The Canadian Investor Relations Institute 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.

Peter Block Vice President National Public Relations

Peter Block is a corporate communications and investor relations specialist providing strategic counsel to senior management and Boards of Directors. He specializes in financial communications and issues management, having assisted clients in a range of activities from acquisitions to regulatory approvals. He worked on Xstrata's successful acquisition of Falconbridge and is currently engaged by a company as it proceeds through the regulatory process for a multi-billion dollar oil sands development, overseeing its community and stakeholder consultations, corporate reputation management and investor relations. He joined NATIONAL Public Relations in 2000 and spent five years in the firm's Toronto office working for a number of clients in the financial services and biotechnology sectors. In 2005, Peter transferred to the firm's Calgary office where he has been working for a number of clients in the energy industry. Prior to joining NATIONAL, he was responsible for corporate communications for a development-stage biotechnology company for a number of years. He also has five years public sector experience, having worked for the provincial Minister of Health and Minister of Economic Development and Trade for the Ontario government. He is a graduate of the University of Alberta.

In 1990, NIRI Canada was established as an advisory and support organization for the Canadian chapters of U.S. based NIRI (National Investor Relations Institute). In 1992, NIRI Canada was renamed the Canadian Investor Relations Institute, which is committed to furthering the recognition and development of investor relations in Canada. CIRI is autonomous from but maintains a close working relationship with NIRI.

CIRI is led by an elected Board of Directors of senior IR practitioners, supported by a staff of experienced professionals. The senior staff person, the President and CEO, serves as a continuing member of the Board. With the exception of the President and CEO, all Board members serve without compensation for two-year terms.

A number of committees, composed of volunteer members, report directly to the Board. These committees include, but are not limited to: Nominating; Audit; Membership; Issues; Newsline Editorial Board; Resource and Education; Human Resources.

CIRI Chapters are located in Toronto, Ontario (founded 1979), Montreal, Quebec (1991), Calgary, Alberta (1987) and Vancouver, British Columbia (2001). CIRI members based in these regions are strongly urged to join their local chapter.

CIRI is represented on the Board of Directors of the International Investor Relations Federation (IIRF), which represents 22 IR societies worldwide.