CIRI Announces Certification Program for Investor Relations Professionals

TORONTO, June 30 /CNW/ - The Canadian Investor Relations Institute (CIRI) continues to increase the stature of the investor relations profession by offering a certification program.

CIRI's mandate is to contribute to the transparency and integrity of the Canadian capital market by advancing the practice of investor relations, the professional competency of its members, and the stature of the profession. Recognizing that there is a need for formal education in the field of investor relations, CIRI is developing a program that will cover all relevant areas of this multi-disciplinary role including capital markets, corporate governance, securities law, finance and communications.

"Currently, there is no investor relations program available in Canada. Given the multi-functional nature of the role and the increased scrutiny investors are placing on publically-traded companies and investor relations professionals, we feel it is important to offer such a program," said Tom Enright, President and CEO of CIRI.

"With this initiative, CIRI is once again showing great leadership in our profession. Clearly defining the widely varied knowledge and skills required by the successful investor relations officer will help to create greater awareness of the important role that we play in the capital markets," said David Carey, Chair, CIRI Board of Directors and Senior Vice President Capital Markets of ARC Energy Trust.

CIRI has partnered with the Richard Ivey School of Business, Canada's top ranking business school, to offer this 10-month program that will be delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face classes. Once individuals have successfully completed the program, they will write an examination offered through CIRI to become a certified investor relations professional. The first program will commence in September 2011.

"Ivey's mandate is to develop business leaders who think globally, act strategically and contribute to the societies in which they operate. Partnering with CIRI on this important program is an opportunity for Ivey to work alongside a dynamic group of participants who play a crucial role in the success of their organizations. The rigor of the program means that the CIRI certification will be both valued by individuals and organizations across Canada," said Gavin Brown, Executive Director, Executive Development Richard Ivey School of Business.

About CIRI

CIRI is a professional, not-for-profit association of executives responsible for communication between public corporations, investors and the financial community. CIRI is dedicated to advancing the stature and credibility of the investor relations profession and the competency of its members thereby contributing to the transparency and integrity of the Canadian capital market. With 600 members, CIRI is the world's second largest society of investor relations professionals. For further information, please visit ciri.org.

For further information: Yvette Lokker, Director, Communications & Professional Development, CIRI, [phone], [email protected]