Last month, the provincial government announced it had "appointed a Power (sic) River business owner to sit on the board of the Island Coastal Economic Trust." According to the announcement, David Formosa "currently serves as president of the Powell River Chamber of Commerce. He is also active with a number of community groups and serves as a director on the boards of the Powell River Hospital Foundation and the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society." But that's not all. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Formosa confirmed he's the past president of the provincial Liberal Powell River-Sunshine Coast constituency association. And, in 2002, the riding's then legislator Harold Long introduced him as a "good friend." Asked whether he thought his political involvement influenced his appointment, Mr. Formosa responded, "The fact that they know me is through my association with the riding association. But I would think the reason I was appointed is because of my vast business experience." The following is a complete copy of the aformentioned announcement.

INFORMATION BULLETIN
For Immediate Release
2008ECD0010-000386
March 19, 2008

Ministry of Economic Development

PROVINCE APPOINTS TRUST BOARD MEMBER

VICTORIA - The Province has appointed a Power River business owner to
the sit on the board of the Island Coastal Economic Trust.

David J. Formosa has been appointed to an 18-month term, effective Feb.
25, 2008.

Formosa currently serves as president of the Powell River Chamber of
Commerce. He is also active with a number of community groups and serves
as a director on the boards of the Powell River Hospital Foundation and
the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society.

The Island Coastal Economic Trust was created in 2006 by the provincial
government and provided with $50 million to help diversify the economy
of Vancouver Island and adjacent coastal communities. The Trust provides
funding to create new and sustainable economic growth and jobs through
strategic investment in targeted sectors of the regional economy.

More information about the Trust is available at
www.islandcoastaltrust.ca.

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