J.D. Irving, Limited Congratulates the First Graduate from Atlantic Canada's
First Chartered Accountant Training Office

SAINT JOHN, Jan. 22 /CNW/ - J.D. Irving, Limited congratulates Melanie Chard for being the first person in Atlantic Canada to pass the Uniform Evaluation (UFE) in the Chartered Accountant Training Program for Industry. The UFE is the last academic hurdle in becoming a Chartered Accountant. Melanie joined J.D. Irving, Limited in June 2008 entering the Chartered Accountant Training Program after graduating from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree. Melanie will complete her training in November 2010 .

J. D. Irving, Limited is the first company in Atlantic Canada to qualify as a workplace for CA students to complete their training and achieve their Chartered Accountant designation. In the past, the 30 month work-term took place within a public practice chartered accountancy firm. Jack Blackier, FCA, Executive Director of the New Brunswick Institute of Chartered Accountants was impressed with the opportunities available for students when JDI first proposed its Chartered Accountant Training Program. "The company - with the full support of its leadership - has developed a robust 30 month training and evaluation program that encompasses a wide variety of opportunities and exposure to various competencies. The JDI proposal reflects ambitious and thorough training that exceeds the minimum requirements expected of any corporate employer anywhere in Canada ." Blackier said.

"Congratulations to Melanie on being the first person to pass the UFE in the CA Training Program for Industry in Atlantic Canada ," said Jim Irving , President of J.D. Irving, Limited. "Our company's team of professional CAs is solidly behind this program. They are focused on providing a diverse and outstanding learning experience for the next generation of Chartered Accountants." said Irving.

There are currently 6 employees in the Chartered Accountant Training Program at JDI.

For further information: Photo available - Contact: Geoff Britt, Communications Officer J.D. Irving, Limited, [phone]