Norbourg - Consecutive prison terms - AMF seeks hearing before Supreme Court

Securities

Montréal – The Autorité des marchés financiers (the "AMF") has applied for leave to be heard before the Supreme Court in respect of the principle whereby prison terms related to penal matters are served consecutively, in other words, sentences are served in sequence.

This action launched by the AMF in the Supreme Court is not intended to review the sentence imposed on Vincent Lacroix in the Court of Appeal on August 21, 2009. However, the AMF believes it is important for the Supreme Court to clarify the law as it pertains to the possibility of consecutive sentences in penal matters, and thereby help ensure the efficiency of the current system and maintain public confidence in the administration of justice.

The government of Québec has already expressed its intention to amend the law to enshrine the principle of consecutive prison terms in penal matters. However, it is advisable to appeal the issue because such a legislative amendment would not apply to files currently under AMF investigation.

The AMF must be able to seek appropriate penalties for the purpose of deterring violations of the law and thereby protect consumers in all circumstances.

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

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