CANADIAN BUSINESS LEADERS ISSUE CALL TO ACTION TO PRIME MINISTER IN ADVANCE OF MONTREAL CONFERENCE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

"GREATER INTEGRATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY NEEDED IN POST-2012 REGIME"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Canada - November 17, 2005 - Corporate leaders, representing a broad cross-section of the Canadian economy, today released a call to action on climate change and energy in advance of the November 28 - December 9, 2005 United Nations Climate Change Conference: Montreal 2005.

The Executive Forum on Climate Change October 7, 2005, was asked by Prime Minister Paul Martin to provide the Government of Canada advice on how to move forward in the international climate negotiations and in Canada.

"Through our collective actions, Canadian business is demonstrating that it is possible to foster a climate for change while maintaining competitive excellence, growth, and profitability. All governments and citizens, corporations and consumers have a responsibility to actively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to develop long-term mechanisms to minimize the global impacts of climate change," said Travis Engen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan Inc., on behalf of Executive Forum signatories.

The advice, submitted to the PM November 16 (available at www.climateforchange.ca) urges a sustainable development strategy to 2050, with clear markers along the way, to assure strong economic growth, allow the discovery of long-term value for carbon emission reductions and address the need for adaptation in the face of climate change.

• Launching a process and work plan that would support development by 2008-2009 of a climate friendly post Kyoto (after 2012) regime that includes both developed and developing countries.
• Sending a clear political signal that the post-2012 regime will target development and deployment of low-carbon technology and will continue to develop market- based-instruments including the Kyoto mechanisms.
• Improving the operation of the Clean Development Mechanism.
• Agreeing to an adaptation package to invest in hazard information, risk assessment and warning systems and best practices in resilient infrastructure and buildings.

• Develop, respecting provincial/territorial jurisdiction and the need to maintain a competitive national economy, a long-term energy strategy that positions Canada at the vanguard of new transformative energy technology.
• On an urgent basis, target strategic investments and incentives in world-class carbon dioxide capture, transport and storage and low-impact renewable energy, including green power, green heat and advanced bio-fuels.
• Develop a climate extremes strategy that encourages investment in public infrastructure, homes and buildings so they are more resilient to severe weather.
• Engage consumers as they have a vital role in addressing climate change.

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Executive Forum Statement signatories:

Travis Engen, President & CEO, Alcan Inc.
Bob Elton, President & CEO, BC Hydro
Mr. Laurent Beaudoin, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc.
Russell Horner, President & CEO, Catalyst Paper Corporation
John Murray, President, CH2M HILL
Alban D'Amours, President & CEO, Desjardins Group
Doug Muzyka, President & CEO, E.I. Dupont Canada Inc.
Derek Pannell, President & CEO, Falconbridge Limited
Annette Verschuren, President , The Home Depot Canada
John R. Wells, President & CEO, Interface Americas
Brian Foody, President & CEO, Iogen Corporation
Jack Cogen, President & CEO, Natsource Asset Management
André Desmarais, President & Co-CEO, Power Corporation
Clive Mather, President & CEO, Shell Canada
Frank Dottori, President & CEO, Tembec Inc.
George Cooke, President & CEO, The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company
David Wilmot, Chair, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction
Gregg Hanson, President & CEO, The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company