Recognizing the Stellar Careers of Top Financial Executives in Quebec: Launch of "The Aces of Finance" Award, Awarded by FEI Canada, Quebec Chapter

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Jan. 11, 2011) - The Québec Chapter of FEI Canada, an all-industry professional association for senior financial executives, is proud to announce the official launch of the very first "The Aces of Finance" Award. All financial executives in Québec—FEI Canada members and non-members alike—are eligible to enter. Candidates have until January 31 to submit their nomination forms, with winners announced during a gala evening at the Cirque Éloize in Old Montreal on May 18, 2011. This contest will recognize the professional leadership of three financial executives in the following categories: Public corporation including a crown corporation, Private corporation and Emerging financial executive.

"The Aces of Finance" Award will showcase the role of the financial executive, as well as the tasks and often colossal responsibilities associated with this role. Today's financial executive acts as a strong catalyst for his or her organization. In addition to being a financial expert, he or she must also initiate the many innovative ideas that encourage the growth of the organization and boost business in a constantly evolving environment.

Developments in the business world have led to the creation of many organizations mandated to define regulations and standards relating to the disclosure of financial information and accounting reports that all companies must provide. Subsequently, FEI Canada plays a role in the development of policies addressing financial practices, company governance and reporting to regulatory bodies. "FEI Canada's mission is to be a centralized resource providing continuous and updated information, strategic orientation, guidance and research relating to financial practices, as well as organizational, administrative and technological procedures," explains Carl Gauvreau, President, FEI Canada, Québec Chapter.

The official announcement opening the contest was made during "The CFO as Catalyst of Growth," a conference bringing together more than 100 financial executives. The conference, which took place on December 2, 2010, was an all-around success and was much lauded by participants.

We would also like to mention that the Québec Chapter of FEI Canada now has two new members on its board of directors, namely: David Anderson, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, CGI and Pierre Richard, President, VGBS Conseils Inc. Other members of the board of directors are:

• Mr. Carl Gauvreau, CA, MBA, Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Hartco Inc.;
• Ms. Catherine Allard, CA, Chief Financial Officer, Stingray Group Digital Inc.;
• Mr. David Anderson, CA, CMA, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, CGI;
• Mr. Denis Asselin, FCMA;
• Mr. Jean-Paul Beaulieu, MBA, Investment Advisor, TD Waterhouse;
• Mr. Michael Boychuk, CA, President, Bimcor;
• Mr. Ross Corcoran, MBA, Vice President, Finance, Cad Railway Industries Ltd.;
• Mr. Marc Godin, MBA, CFA, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Dessau;
• Mr. François Laurin, CA, CFA, Chief Financial Officer, Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines Ltd.;
• Mr. Bertrand Lauzon, CA, CFA, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, BFL Canada;
• Ms. Alix Mandron, CGA, Professor, HEC Montréal;
• Mr. Louis Marcotte, CA, Vice President Finance and Treasurer, Intact Financial Corporation;
• Ms. Marie-Josée Marsan, CGA, MBA, Vice-President, Finance & IT, and Chief Financial Officer, Vidéotron Ltd.;
• Mr. Denis Pellerin, CA, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Lavo Inc.;
• Mr. Pierre Richard, CA, ICD.D, President, VGBS Consulting Inc.;
• Mr. Claude Samson, CA, MBA, Leader, Strategy and Transformation Québec – Financial Management, IBM Global Business Services;
• Mr. Robert St-Jean, CA, Chief Financial and Administration Officer, VIA Rail Canada; and
• Ms. Vicky Tumiotto, CA, CBV.

About Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada)

Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada) is an all-industry professional membership association for senior financial executives. With eleven chapters across Canada and 2,000 members, FEI Canada provides professional development, thought leadership and advocacy services to its members. The Québec Chapter alone has more than 200 members. The association 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 Canada's leading and most influential corporations. For further information, please visit www.feicanada.org and to submit your candidature to the "The Aces of Finance", go to: https://portal.feicanada.org/enews/file/Quebec%20Chapter/Formulaire%20Les%20As%202011%20engFINAL.pdf.