{November 14, 2005} VICTORIA – A new member of the Board of Directors has been appointed by the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General to the Board of Directors of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA).

Mr. Harold (Hal) Neil Yacowar, QC, has been appointed to the Board effective November 1, 2005. Mr. Yacowar has had extensive experience with the provincial government in the areas of criminal justice, most recently serving as the Executive Director of the Criminal Justice Branch. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in April, 2000. Mr. Yacowar has worked with wholesale and retail industry representatives within the video industry, magazine distributors and retail businesses on specific issues. His work on committees includes: Chair of the Uniform Law Conference of Canada, Criminal Law Section; Commissioner with the Uniform Law Conference of Canada; and Chair of the Crown Police Liaison Committee. As well, he served as a representative on various Federal/Provincial/Territorial committees, as Chair of the Motion Picture Act Revision and Implementation Committee, as member of the Motion Picture Act Task Force and as Chair of the Criminal Justice Branch Strategic and Future Directions Committee.

 “The Board welcomes the new appointment”, said Board Chair Frank Barr. “We look forward to working with Mr. Yacowar. His experience and credentials will be an asset to the work of the Board over the next three years.”

The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority Act established the BPCPA as an independent authority operating at arm’s length from government. The Act states that the Minister responsible for the Act may appoint one director, while the directors may appoint other directors from among eligible candidates.

Please visit the BPCPA website for a profile of all Board members .