New York, NY, December 1, 2011 – As part of an official visit to New York, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, Minister of State (Agriculture) and Member of Parliament for Mégantic-L'Érable, received an extraordinary welcome. As soon as Mr. Paradis left the plane, he was taken NASDAQ Headquarters, where he officially rang the stock market closing bell at exactly 4 p.m. Then, for a few minutes afterward, he was welcomed by NASDAQ on three screens in the Big Apple’s famous Times Square.

“This was an outstanding visit. I was able to meet with American investors, our staff at the Canadian Consulate in New York, and Quebec’s délégués to New York and Boston,” said Mr. Paradis.

“Everyone agreed that our management of Canada’s economy is an example to follow. The fact that our country has such a great international reputation surely encouraged NASDAQ to provide us with this wonderful historic invitation. Fortunately, at closing, the NASDAQ was up!" said Mr. Paradis with a smile.