The Canadian Free Trade Agreement, with a goal to minimize interprovincial trade barriers, was amended March 29, 2026 to include a Financial Services Chapter.
The rules set by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (“CIRO”) and the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) which restrict the ability of CIRO investment advisors to make use of corporations to provide advisory services and receive compensation conflict with the letter and spirit of the CFTA which calls for a conciliatory, cooperative, and harmonious resolution. Here is how.