The Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada Launches "The Aces of Finance" 2012

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Nov. 22, 2011) - The Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada, an all-industry professional association of senior financial executives, is proud to announce the 2012 edition of "The Aces of Finance" – a contest open to all Quebec-based Chief Financial Officers and Vice Presidents of Finance (regardless of FEI Canada membership). Candidates have until January 31, 2012 to submit an application and the three winners will be announced during a gala event at Ritz Carlton Montreal on May 9, 2012. This contest, now in its second year, was created to recognize the professional contributions and community involvement of three financial executives in one of three categories: Public corporation, including crown corporation, Private corporation and Emerging financial executive.

As our economy continues to pose challenges, companies are forced to make increasingly more complex decisions to keep pace with this ever-evolving context. Now more than ever, leaders are depending on financial executives to help them make the best strategic decisions. "The Aces of Finance" contest was created specifically as a unique opportunity to spotlight the talents and efforts of Chief Financial Officers and Vice Presidents of Finance, who often work behind the scenes.

"This is one of the most prestigious contests in Quebec that recognizes the careers of financial executives and it continues to attract greater attention from the business community. In addition to honouring individual persons, 'The Aces of Finance' contest inspires all financial executives by giving them models of excellence to follow and it also stimulates interest in our profession," says Carl Gauvreau, President, Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada. "This contest is an unparalleled showcase for financial executives and a major tool for recognizing the importance of our role."

This year's Honorary President is Pierre Matuszewski, Chief Executive Officer of Societe Generale (Canada). With almost 30 years of experience in investment banking and having been involved in numerous major transactions, Mr. Matuszewski is the first Canadian to occupy the top management position at Societe Generale (Canada). His reputation and contributions to the business community, as well as his commitment to leading one of the country's largest organizations, will certainly serve to inspire his peers.

New this year – Homage Award

In order to recognize the financial executives who have distinguished themselves throughout their career, this year – and for the first time! – the Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada will bestow a "The Aces of Finance" Homage Award. The recipient of this prestigious award was announced during the annual conference of the Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada, entitled "Financial Executives at the core of strategic decision-making", which took place this past November 17. The recipient is 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. The inspirational Mr. Fortin, as well as the three recipients of "The Aces of Finance" award, will be honoured during the gala in May 2012.

The Board members for the Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada are as follows:

Mr. Carl Gauvreau, CA, MBA, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Hartco inc.

Mrs. Catherine Allard, CA, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, GFI Solutions 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. Ross Corcoran, MBA, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Global Railway Industries Ltd.

Mr. Marc Godin, MBA, CFA, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Dessau

Mr. Bertrand Lauzon, CA, CFA, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, BFL Canada

Mrs. Alix Mandron, CGA, Professor, HEC Montréal

Mr. Louis Marcotte, FCA, Vice President, Finance and Treasurer, Intact Corporation Financière

Mrs. Marie-Josée Marsan, CGA, MBA, Vice President, Finance and IT, and Chief Financial Officer, Vidéotron ltée

Mr. Denis Pellerin, CA, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Lavo inc.

Mr. Claude Samson, CA, MBA, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, ProSep inc.

Mr. Pierre Richard, CA, President, VGBS Conseils inc.

Mr. Paul Stinis, MBA, ing., First Vice President and Treasurer, BCE inc.

Mr. Robert St-Jean, CA, Chief of Financial and Administrative Services, VIA Rail Canada

Mrs. Vicky Tumiotto, CA, CBV

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, or to submit your candidacy for "The Aces of Finance" contest, visit https://portal.feicanada.org/page/chapters/quebec.