TORONTO -- Canada's investment dealer regulator says the governments of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon have joined seven provinces in granting it legal authority to protect investors and discipline wrongdoers.

The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) says the superintendents of securities of the three territories are allowing it to collect fines against individuals it has disciplined directly through the courts in each jurisdiction.

IIROC says it will also be better able to improve co-operation with third parties during disciplinary hearings.

The territories join Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia in granting this authority.

Last year, IIROC levied more than $4.4 million in penalties against firms and individuals nationally, but collected only 16 per cent of fines against individuals.

Monies collected are used for initiatives that further investor protection, promote investor education and support financial literacy.