May 5, 2004 Organization

Québec – The Minister of Finance of Québec, Yves Séguin, along with the Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for the national capital region, Michel Després, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Autorité des marchés financiers (“AMF”), Jean St-Gelais, are pleased to announce the launch of the Fonds réservé à l’éducation des investisseurs et à la promotion de la gouvernance.

With $14.6 million at its disposal, this Fund will be used to provide financial support in four areas:

• Investor protection;
• Promotion of good governance;
• Investor education;
• Improving knowledge about the financial sector.

Note that the Fund consists of a reserve from the AMF made up of various fees collected by the organization and administrative penalties imposed on those who fail to comply with a requirement prescribed by law or regulation. The project selection criteria will be known shortly and will be the subject of analysis and a recommendation by the members of the Conseil consultatif de régie administrative to AMF management.

For Minister Séguin, “it is clear that the Fund represents a unique way of ensuring the development, vitality and expansion of Quebec’s financial sector. It also encourages the promotion of good management practices and intends to establish high standards of corporate governance”.

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Information:

Journalists only: Barbara Timmins (514) 940-2176
Issuers, dealers, advisers and representatives: (877) 525-0337, dial 9 for English, then dial 1 for industry
Investors: (877) 525-0337, dial 9 for English,then dial 2 for consumers