OMS named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies

Desjardins Healthcare Group Named One of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies

2008 winners flourish in adversity

Ottawa, ON – February 2, 2009 – Desjardins Healthcare Group (DHG) is proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for 2008.

This prestigious national award, sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking, National Post, and Queen’s School of Business, recognizes excellence in Canadian owned and managed companies. The Desjardins Healthcare Group (DHG) was selected as one of the Best Managed from thousands of applications from companies across Canada.

“Over the past 16 years, Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies program has recognized the most innovative and Best Managed Companies in Canada. We are delighted to celebrate the accomplishments of Desjardins Healthcare Group,” said John Hughes, Partner, Private Company Services group with Deloitte, a national sponsor of the Best Managed program.

Established in 1993, the Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies is a national awards program, recognizing Canadian companies that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways.  Applications are reviewed by an independent judging panel that evaluates how companies address various business challenges, including new technologies, globalization, brand management, leadership, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems, and hiring the right talent to facilitate growth.

“We are very proud to be recognized with such a prestigious award and to be counted amongst the 50 best managed companies. This award validates the collective effort and commitment made by our team in focusing on productivity, innovation and excellent customer service,” says Jean Desjardins, Managing Partner of the Desjardins Healthcare Group.

“In an environment where client hospital admissions is becoming shorter and shorter and therefore increasing the complexity of healthcare services provided in the community, Desjardins Healthcare Group has grown to be an industry and community leader in providing unequalled healthcare services, adds Desjardins. Our success can be attributed to our business approach of supporting healthcare professionals, agencies and institutions in helping them meet their clients’ healthcare needs.”

The 2008 winners of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies will be honoured at a gala and symposium in Toronto on February 9, 2009.