OSC participates in pilot litigation assistance program for unrepresented Respondents

For Immediate Release OSC Enforcement

TORONTO – The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) announced today it is participating in a new Litigation Assistance Program, offering volunteer litigation services to unrepresented respondents appearing in enforcement proceedings before the Commission. The program was conceived and developed by James Camp, Gowlings LLP; Gillian Dingle, Torys LLP; and Usman Sheikh, OSC Enforcement Branch.

Under the one-year pilot program, unrepresented respondents appearing before the Commission on some enforcement matters may apply for legal advice from volunteer counsel with expertise in securities litigation. The program is not intended to provide complete coverage for an entire proceeding and is subject to certain conditions, including counsel availability and conflict-of-interest screening.

A Working Committee of litigation counsel, including Paul Le Vay, Stockwoods LLP and Joel Wiesenfeld, Torys LLP, and OSC staff worked to develop the Program. The pilot project will be monitored and assessed throughout the year. The Advocates’ Society will provide training for participating lawyers. The program will be administered through the Office of the Secretary to the Commission.

“We welcome this pilot program and appreciate the effort and cooperation demonstrated by the Bar and OSC Enforcement Staff in helping to bring this initiative to fruition,” said John Stevenson, Secretary to the Commission. “The OSC believes that facilitating greater access to expert legal services will advance its objective of fostering fair, impartial and efficient operation of Commission adjudicative proceedings, reviews and appeals.”

Additional information on the program, including how to apply and the full terms and conditions, is available on the OSC’s website or by contacting the program administrator at [email protected].

 

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