ASC extends cease trade order against Edmonton businessman Ronald Cloutier

CALGARY, July 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) has further extended an Interim Cease Trade Order against Edmonton businessman Ronald Theodore Cloutier and a number of companies owned and controlled by him, namely Venture Contractors Ltd., Viva Communications Ltd., Sunterra Resource Audit Equipment Ltd. and Sunterra Seismic Inc.  The order is based on ASC staff allegations that Cloutier and the named companies illegally traded and distributed securities, made prohibited representations and engaged in a course of conduct that perpetrated a fraud on Alberta investors.

The Interim Cease Trade Order will remain in effect until a hearing into the allegations has been concluded and a decision rendered.  The order prohibits all trading in any securities of the named parties.  The order also prohibits the named parties from trading in all securities or using all Alberta securities laws exemptions.

A hearing is scheduled to begin on June 3, 2013 in the ASC Hearing Room on the 5th floor, 250 - 5^th Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta.

Anyone who has been contacted by someone from or on behalf of Ronald Theodore Cloutier, Venture Contractors Ltd., Viva Communications Ltd., Sunterra Resource Audit Equipment Ltd. or Sunterra Seismic Inc. is asked to contact the ASC Public Inquiries Office at 403-355-4151 or 1-877-355-4488.  Investors are cautioned against sending money for securities or investment purposes to any of the named parties while the extended Interim Cease Trade Order is in effect.

Copies of the Interim Cease Trade Order: Extension and Notice of Hearing can be found on the ASC website at www.albertasecurities.com.

The ASC is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province's securities laws.  It is entrusted to foster a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and to protect investors. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets.

For Media Inquiries: 
Mark Dickey
Senior Communications Advisor
403.297.4481

For Investor Inquiries: 
ASC Public Inquiries
Toll Free 1.877.355.4488