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2016 Aces of Finance competition The Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada announces the names of the three winners and presents its prestigious Homage Award

MONTREAL, May 12, 2016 — At a festive gala evening in Montreal, the Quebec Chapter of Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada), an all-industry professional association for senior financial executives, presented its Aces of Finance award to four financial executives who have enjoyed an outstanding career. The names of the winners were unveiled before some 345 guests gathered for the sixth edition of this prestigious competition. The event was held yesterday at the unique Parquet, in Centre CDP Capital, amid a splendid decor.

Presided over this year by honorary chairman Mr. Christian Dubé, FCPA, FCA, Executive Vice-President, Quebec, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, the competition was open to all chief financial officers, vice presidents of finance and financial executives across Québec. The competition aims to recognize the professional achievements and community engagement of three outstanding financial executives.

The following three candidates were honoured:

“Financial executive of a large corporation” category  Mr. François Thibault, CFA, M.Sc. Executive Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Metro Inc.

“Financial executive of a small or medium-sized enterprise” category  Mr. Jean-Pierre Trahan, CPA, CA Chief Financial Officer, Stingray Digital Group Inc.

“Emerging financial executive” category  Ms. Sonya Branco, CPA, CA, MBA Vice-President and Controller, CAE Inc.

A rigorous process Following selection of the nine finalists by the competition’s organizing committee, the members of an independent jury met with these candidates to determine the three laureates. The winners stood out for their ability to draw on their knowledge, experience and values in making the best decisions and setting the best future directions for their organizations. “Determining the winners is a complex exercise for jury members because, in addition to analyzing the tangible results the professionals have obtained, they need to consider the intrinsic qualities that enable them to

1. react with good judgement and confidence to the various aspects of the job,” said Mr. Marc Godin, President of the Organizing Committee.

2016 Homage Award During the gala evening, as in previous years, the Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada also presented its Homage Award to a financial executive who has had a distinguished career. This year’s recipient is Mr. L. G. Serge Gadbois, FCPA, FCA, MBA, former Senior Vice-President, Finance and Treasurer at Metro Inc., and now a Corporate Director. Mr. Gadbois was honoured for his achievements spanning over four decades and the expertise he has provided to many leading companies.

"In addition to shining the spotlight on our profession—which is important in making known our role within organizations—the Aces of Finance competition helps us to understand our place in the overall business world. It is also a reflection of the true professionals that we are, because the nominees represent our convictions, aspirations and values,” said Mr. Louis Marcotte, Pres- ident of the Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada. “I firmly believe that during such an event, every financial executive present feels like a winner.”

The Quebec Chapter of FEI Canada would like to thank all the candidates who took the time to submit their candidacy for the Aces of Finance competition and salutes the dynamism and vi- tality of the financial executive profession. The competition will be back in 2017.

About Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada) Financial Executives International Canada (FEI Canada) or Dirigeants financiers internationaux du Canada (DFI Canada) is the all-industry professional association for senior financial executives. With 11 chapters across Canada and 1,600 members, FEI Canada provides professional development, thought leadership and advocacy services to its members.

The Quebec Chapter currently has nearly 200 members. The association’s membership, which consists of chief financial officers, audit committee directors and senior financial executives, controllers, treasurers and tax advisors, represents a significant number of Canada’s leading and most influential corporations. Further information can be found at www.feicanada.org/quebec.

- 30 - High-resolution photos and information sheets available online at: file.shc.ca:8000/ Name: AS finance 16 Password: 20gagnants16

Information: Jean-Marc Simard Simard Hamel Communications 514 287-9811, ext. 15 [email protected]