valid and binding execution and delivery of this Agreement.

(f) Whole or partial invalidity. The whole or partial invalidity of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity of any other provision of this Agreement. If any provisions or conditions of this Agreement shall be held to be unenforceable by a court, or regulatory or self-regulatory authority, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision or condition. The validity of the remaining provisions and conditions shall not be affected thereby and this Agreement shall be carried out as if any such invalid or unenforceable provision or condition were not contained herein. To the extent permitted by law, the parties waive any provision of law that renders any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable in any respect.

(g) Natural Disasters. Notwithstanding any other term or condition of this Agreement, neither Alpha nor the Odd-Lot Dealer shall be obligated to perform or observe its obligations undertaken in this Agreement (except for obligations to make payments hereunder and regulatory obligations) if prevented or hindered from doing so by any circumstance found to be beyond its control, including industrial disputes of any nature, acts of nature, acts of a public enemy, acts of government, failure of telecommunications, software or hardware, sabotage, terrorism, lightning or electromagnetic disturbances, earthquake, flood, fire or other casualty and the other party will likewise be excused from performance of its obligations (other than timely payment of fees) to the extent such party's obligations relate to the performance so interfered with; provided that the party so affected uses its reasonable efforts to avoid or remove such causes of non-performance and shall resume performance hereunder with dispatch whenever such causes are removed.

(h) Language. The parties confirm their express wish that this Agreement, as well as any other documents relating to this Agreement, including notices, schedules and authorizations, have been and shall be drawn up in the English language only. Les parties aux présentes confirment leur volonté que cette convention, de même que tous les documents, y compris tous avis, annexes et autorisations s'y rattachant, soient rédigés en la langue anglaise seulement.

(i) Effect of Termination. Termination of this Agreement or the appointment of any Member as an Odd-Lot Dealer shall not terminate or negate any obligations of the Odd-Lot Dealer to complete or implement any transaction entered into prior to such termination or arising from or accruing from authorized activities of the Odd-Lot Dealer up to the effective time of termination.

(j) Liability.

i. Except for Alpha's indemnity obligations hereunder, Alpha's entire aggregate liability arising from or related to this Agreement shall not exceed the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), even if such cause of action is continuing.

ii. In no event shall any of Alpha's related parties, affiliates, partners or any third party providers of any of Alpha's or such other entities officers, directors, employees or agents have any liability to the Odd-Lot Dealer under or related to this Agreement.

iii. This Section shall not exclude or restrict Alpha's liability for death or personal injury arising from either the negligence of Alpha or its officers, employees, agents, or partners, including where they are acting in the ordinary course of their duties. Such liability shall in no event exceed the sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000).

iv. Money damages may both be incalculable and an insufficient remedy for any breach of this Agreement by either party or its employees, agents or representatives and any such breach may cause the other party irreparable harm. In the event of any such breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, the other party shall be entitled to seek equitable relief, including by way of injunction and specific performance.

v. Neither Alpha nor the Odd-Lot Dealer shall be liable, under any circumstances, for any indirect, incidental, reliance, special, punitive or consequential damages including, but not limited to, lost profits or lost opportunities, even if the applicable party has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

(k) Disclaimers. All disclaimers and limitations herein shall apply regardless of the nature of any cause of action or demand (including but not limited to breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence, strict liability, tort or any other cause of action) and shall survive a fundamental breach or breaches and/or failure of the essential purpose of this Agreement or any remedy contained herein.

(l) Indemnifications.

iii. Alpha agrees to pay, either on its own behalf, or on behalf of a third party provider, subject to the limitations herein set forth, any losses, damages or expenses incurred by the Odd-Lot Dealer arising from any claim, suit or proceeding commenced by a third party alleging that there has been an infringement of any such third party's intellectual property rights resulting from the execution of this Agreement ("Infringement Claim"). The Odd-Lot Dealer agrees that Alpha shall be relieved of the foregoing obligations unless the Odd-Lot Dealer notifies Alpha promptly in writing of such claim, suit or proceeding and gives Alpha authority to defend and settle such proceeding as contemplated herein, and, at Alpha and/or any such third party's expense, as applicable, gives Alpha and/or such third party provider proper and full information and assistance to settle and/or defend any such claim, suit or proceeding. Neither Alpha nor any third party providers shall be liable for any costs or expenses incurred without their prior written authorization.

iv. The Odd-Lot Dealer will indemnify, defend, and hold Alpha, its related parties, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors and employees harmless of and from any demands, losses, claims, judgments, liabilities, actions, proceedings, penalties, damages, costs or suits (other than for Infringement Claims) that arise out of or relate to the violation of the terms of this Agreement by the Odd-Lot Dealer or its officers, employees, directors or agents. The Odd-Lot Dealer shall pay on demand all amounts due under this section.

(n) Currency. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all amounts referred to herein shall be denominated in Canadian dollars.

(o) Time of the Essence. Time shall be the essence of the Agreement.

 

ODD-LOT DEALER AUTHORIZATION AND DECLARATION

 

Odd-Lot Dealer

 

Name of Signing Officer__________

Title__________

 

Signature______________________

Date__________

 

Alpha Exchange Inc.

 

Name of Signing Officer_________

Title__________

 

Signature______________________

Date__________

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ATTACHMENT A

TO THE

ODD LOT DEALER AGREEMENT

Transactional Fees
Equity Trades
Fee/Share
Auction (Open, Close or Halt)
 
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
$0.0000
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1 &<$5
$0.0000
 
Trade Price/Share >= $5
$0.0000
Continuous Active - Exchange Traded Funds
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
$0.0003
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1
$0.0025
Continuous Active - Other
 
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
$0.0003
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1 &<$5
$0.0025
 
Trade Price/Share >= $5
$0.0035
Continuous Passive -- Exchange Traded Funds
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
-$0.0002
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1
-$0.0021
Continuous Passive - Other
 
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
-$0.0002
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1 &<$5
-$0.0021
 
Trade Price/Share >= $5
-$0.0031
Autoexecution - Exchange Traded Funds
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
-$0.0002
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1
-$0.0021
Autoexecution - Other
 
 
Trade Price/Share < $1
-$0.0002
 
Trade Price/Share >=$1 &<$5
-$0.0021
 
Trade Price/Share >= $5
-$0.0031
Note/Debenture Trades
Fee/$1,000 par value
Auction (Open, Close or Halt)
$0.0000
Continuous Active
$0.0900
Continuous Passive
-$0.0800
Autoexecution
-$0.00031
Printing Facility
 
 
Intentional Crosses
$0.0000
Odd Lot Trades
$0.0900

Notes

1) All fees quoted are in Canadian dollars.

2) Transactional Fees are GST/HST-exempt.

3) Fees relating to "Odd Lot Trades" do not pertain to trades executed by "Odd Lot Dealers" relating to their obligations as an "Odd Lot Dealer". Such fees are set out in the Odd Lot Dealer Agreement.

4) These fees are only payable in relation to trading activity conducted utilizing the specific trader identification (Trader ID) utilized for odd lot trading activity.

5) The fees (credits) relating to "Continuous Active" and "Continuous Passive" relate to the execution of trades to unwind or cover positions resulting from the execution of odd lot trades in relation to the securities which the Odd-Lot Dealer is acting as odd lot dealer but do not relate to the "autoexecution" of odd lot trades. The fees (credits) in relation to the "autoexecution" of trades by an Odd Lot Dealer will be as set out under the "autoexecution" sections.

6) These fees do not apply to any trading activity of the Odd-Lot Dealer except as referenced in Item #3 above.

7) The terms utilized in this Attachment shall have the meanings assigned to them in this Odd Lot Dealer Agreement, or if not defined in the Odd Lot Dealer Agreement in the Alpha ATS L.P Policies.

8) The fees payable or credits receivable pursuant to the Odd Lot Dealer Agreement shall be payable in accordance with the terms of the Member Agreement. All amounts payable or credit earned hereunder shall be netted with all amount payable under the Member Agreement.

9) For the purposes of this Attachment, each $1,000 par value of Debentures/Bonds traded will be treated as one Share (i.e. a $100 par value autoexecute will entitle the Odd-Lot Dealer to a credit of $0.00031).

10) Each Odd-Lot Dealer who completes odd-lot executions of TSX-V listed securities will be entitled to a cost offset per month equal to the amount determined by the following formula:

(A/B) x C = Cost Credit

Where:

A = the number of odd-lot trades of all TSX-V listed securities completed by that Odd-Lot Dealer in that month

B = the total number of odd-lot trades of all TSX-V listed securities completed by all odd-lot dealers in that month

C = $5000

 

SCHEDULE 4

CDS FEE COLLECTION AUTHORIZATION and INFORMATION FORM

_________________________

In order for fees to be collected by Exchange through CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc., a Member must a) be a CDS participant with a valid CUID or b) have established a introducing carrying broker relationship with a CDS participant with a valid CUID.

Part A

Exchange shall provide CDS with instructions to detailing the total amount to be collected from __________ (the Member) for each monthly collection cycle. Instructions will be provided to CDS on or before the fourth business day of each month. Fees shall be remitted to Exchange from CDS on behalf of __________ (the Member) on the 10th business day of every month.

MEMBER AUTHORIZATION TO COLLECT FEES THROUGH CDS

 

The Member hereby certifies that the information is provided by the Member for the purpose of fee collection through CDS is correct. The undersigned is a signing officer with authority to bind the Member to the terms of the Agreement.

 

Member and CUID_____________

 

Name of Signing Officer__________

Title__________

 

Signature_____________________

Date__________

Part B

Exchange shall provide CDS with instructions to detailing the total amount to be collected from __________ (the Member's carrying broker) for each monthly collection cycle. Instructions will be provided to CDS on or before the fourth business day of each month. Fees shall be remitted to Exchange from CDS on behalf of __________ (the Member) on the 10th business day of every month.

MEMBER AUTHORIZATION TO COLLECT FEES THROUGH CDS VIA CARRYING BROKER

 

The Member hereby certifies that the information is provided by the Member for the purpose of fee collection through CDS via their carrying broker is correct. The undersigned is a signing officer with authority to bind the Member to the terms of the Agreement.

 

Member______________________

 

Name of Signing Officer__________

Title__________

 

Signature______________________

Date__________

 

CARRYING BROKER AUTHORIZATION TO COLLECT FEES THROUGH CDS on BEHALF of a MEMBER

 

The Carrying Broker hereby certifies that the information is provided by for the purpose of fee collection through CDS is correct. The undersigned is a signing officer with authority to bind the Member to the terms of the Agreement.

 

Carrying Broker and CUID___________

 

Name of Signing Officer_____________

Title__________

 

Signature________________________

Date__________

 

SCHEDULE 5

DMA ELIGIBLE CLIENT AGREEMENT TERMS

_________________________

The Member shall execute with each DMA Eligible Client (the "Client") a binding legal agreement containing, at a minimum, the following terms and conditions:

1. The Client agrees that the Member may, at any time and for any reason, including if compelled to do so by any regulatory authority or Exchange, discontinue the Client's direct marketplace access and ensure that the Client is not able to enter orders on the System.

2. The System is being provided on an "as is" basis and that none of Exchange, its related parties, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors and employees or Member makes any warranty (whether express or implied) as to the operation of the System or its fitness for purpose. In no event shall Exchange, its related parties, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors and employees have any liability to Clients under, or related to, the agreement.

3. The Client shall enter all orders in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

4. The Member has the right to reject any order entered, or cancel any trade executed, by the Client for any reason.

5. That only individuals with adequate training and knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements will be provided with access to the System.

6. The Member agrees to inform the Client that although Exchange is registered as a dealer under securities legislation, Exchange is a marketplace and therefore does not ensure best execution. Exchange does not provide advice with respect to, or recommend, trades in particular securities, nor is Exchange responsible for determining whether any trade executed on Exchange is suitable for the Client.

7. All disclaimers or other limitations set out herein shall apply irrespective of the nature of the loss or of the cause of action (including but not limited to breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence, strict liability, tort) and shall survive a fundamental breach or breaches of the agreement.

 

APPENDIX E

SCHEDULE 1

DRAFT TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RECOGNITION

PART I -- DEFINITIONS

1. Definitions

For the purposes of this Schedule:

"affiliated entity" has the meaning ascribed to it in section 1.3 of National Instrument 21-101 Marketplace Operation;

"accounting principles" means accounting principles as defined in National Instrument 52-107 Acceptable Accounting Principles and Auditing Standards;

"audited consolidated financial statements" means financial statements that

(a) are prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP applicable to publicly accountable enterprises, including that they adhere to the standards specified for consolidated financial statements in International Accounting Standard 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements,

(b) include notes to the financial statements that identify the accounting principles used to prepare the financial statements, and

(c) are audited in accordance with Canadian GAAS and are accompanied by an auditor's report;

"criteria for recognition" means all of the criteria for recognition set out in Schedule 2;

"IIROC" means the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada;

"Issuer" means a company listed on Alpha Exchange;

"Member" means a person or company that has been granted direct trading access rights by Alpha Exchange and is subject to regulatory oversight by Alpha Exchange, and the person or company's representatives;

"Rules" means the rules, policies, and other similar instruments of Alpha Exchange;

"subsidiary entity" has the meaning ascribed to it in section 1.3 of National Instrument 21-101 Marketplace Operation;

"unaudited consolidated financial statements" means financial statements that are prepared in the same manner as audited consolidated financial statements, except that they are not audited; and

"unaudited non-consolidated financial statements" means financial statements that are prepared in the same manner as audited consolidated financial statements, except that

(a) they are not audited; and

(b) investments in subsidiary entities, jointly controlled entities and associates are accounted for as specified for separate financial statements in International Accounting Standard 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements.

PART II -- ALPHA LP AND ALPHA GP

2. CRITERIA FOR RECOGNITION

Alpha LP must continue to meet the criteria for recognition.

3. OWNERSHIP OF ALPHA LP AND ALPHA GP

(a) Alpha LP must ensure that no person or company, and no combination of persons or companies acting jointly or in concert, holds 20% or more of the interests in Alpha LP, or owns or can exercise control or direction over 20% or more of any class or series of voting shares of Alpha Exchange, without having obtained prior Commission approval.

(b) Alpha GP must ensure that no person or company, and no combination of persons or companies acting jointly or in concert, owns or can exercise control or direction over 20% or more of any class or series of voting shares of Alpha GP, or can exercise control or direction over the right to nominate or elect 20% or more of the directors of the board of Alpha GP, without having obtained prior Commission approval.

4. FITNESS

(a) Alpha LP must take reasonable steps to ensure that Alpha GP, and each limited partner of Alpha LP that holds more than 10% of the interests in Alpha LP, is a fit and proper person. As part of those steps, Alpha LP must consider whether the past conduct of Alpha GP and each such limited partner affords reasonable grounds for belief that the business of Alpha LP and Alpha Exchange will be conducted with integrity and that the business of Alpha Exchange will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the public interest.

(b) Alpha GP must take reasonable steps to ensure that each person or company, or any combination of persons or companies acting jointly or in concert, that owns or can exercise control or direction over 10% or more of any class or series of voting shares of Alpha GP, and each director and officer of Alpha GP, is a fit and proper person. As part of those steps, Alpha GP must consider whether the past conduct of each such person, company, director and officer affords reasonable grounds for belief that the business of Alpha LP and Alpha Exchange will be conducted with integrity and that the business of Alpha Exchange will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the public interest.

5. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND CONFIDENTIALITY

(a) Alpha LP and Alpha GP must establish, maintain, and ensure compliance with policies and procedures that:

(i) identify and manage any conflicts of interest arising from their interest in Alpha Exchange, and from the involvement of any partner, director, officer or employee of a limited partner of Alpha LP in the management or oversight of the exchange operations or regulation functions of Alpha Exchange and the services it provides; and

(ii) require that information regarding exchange operations or regulation functions, or regarding a Member or Issuer, that is obtained by a partner, director, officer or employee of a limited partner of Alpha LP through their involvement in the management or oversight of exchange operations or regulation functions:

(A) be kept separate and confidential from the business or other operations of the limited partner of Alpha LP, except with respect to information regarding exchange operations where disclosure is necessary to carry out the individual's responsibilities for the management or oversight of exchange operations and the individual can and does exercise due care in its disclosure of the information, and

(B) not be used to provide an advantage to the limited partner of Alpha LP.

(b) Alpha LP and Alpha GP must regularly review compliance with the policies and procedures established in accordance with paragraph (a), and each review of compliance must be documented.

(c) The policies established in accordance with paragraph (a) must be made publicly available on the website of Alpha Exchange.

6. ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES

(a) Alpha LP must, subject to paragraph 6(b) hereof and for so long as Alpha Exchange carries on business as an exchange, allocate sufficient financial and other resources to Alpha Exchange to ensure that Alpha Exchange can carry out its functions in a manner that is consistent with the public interest and the terms and conditions of Part III of this Schedule 1.

(b) Alpha LP must notify Commission staff immediately upon becoming aware that it is or will be unable to allocate sufficient financial and other resources to Alpha Exchange to ensure that it can carry out its functions in a manner that is consistent with the public interest and the terms and conditions of Part III of this Schedule 1.

7. FINANCIAL REPORTING

(a) Within 90 days of its financial year end, Alpha LP must deliver to Commission staff audited consolidated financial statements for its latest financial year.

(b) Within 60 days of each quarter end, Alpha LP must deliver to Commission staff unaudited consolidated financial statements for its latest financial quarter.

8. COMPLIANCE

(a) Alpha LP must do everything within its control to cause Alpha Exchange to carry out its activities as an exchange recognized under section 21 of the Act and in compliance with Ontario securities law.

(b) Alpha GP must do everything within its control to cause Alpha Exchange to carry out its activities as an exchange recognized under section 21 of the Act and in compliance with Ontario securities law, and to ensure that Alpha LP meets the terms and conditions of recognition applicable to it under this Part II.

9. ACCESS TO INFORMATION

Each of Alpha LP and Alpha GP must and must cause its subsidiary entities to permit the Commission to have access to and inspect all data and information in its or their possession that is required for the assessment by the Commission of the compliance of Alpha LP and Alpha GP with the terms and conditions of Part II of this Schedule 1, the performance of Alpha Exchange of its exchange operations and regulation functions, and the compliance of Alpha Exchange with the terms and conditions in Part III of this Schedule 1.

PART III -- ALPHA EXCHANGE

10. CRITERIA FOR RECOGNITION

Alpha Exchange must continue to meet the criteria for recognition.

11. OWNERSHIP

(a) Alpha Exchange must ensure that no person or company other than Alpha LP, and no combination of persons or companies acting jointly or in concert, owns or can exercise control or direction over 20% or more of any class or series of voting shares of Alpha Exchange, without having obtained prior Commission approval.

12. FITNESS

Alpha Exchange must take reasonable steps to ensure that each person or company, or combination of persons or companies acting jointly or in concert, that owns or can exercise control or direction over more than 10% of any class or series of voting shares of Alpha Exchange, and each director and officer of Alpha Exchange, is a fit and proper person. As part of those steps, Alpha Exchange must consider whether the past conduct of each such person, company, director and officer affords reasonable grounds for belief that the business of Alpha Exchange will be conducted with integrity and in a manner that is consistent with the public interest.

13. INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATION

(a) Alpha Exchange must ensure that, at all times, at least •% of its board of directors are independent directors, as that term is defined in the standards referred to in paragraph 13(b). In the event that at any time Alpha Exchange fails to meet such requirement, it must promptly advise Commission staff and take appropriate measures to remedy such situation.

(b) The board of directors of Alpha Exchange must adopt standards setting out criteria to determine whether individuals are independent, including criteria to determine whether an individual has a material relationship with Alpha Exchange and is therefore considered not to be independent. These standards, and any amendments thereto, will be subject to the prior approval of the Commission, and must also be made available on the Alpha Exchange website. At a minimum, the standards must indicate that an independent director is a director that is not:

(i) a partner, director, officer or employee of a Member, or an associate of a partner, director, officer or employee of a Member;

(ii) a partner, director, officer or employee of an affiliated entity of a Member, who is responsible for or actively engaged in the Member's day-to-day operations or activities;

(iii) an officer or employee of Alpha Exchange or any affiliated entity, or a partner or director of any affiliated entity, presently or within the last three years;

(iv) a person who is, or has been within the last three years, an associate of a partner, director, officer or employee of Alpha Exchange or any affiliated entity;

(v) a partner, director, officer or employee of Alpha GP or of a limited partner of Alpha LP;

(vi) a person that received, or a partner, director, officer or employee of a company that received, more than $75,000 in direct compensation from Alpha Exchange or any affiliated entity during any twelve month period within the last three years (other than director or board committee fees and retirement plan payments or other deferred compensation for prior service, provided the compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service).

14. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND CONFIDENTIALITY

(a) Alpha Exchange must establish, maintain and ensure compliance with policies and procedures that:

(i) identify and manage any conflicts of interest arising from the operation of the marketplace or the services it provides. The conflicts of interest to be addressed must include those that arise from the involvement of any partner, director, officer or employee of a limited partner of Alpha LP in the management or oversight of the exchange operations or regulation functions of Alpha Exchange and the services it provides; and

(ii) require that information regarding exchange operations or regulation functions, or regarding a Member or Issuer, that is obtained by a partner, director, officer or employee of a limited partner of Alpha LP through their involvement in the management or oversight of exchange operations or regulation functions:

(A) be kept separate and confidential from the business or other operations of the limited partner of Alpha LP, except with respect to information regarding exchange operations where disclosure is necessary to carry out the individual's responsibilities for the management or oversight of exchange operations and the individual can and does exercise due care in its disclosure of the information, and

(B) not be used to provide an advantage to the limited partner of Alpha LP.

(b) Alpha Exchange must regularly review compliance with the policies and procedures established in accordance with paragraph (a), and each review of compliance must be documented.

(c) The policies established in accordance with paragraph (a) must be made publicly available on the website of Alpha Exchange.

15. ACCESS

Alpha Exchange's requirements must only permit properly registered investment dealers that are members of IIROC and satisfy the access requirements established by Alpha Exchange to access the facilities of Alpha Exchange.

16. REGULATION OF MEMBERS AND ISSUERS

(a) Alpha Exchange must carry out appropriate review procedures to monitor and enforce Issuer and Member compliance with the Rules, whether directly or indirectly through a regulation services provider.

(b) Alpha Exchange has retained and must continue to retain IIROC as a regulation services provider to provide, as agent for Alpha Exchange, certain regulation services which have been approved by the Commission. Alpha Exchange must provide to the Commission, on an annual basis, a list outlining the regulation services performed by IIROC and the regulation services performed by Alpha Exchange. All amendments to those listed services are subject to the prior approval of the Commission.

(c) Alpha Exchange must at least annually assess the performance by IIROC of its regulation functions and report to the Board, together with any recommendations for improvements. Alpha Exchange must provide the Commission with copies of such reports and advise the Commission of any proposed actions arising therefrom.

(d) Alpha Exchange must perform all other regulation functions not performed by IIROC. Alpha Exchange must not perform such regulation functions through any other party, including affiliated entities or associates of Alpha Exchange, without prior Commission approval.

(e) Alpha Exchange must provide notice to the Commission of any violations of Ontario securities law of which it becomes aware in the ordinary course of its business.

17. RULES AND RULEMAKING

(a) Alpha Exchange must comply with the rule review process set out in ?, as amended from time to time, concerning Commission approval of changes in its Rules.

18. DUE PROCESS

Alpha Exchange must, within six months of the commencement of operations as an exchange, establish written procedural requirements governing the process for appeals or reviews of decisions referred to in paragraph 6.1(b) of the criteria for recognition. For clarity, these will be considered to be Rules and therefore subject to the rule review process established in accordance with paragraph 17(a).

19. CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT

Alpha Exchange must maintain appropriate arrangements for the clearing and settlement of trades through a clearing agency recognized by the Commission under the Act.

20. FINANCIAL VIABILITY MONITORING AND REPORTING

(a) Within 90 days of its financial year end, Alpha Exchange must deliver to Commission staff audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited non-consolidated financial statements for its latest financial year.

(b) Within 60 days of each quarter end, Alpha Exchange must deliver to Commission staff unaudited consolidated financial statements and unaudited non-consolidated financial statements for its latest financial quarter.

(c) Alpha Exchange must deliver to Commission staff its annual financial budget, together with the underlying assumptions, that has been approved by its Board, within 30 days after the commencement of each fiscal year. Such financial budget should include monthly projected revenues, expenses and cash flows.

(d) Alpha Exchange must calculate monthly the following financial ratios:

(i) a current ratio, being the ratio of current assets to current liabilities;

(ii) a debt to cash flow ratio, being the ratio of total debt (including any line of credit draw downs, and the current and long-term portions of any loans, but excluding accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) to EBITDA (or earnings before interest, taxes, stock based compensation, depreciation and amortization) for the most recent 12 months, except that for the first 12 months subsequent to the transfer of the current marketplace operations of Alpha ATS LP to Alpha Exchange, where any of the previous 12 months' EBITDA does not reflect the results from the operations of a marketplace, the EBITDA of Alpha ATS LP for those month will serve as a substitute for the purposes of determining what constitutes the most recent 12 months of EBITDA; and

(iii) a financial leverage ratio, being the ratio of total assets to shareholders' equity,

in each case calculated based on financial statements for the latest month that are prepared in the same manner as its unaudited non-consolidated financial statements.

(e) Alpha Exchange must report quarterly to Commission staff, along with the financial statements required to be delivered pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b), the monthly calculations for the previous quarter of the financial ratios as required to be calculated under paragraph (d).

(f) Depending on the results of the calculations under paragraph (d), Alpha Exchange may be required to provide additional reporting as set out below.

(i) If Alpha Exchange determines that it does not have, or anticipates that, in the next twelve months, it will not have:

(A) a current ratio of greater than or equal to 1.1/1,

(B) a debt to cash flow ratio of less than or equal to 4.0/1, or

(C) a financial leverage ratio of less than or equal to 4.0/1,

it must immediately notify Commission staff of the above ratio(s) that it is not maintaining, the reasons, along with an estimate of the length of time before the ratio(s) will be maintained.

(ii) Upon receipt of a notification made by Alpha Exchange pursuant to subparagraph (i), the Commission or its staff may, as determined appropriate, impose terms or conditions on Alpha Exchange, which may include any of the terms and conditions set out in subparagraphs (g)(ii) and (iii).

(g) If Alpha Exchange's current ratio, debt to cash flow ratio or financial leverage ratio falls below the levels outlined in subparagraphs (f)(i)(A), (B) and (C) above for a period of more than three months, Alpha Exchange must:

(i) immediately deliver a letter advising Commission staff of the reasons for the continued ratio deficiencies and the steps being taken to rectify the situation;

(ii) deliver to Commission staff, on a monthly basis, within 30 days of the end of each month:

(A) unaudited non-consolidated financial statements, prepared for the latest month, and a status update on any pending capital raising transaction(s) including the amount, terms and name(s) of individuals/entities that have committed to providing funding and their commitment,

(B) a comparison of the monthly revenues and expenses incurred by Alpha Exchange against the projected monthly revenues and expenses included in Alpha Exchange's most recently updated budget for that fiscal year,

(C) for each revenue item whose actual was significantly lower than its projected amount, and for each expense item whose actual was significantly higher than its projected amount, the reasons for the variance, and

(D) a calculation of the current ratio, debt to cash flow ratio and financial leverage ratio for the month;

(iii) prior to making any type of payment to any director, officer, related company or shareholder that is in excess of the amount included in the most recent annual financial budget delivered to Commission staff, demonstrate to the satisfaction of Commission staff that it will have sufficient financial resources to continue its operations after the payment; and

(iv) adhere to any additional terms or conditions imposed by the Commission or its staff, as determined appropriate, on Alpha Exchange,

until such time as Alpha Exchange has maintained each of its current ratio, debt to cash flow ratio and financial leverage ratio at the levels outlined in subparagraphs (f)(i)(A), (B) and (C) for a period of at least 6 consecutive months.

21. OUTSOURCING

If Alpha Exchange outsources any of its key services or systems to a service provider, which includes affiliated entities or associates of Alpha Exchange, Alpha Exchange must:

(a) establish and maintain policies and procedures for the selection of service providers to whom key services and systems may be outsourced and for the evaluation and approval of such outsourcing arrangements;

(b) identify any conflicts of interest between Alpha Exchange and the service provider to whom key services and systems are outsourced, and establish and maintain policies and procedures to mitigate and manage such conflicts of interest;

(c) enter into a contract with the service provider to whom key services and systems are outsourced that is appropriate for the materiality and nature of the outsourced activities and that provides for adequate termination procedures;

(d) maintain access to the books and records of the service providers relating to the outsourced activities;

(e) ensure that the Commission and Commission staff have access to all data, information and systems maintained by the service provider on behalf of Alpha Exchange, for the purposes of determining Alpha Exchange's compliance with Ontario securities law and Alpha Exchange's performance of its exchange operations and regulation functions;

(f) take appropriate measures to determine that service providers to whom key services or systems are outsourced establish, maintain and periodically test an appropriate business continuity plan, including a disaster recovery plan;

(g) take appropriate measures to ensure that the service providers protect Alpha Exchange's proprietary, order, trade or any other confidential information; and

(h) establish processes and procedures to regularly review the performance of the service provider under any such outsourcing arrangement.

22. LISTING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Prior to allowing the listing on Alpha Exchange of any security of a partner of Alpha LP or any security of an affiliated entity of a partner of Alpha LP, Alpha Exchange must develop and maintain appropriate conflicts of interest policies and procedures, and such conflicts of interest policies and procedures, and any amendments, must be subject to the prior approval of the Commission.

23. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

(a) Alpha Exchange must provide the Commission with the information set out in Appendix A, as amended from time to time.

(b) Alpha Exchange must provide the Commission with any additional information the Commission may require from time to time.

 

Appendix A

Information to be filed

1. Quarterly Reporting on Exemptions or Waivers Granted

On a quarterly basis, Alpha Exchange must submit to the Commission a report summarizing all exemptions or waivers granted pursuant to the Rules to any Member or Issuer during the period. This summary must include the following information:

(a) The name of the Member or Issuer;

(b) The type of exemption or waiver granted during the period

(c) Date of the exemption or waiver, and

(d) A description of Alpha Exchange staff's reason for the decision to grant the exemption or waiver.

2. Quarterly Reporting on Listing Applications

On a quarterly basis, Alpha Exchange must submit to the Commission a report containing the following information:

(a) The number of listing applications filed;

(b) The number of listing applications that were accepted;

(c) The number of listing applications that were rejected and the reasons for rejection, by category;

(d) The number of listing applications that were withdrawn or abandoned and, if known, the reasons why the application was withdrawn or abandoned, by category;

In each of the foregoing cases, the numbers must be broken down by industry category and in any other manner that a Director of the Commission requests.

3. Notification of Suspensions and Disqualifications

If an Issuer has been suspended or disqualified from qualification for listing, Alpha Exchange must immediately issue a press release setting out the reasons for the suspension and file this information with the Commission.

4. General

Alpha Exchange must comply with the reporting obligations under the Automation Review Program.

 

SCHEDULE 2

CRITERIA FOR RECOGNITION

PART 1 COMPLIANCE WITH NI 21-101 AND N1 23-101

1.1 Compliance with NI 21-101 and NI 23-101

The exchange complies with the requirements set out in National Instrument 21-101 Marketplace Operation and in National Instrument 23-101 Trading Rules, each as amended from time to time, including, but not limited to, the requirements relating to:

(a) Access Requirements;

(b) Public Interest Rules;

(c) Compliance Rules;

(d) Information Transparency;

(e) Trading Fees for Marketplaces;

(f) Record Keeping Requirements for Marketplaces; and

(g) Capacity, Integrity and Security of Marketplace Systems.

PART 2 GOVERNANCE

2.1 Governance

The governance structure and governance arrangements of the exchange ensure:

(a) effective oversight of the exchange;

(b) that business and regulatory decisions are in keeping with the exchange's public interest mandate;

(c) fair, meaningful and diverse representation on the governing body (Board) and any committees of the Board, including:

(i) appropriate representation of independent directors, and

(ii) a proper balance among the interests of the different persons or companies using the services and facilities of the exchange;

(d) the exchange has policies and procedures to appropriately identify and manage conflicts of interest, and

(e) there are appropriate qualifications, remuneration, limitation of liability and indemnity provisions for directors, officers and employees of the exchange.

2.2 Fitness

The exchange has policies and procedures under which it will take reasonable steps, and has taken such reasonable steps, to ensure that each director and officer is a fit and proper person.

PART 3 ACCESS

3.1 Fair Access

(a) The exchange has established appropriate written standards for access to its services including requirements to ensure participants are appropriately registered under Ontario securities laws, or exempted from these requirements.

(b) The access standards and the process for obtaining, limiting and denying access are fair, transparent and applied reasonably.

PART 4 REGULATION OF PARTICIPANTS AND ISSUERS ON THE EXCHANGE

4.1 Regulation

The exchange has the authority, resources, capabilities, systems and processes to allow it to perform its regulation functions, whether directly or indirectly through a regulation services provider, including setting requirements governing the conduct of participants and issuers, monitoring their conduct, and appropriately disciplining them for violations of exchange requirements.

PART 5 RULES AND RULEMAKING

5.1 Rules and Rulemaking

(a) The exchange has rules, policies, and other similar instruments (Rules) that are designed to appropriately govern and regulate the operations and activities of participants and issuers.

(b) In addition to meeting the requirements of NI 21-101 relating to Public Interest Rules and Compliance Rules as referred to in paragraphs 1.1(b) and (c), respectively, the Rules are also designed to

(i) ensure a fair and orderly market; and

(ii) provide a framework for disciplinary and enforcement actions.

PART 6 DUE PROCESS

6.1 Due Process

For any decision made by the exchange that affects a participant or issuer, or an applicant to be a participant or issuer, including a decision in relation to access, listing, exemptions, or discipline, the exchange ensures that:

(a) parties are given an opportunity to be heard or make representations, and

(b) it keeps a record of, gives reasons for and provides for appeals or reviews of its decisions.

PART 7 CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT

7.1 Clearing and Settlement

The exchange has appropriate arrangements for the clearing and settlement of trades.

PART 8 SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

8.1 Information Technology Risk Management Procedures

The exchange has appropriate risk management procedures in place including those that handle trading errors, trading halts and circuit breakers.

PART 9 FINANCIAL VIABILITY

9.1 Financial Viability

The exchange has sufficient financial resources for the proper performance of its functions and to meet its responsibilities.

PART 10 FEES

10.1 Fees

(a) All fees imposed by the exchange are equitably allocated and are consistent with the Access Requirements referred to in paragraph 1.1(a) and the Trading Fees for Marketplaces requirements referred to in paragraph 1.1(e).

(b) The process for setting fees is fair and appropriate, and the fee model is transparent.

PART 11 OUTSOURCING

11.1 Outsourcing

Where the exchange has outsourced any of its key functions, it has appropriate and formal arrangements and processes in place that permit it to meet its obligations and that are in accordance with industry best practices.

PART 12 INFORMATION SHARING AND REGULATORY COOPERATION

12.1 Information Sharing and Regulatory Cooperation

The exchange has mechanisms in place to enable it to share information and otherwise co-operate with the Commission and its staff, recognized self-regulatory organizations, other recognized exchanges, investor protection funds, and other appropriate regulatory bodies.