Well clearly my impression that securities eligible to be shorted had some threshold that penny stocks like AVL didn't meet is uninformed. Perhaps I should feel stupid thinking all the conspiracy theories of manipulation are bogus. I suspect some still are, but I simply don't buy that the average investor benefits from shorting.
Anyway, educating myself with some searching that started here.
Read this.
https://www.osc.gov.on.ca/en/SecuritiesLaw_csa_20120302_23-312_rfc-trans-short-selling.htm This lead to this monthly consolidated short position report.
https://www.iiroc.ca/industry/marketmonitoringanalysis/Pages/consolidated-short-position-report.aspx
I am not certain how to interpret it yet, but I do find it quite interesting that the latest report has AVL in 49th spot out of almost 4000 companies in terms of the largest net decrease in short position.
Perhaps many here already know, track and analyze this stuff and have some informed analysis. Would love some education.
Perhaps there is nothing notable here. Still interesting
https://www.csasanctions.ca/
P.S. On the subject of letting existing retail shareholders participate in private placements, which I believe would improve investor confidence and perhaps even prevent some manipulation, it's certainly not a new idea. It's been discussed. Much money spent likely on reports and consulation. But I can't find any information that the recommendations have been implemented in the 7 years since this was published. Going to contact the OSC and the CSA to see where this sits - what is happening on this front. Sh*t, perhaps we could light a fire - not just for AVL holders.
https://www.osc.gov.on.ca/documents/en/Securities-Category4/sn_20130828_45-712_progress-report.pdf