April 20, 2007 Organization

Montréal – The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) today released a business continuity management guide in preparation for a possible influenza pandemic intended for Québec financial sector participants.

The guide is part of a series of publications prepared by the AMF to assist Québec financial sector participants in preparing for a possible influenza pandemic.

In August 2006, the AMF released an initial guide to raise awareness among Québec financial institutions of the risk of a possible influenza pandemic, the impacts it might have and the need to be prepared by adopting a business continuity plan. Mindful of the importance of this action, the AMF decided to extend its awareness campaign to all financial sector participants under its supervision by updating the guide in April 2007.

As for the Business Continuity Management Guide, its purpose is to outline business continuity management practices for Québec financial sector participants and assist them in preparing a business continuity plan adapted to the specific risks of an influenza pandemic. It is designed as a basic tool for addressing the practical issues likely to be encountered in preparing business continuity plans.

The recommendations in this guide comply with the guidelines of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (Basel Committee), the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS), the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and the Joint Forum. Based on these international principles, which have been adapted and clarified as required, the AMF has established sound practices for effective influenza pandemic risk management. Consisting of the highest standards in the matter, these practices may be adopted by Québec financial sector participants according to the nature and importance of their operations as well as their risk profile.

The Influenza Pandemic Business Continuity Management Guide and the Influenza Pandemic Guide are available on the AMF website.

The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is the regulatory and oversight body for Québec’s financial sector.

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Information:

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Frédéric Alberro (514) 940-2176

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