Brenda Leong appointed Chair of the British Columbia Securities Commission

VANCOUVER , Oct. 13 /CNW/ - The British Columbia Securities Commission is pleased to announce that the provincial government has appointed Brenda M. Leong, as Chair and CEO of the commission effective October 13, 2009 .

"I am honoured to have this opportunity to lead the commission at a very challenging time in securities regulation. While investors in British Columbia and elsewhere continue to deal with the impact of the global economic crisis, as securities regulators, we must do our part to restore confidence in our capital markets. Protecting investors must be the commission's highest priority," said Leong.

"We have been focusing on ways to strengthen enforcement of securities fraud and to enhance our compliance and examination capabilities. At the same time, we have been reaching out to investors through our InvestRight education program. The financial crisis highlights the importance of clear focus on these initiatives. I look forward to working with the BCSC Board of Directors and staff to continue to build a strong and competitive securities regulatory system for B.C. and for Canada ."

Prior to this appointment, Ms. Leong was the chief operating and chief enforcement officer of the BCSC, responsible for overseeing the financial and administrative affairs of the commission. She has successfully initiated and delivered results for all of the BCSC's operating divisions, implemented significant service enhancements, and built strong relations with securities regulators in other provinces through the Canadian Securities Administrators. Brenda Leong holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the University of Alberta, Edmonton and a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto .

"I can think of no one better suited than Brenda to lead the BCSC," said Brent Aitken , BCSC Vice Chair, who was acting Chair. "Brenda is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of securities regulation. She is committed to investor protection and has strong relationships with other regulators and the regulated community. Under Brenda's leadership, the BCSC is well-positioned to face the challenges ahead."

The B.C. Securities Commission is the independent provincial government agency responsible for trading in securities in the province. If you have questions, contact Ken Gracey , media relations, 604-899-6577.

Learn how to avoid investment fraud at the BCSC's investor education website: www.investright.org.

For further information: Ken Gracey, [phone] or (Canada) 1-800-373-6393