Hi miwil:
Yes, pink sheets here are difficult to buy no matter what. For RRSPs and any trust type accounts they are not eligable for purchase...due to the high risk nature and the history of the Pinks. Now that SFMI is on deck for OTC ...it will make a huge difference. I know small brokers in Vancover are death on the pinks. That does not mean that they can not buy them personally...just not for their clients in some cases.
As a matter of fact a major broker or bank will not touch them. I had to purchase them through my "boutique" broker who is head and shoulders above the banks. Also, if one has an online brokerage account, you have to phone the broker and arrange a sale verbally and pay a much higher rate.
Even OTC PM stocks will not be purchased by some of the major brokers/banks here. One I know for sure.
Hope that helps.