VICTORIA - Attorney General Wally Oppal must restore investor confidence in the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) in light of the questionable decision to allow a convicted murderer to work in investor relations for companies listed on the exchange, New Democrat AttorneyGeneral Critic Leonard Krog said today.

"This is totally unacceptable," said Krog, the MLA for Nanaimo. "Frankly, the actions of the BCSC are embarrassing. Once again, the BCSC is making highly questionable decisions that only serve to erode investor confidence. TSX Venture officials have every question to be sceptical of how we run things here on the west coast."

Last week a four-person BCSC panel overturned a decision by the TSX Venture Exchange and allowed William Nichols - who has been convicted of 20 criminal offences, including first-degree murder, extortion, possession of stolen goods, break and enter, armed robbery, forcible confinement, and causing bodily harm with intent - to work facilitating communication between investors and promoters of stock on the exchange.

"The Attorney General says he wants to look at harmonizing our security regulations with other provinces," said Krog. "I certainly hope that as part of that transition he agrees to a review of the Commission's ability to enforce the rules and regulations governing securities in this province.

"It has been over a year since I called on the Attorney General to review the Commission's activities, and the questions raised by this recent case provide yet another example of why such a review is necessary," said Krog. "Public confidence in the Commission has been shaken, and that is not good for business."

The BCSC regulates securities trading in the province. It is tasked with protecting the public interest by fostering a fair market climate for investors.

"The Commission must protect investors, so if the Attorney General won't listen to the concerns of businesses, then I hope that the Premier will step in and appoint someone who will," said Krog.