The Government of Manitoba has taken an important step to strengthen investor protection by introducing legislation that would allow the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI) to issue binding decisions on investor complaints — so firms cannot simply walk away from recommendations. FAIR Canada has long called for this reform, which is intended to deliver fairer, faster outcomes and ensure decisions are final and enforceable in practice.
This makes Manitoba the third province, after Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, to move toward binding dispute resolution. After more than a decade of discussion, consultation, and debate, progress has often been slow. With three provinces now advancing legislation, momentum is beginning to build at last. Who will be next?
A consistent, Canada-wide standard is needed so that investor rights do not depend on where someone lives. Every province and territory should implement binding dispute resolution and end the two-tier system that leaves many Canadians with weaker protections. Investors across Canada should not face different outcomes based solely on geography. A fair and enforceable system should apply equally to all — without further delay.