Alcan Working to Modernize Aluminium Smelter at Kitimat

Alcan Inc. and the District of Kitimat announced today that they met and had productive discussions about Kitimat's future through the modernization of Alcan's aluminum smelter in Kitimat. Both parties agreed to work together constructively to accelerate the realization of this project as announced on August 14, 2006.

"Alcan remains committed to seeing the modernization project through to completion. We are very pleased with the discussions that we had with many stakeholders in BC and particularly in the Northwest region. I am more confident than ever that we will be able to meet the critical conditions to launch this project soon. We are also encouraged with the constructive exchange we had with the Mayor and Council of Kitimat today" said Michel Jacques, President and CEO, Alcan Primary Metal Group. "I am very encouraged that we are meeting. The District prefers dialogue and is hopeful these discussions might produce greater economic security for our town and region. We are attending these meetings in good faith and good will without prejudice to any other options. We will always do what is best for Kitimat and this includes our friends at Alcan," said Richard Wozney, Mayor of Kitimat.