The Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada Announces the Finalists of the 2012 "Aces of Finance" Competition

MONTREAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwire - March 21, 2012) - The Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada, an all-industry professional association for senior financial executives, is proud to announce the nine finalists in the "Aces of Finance" competition, held this year under the honorary chairmanship of Pierre Matuszewski, Chief Executive Officer of Societe Generale in Canada. Open to all Quebec-based Chief Financial Officers and Vice Presidents of Finance, regardless of FEI Canada membership, the purpose of the competition is to recognize the professional accomplishments and community involvement of three exceptional financial executives. The winners will be announced at the awards gala to be held on May 9^th in Montreal.

From among the various high quality nominations received, the judges have selected nine finalists from a range of industries who have distinguished themselves through their leadership and the outstanding contribution they have made to their organization, beyond their primary role as financial executives, acting as a strategic ally to the CEO:

"Public corporation, including crown corporation" category

• Mr. Pierre Alary, FCA, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Bombardier Inc.
• Mr. Daniel Buron, CA, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Domtar Corporation
• Mr. Raymond Laurin, FCA, Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasury and Chief Financial Officer, Desjardins Group

"Private corporation" category

• Mr. Michel G. Gagnon, ICD.D, Vice President, Finance and Business Development, Aluminerie Alouette Inc.
• Mr. Marc M. Malouin, CA, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, SONACA North America Inc.
• Mr. Sylvain J. Perron, CA, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Biron Groupe Santé Inc.

"Emerging financial executive" category

• Mr. Jeffrey Crystal, CA, Chief Financial Officer, American Iron & Metal Co. Inc.
• Ms. Stéfanie Pelletier, CA, Vice President, Finance, Laurentian Bank of Canada
• Mr. Frédéric Poussard, Vice President, Finance and Operations, TVA Publications Inc.

This year, the judges' special recognition goes to these managers who have played a key role in successfully bringing their organizations through one of the most difficult economic periods in recent years.

For the first time as part of the "Aces of Finance" competition, the Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada will also hand out a Homage Award to a financial executive who stands out not only as a result of their exceptional career, but also through their contribution to raising the profile of the finance function, and the inspiration they have provided for their peers. The winner of this award is Mr. Richard Fortin, a founding member of Alimentation Couche-Tard, who served as the company's financial executive for more than 25 years and who currently sits on several important boards of directors. Mr. Fortin will be honored at the "Aces of finance" awards gala.

"This competition makes us very proud of our profession's vitality, and provides a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on people from all industries who play a leadership role and make a direct contribution to the performance of the organization for which they work," says Mr. Carl Gauvreau, President, Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada.

Everyone in the financial and business community (whether or not they are members of FEI Canada) are invited to applaud the finalists and attend the presentation of the 2012 "Aces of finance" award-winners at the gala on May 9. For more information about the event and to reserve seats, please visit FEI Canada, Quebec Chapter at www.feicanada.org/quebec.

About Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada)

Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada) or Dirigeants financiers internationaux du Canada (DFI Canada) is an all-industry professional association for senior financial executives, comprising 2,000 members in 11 chapters across Canada. FEI Canada offers its members, close to 200 of which belong to the Quebec Chapter, professional development, thoughtful leadership and advocacy services. The membership, which consists of chief financial officers, audit committee directors and senior executives in the finance, controller, treasury and taxation functions, represents a significant number of the most influential corporations in Canada. For more information, visit www.feicanada.org.