Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Canadian Regulatory Mess

Canada is probably the only developed country that does not have a unified federal financial markets regulator. The current federal government is taking steps to set one up. But Alberta and Quebec are balking claiming historical precedence. If these jurisdictions cannot look forward into the 21st century the world will pass them by.

Right now its just a cash grab as individual provincial regulators take in large fees with every registration. The individual investor is not well served with this structure. All market participants want a unified structure except several provinces that do not want to give up regulatory income.

That will make you feel well protected.