section 382.1(2)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Knowingly conveying inside information to someone else, with the intention of buying or selling a related security, is a punishable offence.

SECTION WORDING

382.1(2) Except when necessary in the course of business, a person who knowingly conveys inside information that they possess or obtained in a manner referred to in subsection (1) to another person, knowing that there is a risk that the person will use the information to buy or sell, directly or indirectly, a security to which the information relates, or that they may convey the information to another person who may buy or sell such a security, is guilty of (a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or (b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

EXPLANATION

Section 382.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada aims to protect the integrity of securities trading by criminalizing the act of knowingly conveying inside information to another person who may use it to buy or sell securities. The provision is designed to prevent insider trading, which occurs when individuals, such as company directors or officers, use confidential company information to gain a personal advantage in securities transactions. The provision specifies that conveying inside information is only legal if it is necessary in the course of business. For example, if an individual needs to pass on confidential information to a colleague as part of their job responsibilities, this would not be considered a criminal offense. However, if an individual knows that the information they are passing on could be used to buy or sell securities, they are obligated to ensure that such use of the information is legal and legitimate. If a person knowingly conveys inside information, with the intention of allowing another person to engage in illegal securities trading, they are guilty of an indictable offense. This offense can lead to imprisonment for up to five years. Alternatively, if the offense is considered less severe, it may be punishable by summary conviction. Overall, section 382.1(2) serves as an important element of the Canadian legal system to ensure the fairness and legitimacy of securities trading. It is designed to discourage and punish illegal insider trading practices by imposing serious criminal consequences on those who engage in this behavior.

COMMENTARY

Section 382.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a critical provision that seeks to ensure the integrity of financial markets by discouraging insider trading. The section makes it illegal for a person to knowingly convey inside information that they possess or obtained in a manner referred to in subsection (1) to another person, knowing that there is a risk that the person will use the information to buy or sell, directly or indirectly, a security to which the information relates. It also makes it illegal to convey such information to another person who may buy or sell such security. The provision provides for hefty punishments for those found guilty of the offence, including imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years. The purpose of section 382.1(2) is to prevent insider trading and to promote transparency in the financial markets. Insider trading is unfair and detrimental to small investors who do not have access to the same information as large investors or insiders. By allowing insiders to buy or sell securities based on non-public information, the market becomes skewed, and small investors lose out. The provision aims to protect the interests of small investors and promote investor confidence in the financial markets. The provision also acts as a deterrent to those who may have access to insider information. By making it illegal to convey such information, individuals who have access to such information are discouraged from using it for personal gain. This serves to promote fairness, integrity, and transparency in the financial markets. The provision applies to both individuals and corporations and is broad in scope. It criminalizes the conveyance of inside information knowingly, whether directly or indirectly, to another person that may use the information for personal gain. The provision also applies to those who may pass on the information to others who may use it for personal gain, creating a chain of liability. The provision recognizes the importance of information in the financial markets and its impact on market integrity. The use of insider information to buy or sell securities undermines the confidence of investors in the markets, ultimately affecting the health of the economy. As such, the provision criminalizes the abuse of insider information and seeks to protect the interests of small investors and ensure the integrity of the financial markets. In conclusion, section 382.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a critical provision that promotes transparency, fairness, and integrity in the financial markets. The provision serves to protect the interests of small investors and promote investor confidence by deterring the use of insider information for personal gain. The provision is broad in scope and applies to both individuals and corporations, recognizing the importance of information and its impact on market integrity. Ultimately, the provision serves to promote a healthy economy by ensuring the integrity of the financial markets.

STRATEGY

Section 382.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a provision concerning insider trading. Insider trading is the practice of using information that is not publicly available to gain an advantage in the purchase or sale of securities. This section of the Criminal Code of Canada criminalizes the communication of insider information. The objective of this provision is to ensure that investors have a level playing field and the securities market operates with transparency. For businesses dealing with securities, there are several strategic considerations that must be taken into account. First, it is important to have a clear understanding of the definition of inside information. Inside information refers to information that is not generally available and that, if it were generally available, could reasonably be expected to have a significant effect on the market price or value of a security. This can include financial results, mergers and acquisitions, and other information that could significantly impact a company's securities. To comply with the law, businesses must ensure that they are not communicating inside information in ways that would be in violation of section 382.1(2). This can be challenging, particularly when engaging in business activities that require the sharing of confidential information with clients, customers, or partners. As a result, businesses may need to implement strict policies and procedures to ensure that insider information is not communicated inappropriately. Another strategic consideration is the need to monitor the behavior of employees and other stakeholders who may have access to inside information. In some cases, insider trading may occur when employees or others use their position to gain access to confidential information and then use that information to trade securities. To prevent this, businesses may need to implement monitoring and reporting mechanisms to detect and prevent insider trading. To comply with the law and prevent insider trading, businesses may adopt a number of strategies. These include training and awareness programs for employees, implementing clear policies and procedures, and implementing monitoring and reporting mechanisms. It is also important to establish a culture of compliance throughout the organization, so that employees understand the importance of following the law and adhering to ethical business practices. In conclusion, section 382.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada is an important provision that seeks to prevent insider trading and ensure that securities markets operate with transparency. For businesses operating in the securities industry, it is important to take strategic considerations such as monitoring and reporting mechanisms, implementing clear policies and procedures, and establishing a culture of compliance. By taking these steps, businesses can help ensure that they comply with the law and prevent insider trading.