Toronto ? April 19, 2005 – CNQ, Canada?s New Stock Exchange, today announced it is expanding its operations across Canada with the opening of its first branch office in Vancouver, B.C. The new office is located at 400 Burrard Street, Suite 1610.
In conjunction with the opening of the new office, CNQ has appointed Don Gordon, CFA, to the position of Senior Advisor. His responsibilities include developing relations with the BC based investment community, facilitating prospective listings and providing advice on all aspects of the listing process to meet CNQ?s listing requirements. Don has over 20 years of experience and expertise in corporate finance analysis, conducting due diligence reviews for regulatory purposes and investment assessment as well as business development, involving public and private companies. Don has maintained a private consulting business for the past five years, prior to which he spent 17 years in senior positions with the Vancouver Stock Exchange/CDNX in various departments including; Listings, Corporate Finance and Marketing. He is a founding director of the Canadian Listed Company Association and a past President of the Vancouver Society of Financial Analysts. He has also assisted several public companies to list on CNQ and is a director of CNQ listed Creation Casinos Inc.
Natasha Blackburn has been appointed Manager, Market Development. She recently relocated from Toronto to join Mr. Gordon in launching the Vancouver office. Natasha has filled various roles at CNQ since its inception but most recently held the position of Manager, Dealer Relations. She will continue to manage all dealer liaison and communication nationally while generating business and market development opportunities for CNQ in Vancouver. Prior to joining CNQ in July 2001, Natasha spent several years providing investor relations services to TSX and TSX-V listed companies.
Robert Cook, CEO, commented, ?CNQ has always recognized the dynamic Vancouver community of small-cap companies. We have seen a steady stream of BC based companies listing on CNQ and they currently represent approximately one third of the listed companies who have recognized the benefits of CNQ?s unique market. These companies have realized the significant cost and time savings associated with listing and subsequent financings undertaken on CNQ. We are pleased to respond to their desire for local representation with the launch of this new office.?
?As our issuer base grows nationwide, the Company will examine the business case for opening additional branch offices across Canada,? he added.
CNQ commenced operations in July 2003 and became recognized by the Ontario Securities Commission as a full-fledged stock exchange in May 2004. CNQ?s innovative market is designed to address the needs of emerging companies and their investors by providing a transparent, electronic trading system and enhanced company disclosure on www.cnq.ca. CNQ’s market model fosters liquidity through the unique combination of an auction market with a central order book and a competitive market making system which protects client priority. There are 44 companies listed, 18 investment dealers from across Canada with direct access to the market and more participating indirectly through correspondent arrangements. To find out more about CNQ please visit www.cnq.ca.
For Further Information Please Contact:
Robert Cook, President & CEO 416-572-2000 Ext. 2470 [email protected]
Natasha Blackburn, Manager, Market Development 604-331-1213 Ext. 119 [email protected]
Don Gordon, Senior Adviser 604-331-1213 Ext. 110