TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Over $60,000 in prizes are up for grabs as Financial Post announced today that when the markets open on October 15, 2009 so too will Canada’s largest real-time stock market trading contest at fpstockchallenge.ca

The three-month long game, presented by Questrade and co-sponsored by Online Trading Academy and Alpha Group, allows players to trade and invest in stocks in real-time and get portfolio updates that mirror the beat of the market. The challenge is powered by stock market simulation software developed by Stock-Trak Group which also powers the popular American game, Wall Street Survivor.

“The Stock Market Challenge is particularly timely this year,” says Jeff Beck, the Chief Marketing Officer of Questrade. “More and more Canadians are taking control of their portfolios – or are seriously investigating opening a self-directed trading account. A simulated trading environment like the Challenge gives them a place to learn, to share ideas – and to test out new strategies. This is going to be an exciting three months.”

“The FP Stock Market Challenge is the perfect place to face-off against the markets. The best part is you can win big without any risk,” says Jonathan Harris, VP Digital Media, National Post. “Since our last game, we’ve introduced dozens of improvements and enhancements that are designed to make this Canada’s go-to online destination for stock novices and experts.”

Stock-Trak Group built the Financial Post Stock Market Challenge to appeal to all traders from novices to market savvy, experienced traders. “We are proud to celebrate the launch of yet another incredible stock market challenge with our partner, The National Post, and look forward to building on the great success and participation generated through last year’s contest,” said Mark Brookshire, President and Founder of Stock-Trak.

The Stock Market Challenge tracks players progress over the three-month period. At the end of the game the two top players will each receive a 52” Sony BRAVIA S-Series LCD HDTV; a Sony Blu-ray Disc™ Player, and a one-ounce gold bar, courtesy of Questrade Inc., the only Canadian online discount brokerage where you can buy, sell and hold real gold bullion. . Additional weekly, monthly, loyalty point prizes will be awarded.

Pre-registration began on October 1^st and the game runs until January 15th. The Financial Post Stock Market Challenge will be supported by an advertising campaign which includes print and online throughout the duration of the contest.

For complete rules and regulations and to register for the contest visit www.fpstockchallenge.com

About National Post

National Post is a subsidiary of Canwest Global Communications Corp. Canwest Global Communications Corp. (www.canwest.com) is Canada’s largest media company. In addition to owning the Global Television Network, operating 18 industry-leading specialty channels and having ownership in 5 specialty channels, Canwest is Canada’s largest publisher of English language paid daily newspapers and owns and operates more than 80 online properties.

About Questrade

Questrade Inc., headquartered in Toronto, provides Canadians with high-speed, direct access trading in the U.S. and Canadian stock and options markets as well as forex trading. Since its inception in 1999, the company has grown and diversified, and is currently ranked as Canada’s fastest-growing online brokerage. The company continues to demonstrate its competitive leadership with a combination of outstanding service, advanced technology and competitive pricing structures.

About Online Trading Academy

Since 1997, Online Trading Academy has been teaching its proven curriculum for online trading. Each course is presented by experienced, professional traders — teachers who are committed to the success of their students. Through individual skills assessment, hands-on live trading instruction and a framework for building a customized trading plan, every student gains invaluable knowledge and the confidence to succeed as an online trader.

About Alpha Group

Alpha Group was established in May, 2007 by nine of Canada's leading financial institutions with the aim of increasing the country's equity trading efficiencies and making the Canadian marketplace more globally competitive. Its ownership group consists of BMO Capital Markets, Canaccord Capital Corporation, CIBC World Markets, CPP Investment Board, Desjardins Securities Inc., National Bank Financial, RBC Capital Markets, Scotia Capital Inc. and TD Securities Inc.

About Stock-Trak Group, Inc.

Stock-Trak Group, Inc, in existence since 1990, is a leading global provider of web-based stock market simulation and training products. Stock-Trak Group has three office locations in Montreal, Quebec; Mississauga, Ontario and Atlanta, Georgia and is divided into two distinct business units. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Stock-Trak, Stock-Trak Group targets the academic and financial services markets with proprietary stock market simulation and training tools. Wall Street Survivor, part of Stock-Trak Group's consumer division, targets online investing, trading and game enthusiasts with a market leading web 2.0 investment-oriented educational simulation and contest web site while replicating the real world stock market experience without the risk. Our media division is a full service marketing firm that operates an advertising based network of outdoor multimedia L.E.D. display screens.

For further information or to arrange an interview:
For Financial Post
Canwest Publishing
Phyllise Gelfand, 416-442-2936
Director of Communications
pgelfand@canwest.com
or
For Questrade
Lynn Suderman, 416-227-9876 x371
Manager, Communications
lsuderman@questrade.com