An Act to Amend the Securities Act received Royal Assent from the province on December 12, 2025. The amendments will increase investor protection, enhance confidence in New Brunswick’s capital markets, and provide for a modern and effective securities framework. The amendments will also allow the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick, which administers the legislation, to better respond to and foster evolving capital markets.
Among the changes are:
- Authorization to recognize and oversee an independent dispute resolution service to handle investor complaints.
- Stronger enforcement tools, including protections for confidential informants and whistleblowers.
- Increased fines and administrative penalties to strengthen compliance and deter misconduct.
- Expanded authority to issue administrative penalties by notice for matters not requiring a full hearing.
- Provisions to address the use of promotional activities when they are misleading.
- Reduction in regulatory burden by allowing deemed receipt for certain prospectus filings.
Rules to support the amendments will be developed in due course. Stakeholders will be invited to provide feedback on any proposed rules.
Contact:
Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick
Securities Division
85 Charlotte Street, Suite 300
Saint John, NB
E2L 2J2
1-866-933-2222