SASKATCHEWAN AND IPSCO RENEW ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENT

Released on March 25, 2004

Saskatchewan Environment Minister David Forbes and IPSCO Saskatchewan President Peter MacPhail have renewed an environmental agreement designed to foster co-operation between the province and IPSCO on a broad range of environmental issues including regulatory compliance, environmental management and protection, and pollution prevention.

A key element of the partnership is a joint working committee that meets regularly and encourages free and open discussion on topics related to environmental management. It provides a forum where mutual environmental issues can be addressed in a timely and responsible manner.

"This agreement is a good example of the government and industry working together to facilitate a continued open and collaborative relationship and I am pleased that it is being renewed," Forbes said. "It recognizes that co-operative decision making is essential to good environmental management and the achievement of sustainable development."

A five-year agreement, which was first signed in 1998, expired last year.

"IPSCO has proven itself as an industry leader, which can assure customers the best quality product while maintaining stringent environmental and quality standards," MacPhail said. "We were the first multi-site steel manufacturing company in Canada to successfully achieve ISO 1400l certification of our environmental management system. This important accreditation affirms our commitment to due diligence and effective environmental management."

Saskatchewan Environment has environmental partnership agreements with several sectors and industries in the province.

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For More Information, Contact:

Victor Chang Environment Regina Phone: (306)787-6185

Kelly Brossart IPSCO Regina Phone: (306)924-7475