Ontario Securities Commission
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Oct 20, 2023
Contract
Fixed Term (Fixed Term), Full time
Closing Date: November 3, 2023
The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. This mandate is performed through policy, operational, adjudication and enforcement work. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.
We offer a diverse, fair, and flexible work environment and take pride in our challenging and rewarding work.
15-month Fixed-term Contract
The Enforcement Branch supports the OSC in delivering fair, vigorous and timely enforcement. The Enforcement Branch investigates and litigates breaches of securities laws in Ontario. Team members work closely with other securities regulators, self-regulatory organizations and law-enforcement agencies to enhance initiatives to fight misconduct. A strong enforcement presence assists in protecting investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices and fostering fair and efficient markets.
About Us
The Quasi-Criminal Serious Offences Team (QSOT) is made up of Enforcement team members who have extensive experience in the investigation and prosecution of criminal and quasi-criminal activity. In targeting fraudulent and recidivist behaviour that harms retail investors, QSOT will focus on taking more Enforcement cases before the courts where jail terms can be ordered against offenders. Working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment on a multi-disciplinary team, as Litigation Counsel, you will support investigations by conducting legal research, examining files for potential breaches of Ontario securities law pursuant to the Provincial Offences Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. You will identify important legal issues and assisting in the formulation of a strategy for successful investigations. You will analyze and evaluate evidence to determine whether violations have occurred and exercise professional judgment in making recommendations for appropriate action. You will support the prosecution of Securities Act violations in quasi-criminal proceedings before the Ontario courts.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Conduct, review and analyze legal research to support investigations
Examine files for potential breaches of Ontario securities law by identifying important legal issues
Draft appropriate allegations, liaise with defense counsel and other stakeholders in your day-to-day duties
Provide litigation advice and support for investigations into possible breaches of the Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act, and determine whether violations have occurred
Recommend appropriate action, if any
Negotiate settlements, where appropriate
Advise on policy matters affecting the Commission’s mandate to enforce Ontario securities law
Prepare and conduct quasi-criminal prosecutions before the Ontario Court of Justice
Appear before the Capital Markets Tribunal and the Superior Court, as required
Liaise with counsel from the Ministry of the Attorney general to support criminal investigations and litigation, as required
Provide updates, analysis, strategy, and recommendations, to senior team members and/or the Manager on issues and ongoing file matters
Work closely with senior litigation counsel to support or participate in complex hearings/trials
Qualifications:
We are looking for someone who is committed to working to protect investors and foster confidence in our capital markets. Candidates must have between 1 and 3 years of litigation experience for this role and be or are able to become a lawyer licensee of the Law Society of Ontario in good standing. More particularly, we would prefer to see a candidate with the following qualifications:
Experience conducting and leading proceedings in securities-related and/or criminal/quasi-criminal matters, familiarity with the Securities Act and the Provincial Offences Act .
In-depth knowledge of criminal law and/or securities law.
Working knowledge of the securities and commodities markets would be an asset.
Previous experience in the conduct of investigations, including interviewing, drafting information to obtain search warrants and production orders, and utilizing data analytics and OSINT.
If you are the type of person who:
is passionate about making a difference and having a meaningful impact on investors and participants in Ontario’s capital markets,
desires the opportunity to investigate challenging issues and work on high profile and complex cases and,
enjoys being part of a dynamic and flexible work environment with a collaborative, progressive, and professionally diverse team.
We would love to hear from you!
Offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of security checks.
Note: This role is eligible for hybrid work and as per OSC's hybrid policy requires a minimum of 3 days/week working from the office at 20 Queen Street West in Toronto.
Grow your career and make a difference working at the OSC.
*OSC Employees, please apply in Workday using the OSC Internal Jobs Report in your Jobs Hub*
We thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario Securities Commission. We will contact those selected for an interview.
The OSC is committed to diversity and providing an inclusive workplace and providing accommodation in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code. It is our priority to ensure employment opportunities are visible and barrier-free to all under-represented groups including but not limited to, Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women and people from the LGBTQ2S community, to achieve an employee demographic profile reflective of the demographic profile of Ontarians.
The OSC is a proud partner with the following organizations: BlackNorth Initiative , Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion , and Pride at Work Canada
If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our confidential inbox HRRecruitment@osc.gov.on.ca .
Visit Accessibility at the OSC to review the OSC’s policies on accessibility and accommodation in the workplace.
Why work here?
At the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), we carry-out challenging and meaningful work within a collaborative culture to deliver strong investor protection and foster confidence in capital markets. Evolving financial markets mean new ways of thinking, and every day is an opportunity to learn, innovate and grow professionally in a supportive, stimulating workplace.
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