Margot Finley

Staff of the Ontario Securities Commission brought a hearing under section 127 of the Securities Act regarding Magna International Inc.'s proposed plan of arrangement to collapse its multiple voting share structure.

Staff alleged the management information circular lacked sufficient information and the transaction was contrary to the public interest.

The Commission found the proposed transaction was not abusive, but concluded the circular failed to provide shareholders with sufficient disclosure to make an informed decision, particularly given the lack of a board recommendation and the transaction's nature as a related party transaction.

The Commission ordered that the circular be amended to include specific material information, including financial analysis and alternatives considered by the special committee, before the shareholder vote could proceed.

The Independent Financial Brokers of Canada (IFBC) applied for a review of the Ontario Securities Commission's decision to approve an amendment to a Mutual Fund Dealers Association (MFDA) by-law.

The MFDA and Commission Staff challenged the panel's jurisdiction and the IFBC's standing.

The hearing panel dismissed the application, finding it lacked jurisdiction under sections 21.7, 21.1(4), and 144 of the Securities Act to review a policy decision made by the Commission as a whole.

Furthermore, the panel held that the IFBC, as an industry lobby group, was not 'directly affected' or 'affected' by the by-law approval, and therefore lacked standing to bring the application.