Calgary Businessman's Conviction for Violating Securities Laws Upheld

CALGARY, March 3 /CNW/ - The Alberta Court of Queen's Bench has denied an appeal by David Del Bianco of his conviction in Provincial Court on ten counts of violating Alberta securities laws. The Court of Queen's Bench did allow a partial sentence appeal by Del Bianco, reducing lifetime trading and director and officer bans to a term of eight years.

The Provincial Court decision was handed down in September 2008 when Del Bianco was convicted of failing to comply with a 2003 Alberta Securities Commission decision.

The Court of Queen's Bench decision called R. v. Del Bianco is available on the Alberta Courts website at www.albertacourts.ab.ca.

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 further information: For Media Inquiries: Mark Dickey, Senior Communications Advisor, [phone]; For Investor Inquiries: ASC Public Inquiries, Toll Free 1-877-355-4488