MONTREAL — Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) announced today that its Senior Vice President, Corporate and External Affairs, Daniel Gagnier (59) has been appointed the Chairman of the Board of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). IISD contributes to sustainable development by advancing policy recommendations on international trade and investment, economic policy, climate change, measurement and assessment, and natural resources management.

Upon accepting his appointment in Winnipeg on Friday, June 10, Mr. Gagnier said, "It is with great pride and humility that I accept this responsibility. IISD's mission is to champion innovation, enabling societies to live sustainably. For development to be sustainable it must integrate environmental stewardship, economic development and the well-being of all people—not just for today but for countless generations to come. This is the challenge facing governments, non-governmental organizations, private enterprises, communities and individuals. I believe this challenge is of the utmost importance and look forward to helping shape IISD's agenda in promoting sustainable development across the world."

Mr. Gagnier, who also recently assumed Alcan's global leadership role for sustainability initiatives, will chair IISD for three years. His mandate, in concert with his 20 fellow board members, is to engage decision-makers in government, business, NGOs and other sectors to develop and implement policies that are simultaneously beneficial to the global economy, the global environment and to social well-being.

"Dan brings to the IISD Board a wide range of experience in the area of business and sustainable development. Dan recognizes that business and sustainability go hand-in-hand," said David Runnalls, President and Chief Executive Officer of IISD. "We value his experience as a senior public servant at both the federal and provincial levels. Dan's knowledge of global sustainability issues will greatly enhance IISD's own work on the intersection of business, environment and social responsibility," he added.

Founded in 1990, IISD is a not-for-profit Winnipeg-based policy and research institute that promotes change towards sustainable development through its research and effective communication of its findings. IISD receives operating grant support from the Government of Canada, provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the International Development Research Centre and Environment Canada, and from the Province of Manitoba. The institute receives project funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, other national governments, United Nations agencies, foundations and the private sector. IISD is registered as a charitable organization in Canada and has 501(c)(3) status in the United States.

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.