More than seven in 10 registrants and reporting issuers say the Ontario Securities Commission is effective, flexible and accountable in fulfilling its mandate and is strong in its core competencies of regulation and enforcement, according to an extensive public affairs survey released on Wednesday.

The 2006 Stakeholder Satisfaction Study, conducted by Ipsos Reid Public Affairs Canada, is the fourth in a series of bi-annual surveys, conducted since 2000, and identifies key issues facing the provincial regulator. A total of 1,300 registrants, reporting issuers, inquiries line users and general population investors were polled by telephone in March and April of this year.

“We believe the feedback from our stakeholders, including the general public, is critical in helping us do our job well,” said OSC Chair David Wilson. “The results of the study will be essential as we measure and monitor our performance. Using this information, we will continue to focus on the needs of market participants and ensure we adhere to our mandate of protecting investors and fostering fair and efficient capital markets

The overall satisfaction rating of the OSC improved slightly to a “B+ to A-“ from the “B to B+” received in the 2004 study. Among registrants and reporting issuers, the OSC continues to show improved ratings, with 73% of reporting issuers indicating the OSC is focused on ensuring issuers provide a high level of continuous disclosure.

Approximately 60% of those surveyed believe the OSC is a strong enforcer of the rules and regulations that govern Ontario’s capital markets, and six in 10 registrants and reporting issuers who deal with the OSC on investment fund matters say the OSC is focusing on the most important investment fund issues.

Among registrants and issuers surveyed, quality of service continued to trend upwards from previous surveys. More than 70% of those polled said professionalism, accuracy of information and level of knowledge of staff contacted were strengths in terms of the OSC’s service provision.

“The study results clearly show that the OSC continues to be assessed by its key constituencies as performing very well in delivering against its mandate,” said Darrell Bricker, president of Ipsos Reid. “The results, quite frankly, are positive for a regulator.”