Events

Investing in Our Planet: A Summit on Responsible Investment

As Earth Day 2023 approaches, it’s crucial for investors, governments, and companies to reflect on the impact climate change will have on investment decisions and requirements. This year’s Earth Day theme is “Invest in Our Planet,” emphasizing the need to promote sustainable investments and contribute to a more sustainable future. 

At the Canadian Securities Exchange, we have a unique perspective on the transformation happening across the capital markets. The growing demand for publicly-listed companies to consider socially responsible investing (SRI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements is evident. More than 90% of S&P 500 companies, for example, report some kind of ESG or sustainability-related metrics, and, increasingly, smaller market cap companies are following suit. 

While exact figures vary widely, the total amount of money invested in sustainable assets is now well into the trillions of dollars. Investors, be they institutional or retail, are progressively voting with their dollars and values. 

Summit on Responsible Investment: A Must-Attend Event

Our first-ever Summit on Responsible Investment, to be held in Kelowna, BC in June 2023, in collaboration with Sparx Publishing Group, is a timely event for publicly-listed companies and investors seeking to learn more about SRI and ESG considerations.

Building on this year’s Earth Day message and extending on themes from Sparx’s latest issue of Make The World Better Magazine: Capital As a Force for Good, this event will explore different facets of the conversation on socially responsible investing and ESG to help participants understand the trends, requirements, and opportunities that exist in the capital markets. 

Two important themes, described further below, will be discussed in more detail at the summit and underpin the need for publicly-listed issuers and investors to become familiar with this conversation.

Understanding the Similarities and Differences of SRI and ESG

SRI and ESG investing aim to promote socially responsible investments and sustainable business practices. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they have some differences. SRI focuses on investing in companies that align with a set of ethical or moral values, while ESG considers environmental, social, and governance factors in the investment decision-making process.

The Risks of Greenwashing and the Importance of Transparency

With the increased interest in sustainable investing, there is also a risk of “greenwashing.” To avoid the risks of greenwashing, companies need to be transparent and provide accurate information about their sustainability practices, including providing detailed reports on their ESG performance and demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. 

Investors also need to be vigilant in their due diligence and ask the right questions to ensure that companies are truly committed to sustainability.

Reporting Requirements and Oversight

While the reporting requirements and frameworks for ESG, in particular, are varied, companies that wish to integrate this reporting will benefit from understanding the Exchange’s viewpoints. 

Our session on ESG in Capital Markets, held virtually in October 2021 (see video below), helped to articulate the CSE’s position on requirements for listed issuers and is a great primer ahead of the summit. In short, while the CSE encourages best practices, it does not mandate them. 

Ultimately, investors, via the company disclosures, will play a key role in determining whether a company is meeting its own objectives or standards. That said, regulatory bodies in the U.S. and in Canada are increasing their scrutiny of ESG-related disclosures.

Conclusion

This year’s Earth Day theme, “Invest in Our Planet,” is particularly relevant to the CSE and our stakeholders. 

SRI and ESG considerations are becoming more important for publicly-traded companies, and the Summit on Responsible Investment and accompanying content, will provide a unique opportunity for companies and investors to learn more about these considerations and gain valuable insights into the latest developments in sustainable investing. 

To make a real and lasting positive impact, companies must be transparent about their sustainability practices, and investors must be diligent in ensuring that companies are truly committed to sustainability.

Events

Mining Events Recap – Post-Q1 2023

It’s been a whirlwind start to 2023. Over the past three months, the CSE team has enjoyed connecting with friends both old and new in mining and from across the capital markets at the many mining events and activities taking place across the country.

From VRIC to PreDACs to PDAC, there was no shortage of opportunities to engage in lively discussion on the latest trends driving activity and interest in the mining and exploration sectors.

Regardless of the event, consistently strong event attendance was an indicator of renewed enthusiasm for the mining sector with a clear interest in battery and precious metals. In particular, our time at PDAC in Toronto as both a media sponsor and exhibitor enabled us to provide a pulse of mining-related developments taking place at the CSE.

Check out our highlights from this year’s signature mining events below, and be sure to visit our events calendar to see where we’re headed next.

Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) & Cross-Border Networking Reception

The CSE team was thrilled to be back in Vancouver for VRIC, produced by Cambridge House, and to celebrate the opportunities and benefits that Canadian and US investors and companies experience in accessing capital on both sides of our shared border. 

At VRIC, the CSE exhibited alongside CSE-listed issuers, Western Uranium (CSE:WUC), Snowline Gold (CSE:SGD), Sitka Gold (CSE:SIG), Sassy Gold (CSE:SASY), Quebec Nickel (CSE:QNI), Inflection Resources (CSE:AUCU), Headwater Gold (CSE:HWG), Green River Gold (CSE:CCR), Getchell Gold (CSE:GTCH), and Bunker Hill Mining (CSE:BNKR). Plus, we previewed our new branding at the CSE’s Vancouver office in conjunction with this event.

Our Cross-Border Networking Reception was a fun and well-attended event that closed out VRIC. A big thank you to our event partners, OTC Markets, Odyssey Trust, MNP, Investing News Network, DealMaker, Grove Corporate Services, and Bennett Jones!

Click here for photo highlights.

PreDAC Vancouver & PreDAC Toronto

Leading up to PDAC, the CSE continued our tradition of gathering and discussing the most important trends ahead of this world-renowned mining convention. This year, we partnered with Investor.Events to co-host our mining industry networking events PreDAC Vancouver and PreDAC Toronto, both of which were sold out.

These events featured great lineups of companies delivering quick pitches, and there were vibrant conversations around mining for battery metals, the small cap space, as well as interesting outlooks on the industry for 2023 and beyond. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a big thank you to our event sponsors, Newsfile, W.D. Latimer, Purves Redmond, Vested, SmallCap Communications, BTV, Stanford & Turner Marketing Group, MNP, Grove Corporate Services, and OCI Group!

Click here to see the PreDAC Vancouver album, and click here to see the PreDAC Toronto album.

PDAC Investor Luncheon

It was great to be back at the PDAC convention and to host our annual networking luncheon. 

The event featured a keynote address from Peter Kent, CEO of First Phosphate (CSE:PHOS),  a former Minister of State for the Americas with the department of Foreign Affairs and former Environment Minister of Canada, who provided fascinating insights on the global mining landscape. Following this presentation, CSE-listed mining companies delivered rapid-fire company pitches and were among the strongest slate of companies that have ever presented at this luncheon event! 

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special thank you to our sponsors, MNP, DSA Corporate Services, Marrelli Support Services, Investor.Events, BTV, INN, Market One, Newsfile, Purves Redmond, W.D. Latimer, Vested, and SmallCap Communications! 

Click here to see the photos.

Mangia Bevi Festa

Our Mangia Bevi Festa networking event, presented in partnership with MNP and Aird & Berlis, was once again a huge success! To celebrate a busy PDAC, the CSE team was thrilled to meet with colleagues and unwind over great food, great drinks, and great company. 

Thank you once again to everyone who joined us at the many events that took place, and a big thank you to everyone who continues to support the CSE as we move into this exciting new phase in our company. 

We look forward to seeing everyone again at upcoming mining events and of course at PDAC 2024!

Events

Upcoming Mining Events – Q1 2023

Home to over 300 mining listings (and counting), the CSE team understands and appreciates the importance of cultivating strong relationships in the mining industry. It’s why we’ve proudly made a name for ourselves in the sector by attending, sponsoring, and speaking at a range of mining and exploration events within Canada and globally over the years. 

As the mining sector continues to flex its muscle, renewed interest in gold and battery metals is generating lots of discussion and deal flow, especially at mining events and conferences. 

Check out which mining events we’ll be heading to in the first quarter of 2023.

Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) 2023

Produced by Cambridge House International, VRIC, now in its 28th year, is a renowned junior mining and exploration industry event that is anticipated to host thousands of attendees. Featuring mining companies, investors, and mining industry thought leaders, attendees will enjoy insightful discussions, a tradeshow and exhibition, networking opportunities, and more.

Members of the CSE team will be at booth #822, and CSE-listed issuers exhibiting at this year’s event include:

  • Western Uranium (CSE:WUC) 
  • Snowline Gold (CSE:SGD) 
  • Sitka Gold (CSE:SIG) 
  • Sassy Gold (CSE:SASY) 
  • Quebec Nickel (CSE:QNI) 
  • Inflection Resources (CSE:AUCU) 
  • Headwater Gold (CSE:HWG) 
  • Green River Gold (CSE:CCR) 
  • Getchell Gold (CSE:GTCH) 
  • Bunker Hill Mining (CSE:BNKR)

Be sure to stop by and say hi to our team!

Date: January 29–30, 2023

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (West Building), Vancouver, BC

For more information and to register for this event, please click here.

PreDAC 2023

Leading up to the renowned PDAC Conference, the CSE will once again be hosting our much-anticipated mining industry networking event, PreDAC, with dates in both Toronto and Vancouver. 

Attendees will hear quick pitches from industry-leading speakers on mining and exploration and also have the opportunity to network with mining professionals from across Canada and around the world.

PreDAC Vancouver

This year, PreDAC Vancouver will have an incredible line-up of speakers, including Bruce Campbell, Founder and Portfolio Manager of StoneCastle Investment Management; Gwen Preston, the Resource Maven; and Chen He, an investment advisor at Leede Jones Gable. 

Date: February 23, 2023, from 2:00 PM–5:00 PM PST

Location: Vancouver Club (Grand Ballroom), Vancouver, BC

PreDAC Toronto

We’re proud to be hosting this year’s PreDAC Toronto with Investor.Events. Stay tuned for our line-up of this year’s speakers. 

Date: March 1, 2023, from 4:00 PM–7:00 PM EST

Location: The Albany Club, Toronto, ON

Keep an eye on the CSE’s event page for information on how to register for PreDAC Vancouver and PreDac Toronto. 

PDAC 2023

Organized by the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada, PDAC has been the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention for over 90 years. As always, the conference will be packed with fascinating exhibits, networking, events, and programming with leaders in the mineral exploration and mining sectors.

The CSE will once again have a booth on the exhibition floor at the Investors Exchange to offer visitors a rich offering of mining-focused content produced by the CSE. 

Date: March 5–8, 2023

Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON

For more information and to register for this event, please click here.

PDAC Investor Luncheon 2023

Now a mainstay of the PDAC experience, the CSE’s PDAC Investor Luncheon is a highly sought-after event that brings together a dynamic mix of investors, CSE-listed companies, and thought leaders from the finance and mining and exploration communities. 

Following opening remarks, we will invite several CSE-listed companies to present their company’s stories in a rapid-fire pitch format. Then, we’ll have an hour-long networking session for attendees to meet in-person. 

Date: March 7, 2023, from 11:30 AM–2:00 PM EST

Location: InterContinental Toronto Centre (Ontario Room), Toronto, ON

Keep an eye on the CSE’s event page for information on how to register for the PDAC Investor Luncheon 2023.

Events

CSE Going Global: Highlights from Recent Travels to Israel and Australia

At the Canadian Securities Exchange, we pride ourselves on being the exchange of choice for entrepreneurs from a range of industries around the world. The growing international demand for deep expertise in public venture capital, especially in areas like mining, cannabis and technology, are part of the reason why members from our team recently travelled to meet with entrepreneurs in Israel and Australia.

Israel: Connecting with Entrepreneurs

The CSE’s most recent trip to Israel in November is the continuation of more than five years of visits. Mark Francis, the CSE’s Senior Advisor of Listings Development for Western Canada, sought to strengthen key relationships and further the CSE’s interests in the region. 

With an economy that encourages and nurtures entrepreneurship, especially at the growth stage, Israel offers a vibrant start-up environment. That said, according to sentiment on the ground, investment funding tends to skew towards bigger companies, which means growth-stage firms may need to look further afield for venture capital. 

Fortunately, Canada – and the CSE in particular – are appealing to Israeli entrepreneurs because of our streamlined small-cap regulatory environment, strong company disclosure framework, large volumes of small-caps driving expertise, and integration with the US capital markets. Additionally, Mark noted that many Israeli entrepreneurs were quite open to sharing ownership with experts and investors who have a broad cross-section of skill sets in order to accelerate getting deals done.  

Australia: A Mining Powerhouse

With mutual interests and expertise in mining, a history of Canadian companies listing in Australia and vice versa, Canada represents an important pool of investment capital for early-stage Australian mining companies.

The seemingly natural fit between these two global mining powerhouses is what motivated CSE’s Director of Listings Development for Western Canada Anna Serin to connect with entrepreneurs and various capital markets stakeholders at several mining-focused investment conferences in Australia this past November. 

From Perth to Sydney to Melbourne to Noosa, Anna had the opportunity to meet with issuers, investors, and miners on their home court. Whether it was at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), the Noosa Mining Investor Conference, as well as at other local meetups, it was clear that there are opportunities for the CSE and Australian-domiciled companies to consider pursuing in the future. 

What stood out to Anna during her time in Australia was the energy level around mining. In particular, the level of enthusiasm among attendees of mining events as well as the ease with which one could network, made these events as enjoyable as they were valuable. 

Of course, one big topic of discussion and focus was lithium. Undoubtedly, this theme, as well as the conversation on how to raise capital in the current environment will continue to be topical in the upcoming slate of mining conferences here in Canada.

Continuing to Push Globally

Despite journeying to very different markets, the entrepreneurial spirit among early-stage companies is remarkably similar around the world. The combination of a tenacity to grow as well as the desire for accessible public venture capital mean that entrepreneurs across the globe are increasingly looking to the Canadian Securities Exchange as a destination to write the next chapter in their respective growth stories. And, we are undoubtedly happy to welcome them. 

As 2022 winds down, the CSE team will be taking a well-deserved break from travelling. We look forward to hitting the road — and skies — again in 2023 and are especially excited to see our friends, old and new at events throughout the next year.

Events

CSE Webinar: Understanding the Israeli Tech Sector

The CSE’s James Black and Mark Francis were joined by Ronnie Jaegermann, Venture Partner from Beyond Ventures, Simon Weintraub, Partner from Yigal Arnon & Co., and Tomer Nitzan, Presiding Officer, US-Israel Desk at BDO, for a webinar on June 11th, 2020. In this latest installment of the CSE’s “All Locked Down and Nowhere to Go” conference series, our panel of capital markets professionals talked about the current state of the technology sector from the perspective of capital markets professionals in Israel.

Panelists discussed Israel’s technology ecosystem and the growth of high-tech capital-raising. Their talks included a by-the-numbers breakdown of Israel from an investment standpoint and a look at the factors that make it a unique environment for tech development, as well as how the technology sector evolved in 2019 and responded to COVID-19 in 2020.

The ensuing discussion looked at the character of Israeli investors and what factors make them consider investing in startups. The panel of investment professionals also talked about the merits of institutional investment and venture capitalism, how they hope the Israeli context evolves, and areas to watch in the future.

Events

CSE Webinar: Qualifying Technology Companies for Investment

Video

The CSE’s James Black and Mark Francis were joined by Angela Jackson, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Portland Seed Fund, Derek Hunter, President and CEO of Bluesky Equities Ltd., and Sean Peasgood, President and CEO of Sophic Capital, for a webinar on May 19th, 2020. In this latest installment of the CSE’s “All Locked Down and Nowhere to Go” conference series, our panel of microcap investment specialists talked about what qualifies technology companies for investment.

In this timely webinar, our guests talked about how they approach companies for early-stage investment, including what criteria companies have to meet, the importance of management having “skin in the game,” how disruptive tech companies can respond to COVID-19, and how their portfolios have adapted or pivoted to meet the current economic crisis.

Following initial presentations, our panel of specialists dove into what specific management qualities they look for, as well as the importance of letting management demonstrate its competence after a first round of investment. Panelists also talked about the effects that COVID-19 has had on setting apart adaptable from stagnant companies, which companies caught a tailwind from the current situation, and the merit in taking a down round in valuation in order to come back stronger. 

Events

A Primer on At-the-Market (ATM) Offerings | CSE Webinar

Video

The CSE’s James Black was joined by Ron Sedran, Managing Director, Equity Capital Markets from Canaccord Genuity, and Chad Schneider, Partner at Blakes Law Firm, for a special webinar on April 28th, 2020. In this latest installment of the CSE’s “All Locked Down and Nowhere to Go” conference series, Sedran and Schneider cover the highly requested topic of “at-the-market” (ATM) programs. 

During the thought-provoking webinar, our esteemed guests discuss the background of ATM offerings and their applicability to our current market situation (2:50), the benefits of ATM distributions for issuers (10:36), the simple process of implementing an ATM distribution plan (15:16), and how Canada is looking to emulate American practices with proposed amendments relating to ATM distributions (27:03).

Following the presentation, Sedran and Schneider also provide additional insight on ATM programs by answering conference participants’ questions. Watch until the end for their valuable tips on how corporate clients can effectively communicate their ATM programs, as well as their top picks of Netflix shows to binge-watch during the lockdown. 

Events

Reg A+: Dancing Through a US Capital Raise | CSE Webinar

Video

Kenneth Sam, Partner of Capital Markets at Dorsey & Whitney LLP, joined the CSE in this fourth instalment of our educational conference series, “All Locked Down and No Place to Go.” In this highly insightful webinar, Sam uses his background as a cross-border securities lawyer in Canada and the US to lead the conversation on Regulation A+, also known as Reg A+.

In this comprehensive presentation, Sam discusses the importance of Reg A+ to the global economy and global markets (3:15), the eligibility of issuers for using Reg A+ (10:30), and the advantages of the regulation (12:40). He also talks about how Reg A+ can apply to the CSE, including the reasons CSE-listed companies would look to use this offering (35:34) and how Reg A+ can help US companies that want to go public on the CSE (37:27).

Watch until the end to hear Sam’s valuable answers to the thought-provoking questions from the conference participants, including a question on the reduction and regulatory burden of Reg A+ compared to the normal systems. As well, Sam provides additional resources on the subject.

Events

A Primer on At-the-Market (ATM) Offerings | CSE Webinar

When: Tuesday, April 28th at 1:15PM PDT / 4:15PM EDT
Where: Zoom Video Conference
How: RSVP to [email protected] 

The CSE looks forward to hosting “A Primer on At-the-Market (ATM) Offerings” on Tuesday, April 28th, 2020.

Part of the CSE’s “All Locked Down and Nowhere to Go” educational conference series, next Tuesday’s webinar will centre on ‘at-the-market’ (ATM) offerings – a financing strategy that is becoming progressively utilized in Canadian public markets as it provides the ability to lower a company’s cost of capital relative to other financing options.

We are pleased to welcome Ron Sedran, Managing Director, Equity Capital Markets from Canaccord Genuity, and Chad Schneider, Partner at Blakes, to highlight the advantages of this funding mechanism and to share their own professional advice on when, and how, to facilitate an ATM offering.

To participate in this insightful discussion, please RSVP by sending an email to [email protected].

Events

Looking Back to the Extraordinary Future 2019 Conference

The CSE had an extraordinary time at the Extraordinary Future conference on September 22nd and 23rd in Vancouver. We are proud to have been a Gold sponsor of this Cambridge House International event, gaining insights into projects and ideas at the forefront of Canadian technological innovation.

The question at the heart of the Extraordinary Future Conference has always been “what’s next?” And with the third iteration of the conference now complete, it’s exciting to reflect upon what emerged from bringing together a community of innovators, investors, and intellects to spark conversations about the next big thing.

At the Exchange for Entrepreneurs, we’ve had the unique advantage of seeing how technology in the hands of capable, motivated, growth-seeking innovators can rapidly scale or disrupt existing industies, or create entirely new ones. This was evident at XFuture 2019, as individuals covered groundbreaking topics such as cannabis technology, eSports, biohacking, psilocybin, sustainability, augmented reality (AR), and much more. It was fantastic to learn more about how these future-focused entrepreneurs are harnessing the incredible, transformative power of technology to create extraordinary futures.

At the event, we also had the opportunity to sit down with many leaders at the helm of CSE-listed companies, and to find out what’s on the horizon for these entrepreneurs. To watch these exclusive interviews, visit the CSE TV channel on YouTube here.


For even more future-focused content, we encourage you to explore the recently-released Technology Issue of Public Entrepreneur Magazine. In the spirit of XFuture, this edition moves the magazine experience into a whole new digital medium by enabling readers to access dynamic featured content on their smartphones through the power of augmented reality (AR) technology. Read it here.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and we can’t wait to see what’s next at Extraordinary Future 2020!