University of Toronto Launches Securities Law Portal

The University of Toronto has launched a Canadian Securities Law Portal:

"On May 26, 2010, the Government of Canada tabled for information in Parliament the proposed Canadian Securities Act, which would establish a Canadian securities regulator. The Attorney General of Canada concurrently referred the Act to the Supreme Court of Canada asking whether the proposed Act is within the legislative authority of the Parliament of Canada."

"The Attorneys General of Alberta and Quebec have also initiated references with their respective Courts of Appeal, asking whether the proposed Act is within the legislative authority of the Parliament of Canada. The filing of evidence to each court has begun and oral arguments before the Supreme Court of Canada are set to be heard in April, 2011."

"These constitutional references are extremely important to the future of capital markets in Canada. Does the Parliament of Canada have legislative authority to enact the proposed Act? Why is a Canadian Securities Regulator necessary? What legal structure will ultimately govern issuers, intermediaries, self-regulatory organizations, investors and other capital market stakeholders? Would the structure proposed under the Act be effective if implemented? What are its strengths and weaknesses? "

The site sees itself as a gateway for debate among the various stakeholders involved in the issue of securities regulation in Canada.