Alcan Supports Medical Trust Fund

August 5, 2005 for immediate release
Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) announced today that it would contribute CAN$500,000 over seven years to the University of Northern BC’s (UNBC) Northern Medical Programs Trust. This contribution is part of a cooperative strategy to recruit physicians by educating them in the north, to ease northern BC’s shortage of rural doctors.
“Alcan recognizes the importance of the quality of local health care and the Northern Medical Program is a significant, long term opportunity to train and keep physicians for northern communities,” said Cynthia Carroll, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan’s Primary Metal Group. “Alcan’s contribution is a step in the right direction, and we invite other companies in joining us in reaching the Medical Training Program’s goal of a CAN$6 million endowment,” she added.
Alcan’s contribution will help alleviate the financial pledges of 19 northern municipalities, from Prince Rupert to Prince George.
“The Northern Medical program was developed to respond to the critical need faced by northern communities for appropriate levels of physician care. That goal is shared by the industries in northern BC, which rely on healthy and prosperous communities,” said UNBC President Charles Jago. “We are delighted that Alcan shares our vision of what the Northern Medical Program can contribute to the North.”
UNBC was established in 1990 to be a university in the north and for the north. Since starting course offerings in 1992, the University has steadily expanded its degree programs. The student body now numbers nearly 4,000.
Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum and packaging. With world-class operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and specialty packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing, today’s Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs almost 70,000 people and has operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.