November 13, 2001

Kelowna, BC - Doug Manning, Chief Executive Officer and President of Bridges.com Inc., is one of three new members of the British Columbia Premier's Technology Council.

The volunteer advisory council was created in August, 2001, to inform the premier on all technology-related issues and to advise the government on how to make B.C. a global magnet for high-tech investment, growth and job creation. It is chaired by the premier and is developing recommendations to help bridge the "digital divide" that separates British Columbians who have the access and skills needed to make use of information technology from those who do not.

"I feel honoured to be appointed to the technology council," said Manning. "Bridges is a fast-growing company in the very competitive technology sector. As a member of this council, I will share with the premier the experiences that have helped our company build success at home and abroad."

In addition to Manning, Premier Gordon Campbell has also added George Hunter, executive director of the B.C. Technology Industries Association, and David Sutcliffe, Chair and CEO of Sierra Wireless Inc., to the council.

Larry Smith, President of the Okanagan Science & Technology Council, said: "It is critically important for developing high-tech sectors to have notable companies and visible leaders. It signals the high-tech business opportunity and what can be done locally. And farther a field, it signals that the Okanagan is on the map and growing in terms of science and technology. Further, it facilitates discussion on how to develop high-tech business outside of the major centers. The appointment of Doug Manning to the Premier's Technology Council is a very real step forward for the Okanagan technology sector."

The Premier's Technology Council will engage in public consultation and hold quarterly meetings in a venue open to the public.

About Bridges

Bridges is North America's leading provider of career information services, training, and self-directed career and educational planning tools. Over 15,366 schools, libraries, employment centres, post-secondary schools and rehabilitation facilities subscribe to Bridges' customized products. Bridges serves the career development needs of millions of students and adults seeking educational or career planning assistance. Its resources are also uniquely adapted to service a wide range of corporate, consumer and global markets. The company, which has offices in Canada and the U.S., is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol: BIT.

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