The Ontario Securities Commission convened a hearing yesterday in the matter of Mark Edward Valentine. The commission heard arguments and evidence regarding requests made by OSC enforcement staff.

Staff is asking that a temporary cease trade and suspension of registration order made July 8, 2002 against Mark Valentine be extended. Second, they requested the order to be varied — removing the limited trading privileges originally granted to him. The July 8 order was due to expire today.

The commission has reserved its decision. Until the decision is rendered, the July 8, 2002 order remains in place.

The order that is currently in place therefore suspends Mark Valentine’s registration and prohibits him from trading in securities, except for those listed on the TSE and NYSE or which fall within section 35(2) of the Securities Act.