cease trade order (CTO)

 A cease trade order (CTO) is a decision issued by a provincial or territorial securities regulatory authority or similar regulatory body against a company or an individual. CTOs are issued for reasons such as failing to meet disclosure requirements or as a result of an enforcement action that involves an investigation of potential wrongdoing.  Once issued, a CTO prohibits or limits trading in securities. Cease trade orders typically remain in effect indefinitely until they are revoked. The deficiencies that need to be remedied or conditions to be met are explained in the CTO. 

Sycamore Entertainment has a CTO issued in Canada. Edward Sylvan made shareholders believe that this situation would change with false statements on the official company's twitter channel.