MONTREAL, May 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) is
proud to announce today that an employee at its primary metal smelter in Alma,
Quebec received one of Canada's highest civilian honours for his contribution
to the battle against a fatal hereditary disease known as lactic acidosis.
Canada's Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne
Clarkson awarded Pierre Lavoie the Meritorious Service Medal at a ceremony
yesterday in Ottawa, Canada.
    "Pierre is a credit to Alcan and on behalf of the entire Alcan family, I
would like to congratulate him on this great honour," said Travis Engen,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan Inc. "He demonstrates strength
of character and extraordinary commitment by using his athletic abilities and
talent as a communicator to advance the cause of lactic acidosis. He serves as
an example of courage and determination for all Alcan employees," he added.
    Lavoie was recognized for his work with the Pierre Lavoie Challenge, a
650-km bicycling tour over a 24-hour period, which he first organized in 1999
to raise research funds and awareness in the Saguenay--Lac-Saint-Jean region.
    Lavoie has not only heightened awareness of the disease, which claimed
the lives of two of his children at an early age, but has also raised
sufficient funds to allow renowned researchers to identify the gene associated
with the illness. The Pierre Lavoie Challenge and associated events have
raised some $500,000 to help finance research on this illness, which is
prevalent in the Saguenay region of Quebec, affecting one child in every 2,000
in that area.
    The Medal recognizes individuals for a well-performed deed or activity
that brings benefit or honour to Canada.

    Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in
aluminum and packaging, as well as aluminum recycling. 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 70,000 people and
has operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.

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