The British Columbia Securities Commission is breathing new life into its objective of making information understandable to all securities market participants, including investors.

The BCSC is working with Wordsmith Associates, an Edmonton company, to develop a comprehensive plain language plan. The goal is to make complicated information about securities understandable to readers — an aim that seems particularly desirable in light of post-Enron demands for simpe disclosure in the securities industry.

As part of the plan, Wordsmith has trained all BCSC employees, including the chair, vice chairs, commissioners, lawyers, accountants, and IT, communications, and office staff. The plan also included writing a BCSC Plain Language Style Guide, creating a plain language staff web site and changing frequently issued documents, templates, and web-based documents. A plain language audit and refresher course are to come.

BCSC’s strategy has acted as a catalyst for other securities commissions. Wordsmith has now conducted workshops for the Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario securities commissions. In each case, commission chairs attended. Training continues with the OSC this year.