B.C. Securities Commission hands out first whistleblower award

VANCOUVER — The British Columbia Securities Commission says it has paid out $25,000 in its first whistleblower award.

The commission says in a news release that the information contributed to an ongoing enforcement action of suspected misconduct.

Commission chair Brenda Leong says the payout shows that when people come forward with information, it can make a real difference in its ability to act quickly to protect investors and the integrity of investment markets.

It says it gives whistleblower awards for information leading to specific types of enforcement action, including a halt-trade order, preservation orders and formal allegations.