Canadian Information Productivity Awards announces finalists for 2003:

IT Innovation across Canadian business is apparent

	For More Information: Contact: norm.kirkpatrick@C.I.P.A..com (905) 695-6590

Toronto; July 28, 2003: Canadian Information Productivity Awards (C.I.P.A.), Canada's premier IT awards program, announces today it has selected its 2003 finalists after receiving a record number of entries, a 30 per cent increase over last year. The C.I.P.A. National Judging Panel will determine the winners across categories such as customer care, supplier solutions, efficiency and operations, and organization transformation. The winners of the 12 contested awards will be revealed November 18, 2003 at the C.I.P.A. Gala celebrating the ability of Canadians and Canadian organizations to change, adapt, innovate and compete.

C.I.P.A., in its 11th year, recognizes innovation in information technology in small and large Canadian organizations, in both the private and public sectors.

"The number of entries received by C.I.P.A. was overwhelming," said Norm Kirkpatrick, President, C.I.P.A.. "From the entries, the judges had no easy task in determining the finalists. I am impressed with the quality and quantity of truly remarkable examples of how IT has enabled so many different Canadian organizations to achieve results that have strengthened Canadian business."

The C.I.P.A. National Judging Panel is a diverse, volunteer panel comprised of business leaders, academics and government officials from across Canada. The panel has determined the finalists based on measurable productivity gains through the innovative adoption of information technology.

"When evaluating the entries to determine finalists, the judging panel was looking for long term, quantitative and qualitative examples of time or cost savings and improved organizational effectiveness resulting from the innovative use of IT. For profit organizations, the judges also considered the impact the technology project has had on sales numbers or revenue gains," explained Paul Nelson, Chair of C.I.P.A. National Judging Panel. "Finalists have not only demonstrated measurable returns to stakeholders, but have also contributed to strengthening the economic fabric of Canada."

On November 18, 2003, the C.I.P.A. Gala will be held in Toronto with this year's C.I.P.A. award winners being unveiled for the very first time before a prestigious audience of Canadian leaders from government, academia and industry, high tech innovators, industry stakeholders and journalists. Norm Kirkpatrick added, "What better way to honour the very best in Canadian IT innovation than sharing the antiC.I.P.A.tion and excitement at a celebration gala with friends and colleagues."

For more information on C.I.P.A. finalists, including a summary of each finalist's entry, gala information and tickets to the event, visit www.C.I.P.A..com.

About C.I.P.A.

The Canadian Information Productivity Awards (C.I.P.A.) is a celebration of IT and innovation implementation excellence in all types of organizations across the country. A C.I.P.A. award constitutes the highest form of recognition for the capabilities of an organization and its executives. C.I.P.A. is entering its 11th year of operation and is one of the largest business awards programs in Canada. C.I.P.A. is the premier showcase for Canadian IT and innovation. The C.I.P.A. mission is to find visionary organizations that have developed innovative results-based technology solutions in the areas of supplier solutions, efficiency and operational developments, customer care, and organization transformation. C.I.P.A. applications are accepted from across the country through its alliance with OCTAS Awards managed by the Federation de l'informatique de Quebec and its collaboration with ITAC (Information Technology Association of Canada, CIPS (Canadian Information Processing Society, CATA (Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance and CME (Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters).

For interviews with Norm Kirkpatrick, http://www.C.I.P.A..com/featured_solutions/index.html