Who is the best financial communicator in Canada? Which CEO does the best job of keeping shareholders informed? You’ll find out on February 1, 2012, at the IR Magazine Canada Awards!

Today, however, we can tell you about the finalists, just announced by IR magazine.

Canada is home to one of the most active IR communities in the world, and with this commitment to shareholder communications comes a position as global leader. So, take a look at the companies selected as finalists, and you’ll find practices worth studying and adopting.

As you’ll see below, the return of some familiar faces demonstrates that, in Canada, IR requires a long-term commitment.

Some highlights from this year’s IR Magazine Canada Awards finalists include:

1. The big score. TD Bank Financial Group made the finals in nine categories this year—a wide margin. Particularly impressive is that it was selected in all the “big” categories for large capitalizations: grand prix, best investor relations officer, best IR by a CEO, and best IR by a CFO.

2. Concentrated leadership. Along with TD Bank, Goldcorp and CN are finalists in the large cap class for grand prix, best investor relations officer and best IR by a CEO. Both Goldcorp and CN made the cut in six categories overall. Bombardier and Canadian Natural Resources reached the finals in five categories.

3. New arrivals. Competition was fierce in the “best IR for an IPO” category. All four finalists—Dundee International REIT, Gibson Energy, Parallel Energy Trust, and GWR Global Water Resources—went public on the Toronto Stock Exchange this year.

4. Corporate citizenship. The “best practice of corporate social responsibility” category’s finalists are: Barrick Gold, TELUS, Canadian Natural Resources, and Suncor Energy.

5. Another year at the top? Many 2011 winners that are back in the finals for 2012: ARC Resources, Cascades, CN, Corus Entertainment, Enbridge, RBC, SNC-Lavalin, Suncor Energy, TD Bank Financial Group, and TELUS.

The finalists, and ultimately the winners, are identified through a rigorous, independent process. IR Insight, the research arm of IR magazine, surveyed and interviewed more than 250 Canadian analysts and portfolio managers.

Tom Johansmeyer is group marketing director of Cross Border, which publishes IR magazine, Corporate Secretary, and Inside IPO.