CRA to Apply GST/HST to Mutual Fund Trailers in 2028
Mutual fund dealers, advisors, and fund managers have 18 months to make the necessary changes to comply with the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) enforcement of GST/HST on mutual fund trailing commissions. The CRA has announced that enforcement will begin on January 1, 2028.
Tax Alert: CRA Defers Trailing Commission GST/HST Changes
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will significantly delay the planned July 1, 2026 implementation of GST/HST on mutual fund trailing commissions. The CRA expects to publish a formal notice with revised timelines and enforcement details by the end of May 2026. The extension gives dealers and fund companies more time to prepare for the complexity of the tax changes.
Québec’s AMF Releases AI Governance Guideline for Financial Institutions
On April 7, 2026, Quebec’s securities regulator, the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) published its Guideline for the Use of Artificial Intelligence. Effective May 1, 2027, the Guideline forms part of a broader push to regulate AI use in the financial sector at both the provincial and federal levels, with a focus on governance, risk management, transparency, and consumer protection.
Saskatchewan Finalizing Title Protection Rules; FA Proficiency Still in Play
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) is developing stricter title protection rules for financial planners and advisors, by fall 2026, potentially setting a national model. Critics say Ontario’s current regime allows low-threshold credentials, while some advocate for Quebec’s stricter single-credential system.
FINTRAC Maximum Fines Surging Soon
Canada will sharply increase anti-money laundering penalties under new national security legislation, raising maximum FINTRAC fines by up to 40 times. The government will raise penalties for “very serious” AML violations to $20 million from $500,000, while it will increase fines for serious breaches to $4 million and for minor breaches to $40,000.
Canadian Securities Course shifts focus to post-licensing proficiency
Global financial education provider Fitch Learning, the new owner of Canadian Securities Institute (CSI), is modernizing the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) with new technology. The overhaul follows new exam-based licensing rules from Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) that no longer require the CSC for investment dealer registration.
OSC proposes higher fees for big firms, lower costs for smaller market players
The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has released proposed amendments to its fee rules aimed at reducing costs for most market participants, supporting capital formation, improving fee predictability, and ensuring more proportional fee structures. Stakeholders can submit feedback on the proposals until July 29, 2026.
CSA Grants Temporary Exemption from Collecting Certain Personal Registration Data
The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has issued a temporary blanket order that exempts firms and individuals from submitting certain personal information required under National Instrument 33-109. The change removes information no longer needed for identity verification or registration assessments. It takes effect May 1, 2026, and will remain in place until the rules are formally updated.
CSA Releases CPIF Oversight Review Report
The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) published the Oversight Review Report of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). The report evaluates the effectiveness, efficiency, and fairness of its regulatory processes, focusing on corporate governance and financial areas.
Ontario Urged to Join CSA Passport System
The Portfolio Management Association of Canada (PMAC) and Canadian Securities Administrators’ (CFA) are calling on Ontario to join the CSA passport system, noting it is now the only province after rejecting the model in 2007. They argue Ontario’s stance conflicts with its 2021 mandate for the OSC to support capital formation and with commitments to reduce interprovincial trade barriers.




