January 15, 2007 Decisions and Freeze and cease trade orders Insurance

Montréal – Under section 115 of the Act respecting the distribution of financial products and services (the “Act”), the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is imposing an administrative penalty in the amount of $2,000 and a registration suspension against the insurance brokerage firm Les courtiers d’assurance-vie Bernard Côté & associés inc.

The AMF is imposing this penalty because of the firm’s failure to comply with section 106 of the Act by not responding to requests from the Service de l’inspection (AMF Inspection).

The suspension will remain in effect until the firm satisfactorily responds to the requests made by AMF Inspection. Should the firm fail to provide an explanation as required by February 12, 2007, its registration will be cancelled in all sectors in which it operates.

The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is the regulatory and oversight body for Québec’s financial sector.

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Information:

Media only:
Frédéric Alberro (514) 940-2176
Issuers, dealers, advisers and representatives: (877) 525-0337, choose option 9 for English, then 1 for industry
Consumers and investors: (877) 525-0337, choose option 9 for English, then 8 for consumers