IPSCO Responds to National Disaster

Company and Employees Open Their Hearts

Lisle, Illinois, 24 September 2001, IPSCO (NYSE/TSE:IPS) today praised its employees for the overwhelming support they are expressing in response to the terrorist attacks in the United States. "The incomprehensible attacks striking New York, Washington and Pittsburgh have affected each and everyone of us, regardless of which country our employees live in," said Roger Phillips, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The company, which operates steel and pipemaking facilities in both the U.S. and Canada, says all eleven had flown their flags at half mast and many employees have begun flying American flags at their homes to personally express their solidarity in a time of unprecedented devastation. 

Throughout the company, candlelight vigils and moments of silence have been coordinated for employees to reflect on the devastating toll the airplane bombings have had on human life; hundreds of employees have taken the time to donate blood in both Canada and the U.S.; a number of employees have made financial contributions to the American Red Cross and other organizations coordinating assistance; individuals have been arriving at work wearing red, white and blue clothes, as well as donning ribbons with the American colors; in Canada, employees painted American and Canadian flags on a walkway to express support of their U.S. colleagues. 

"While it is sometimes a tragedy that reinforces the allegiance between two countries, I commend IPSCO's employees for their efforts in responding to this disaster in any way they can," said Phillips. "The outpouring of support expressed is poignant and collectively expresses our deepest sympathy to all those affected by these tragic events." IPSCO has nearly 1,100 employees in the U.S. at its facilities located in St. Paul, Minnesota; Geneva, Nebraska; Camanche and Montpelier, Iowa; Blytheville, Arkansas; Houston, Texas; Mobile, Alabama; and Lisle, Illinois and over 1,300 employees in Canada at facilities in Regina, Saskatchewan; Calgary and Red Deer, Alberta, Surrey, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario.

While no IPSCO employees were injured during the disaster, IPSCO recognizes that no one is unaffected by these violent acts. For this reason, the company has also provided (US) $20,000 to the American Red Cross to support its NY/DC Explosion Relief Effort and help respond to the needs of those directly or indirectly affected by this emergency. In addition, IPSCO has established a policy whereby it will supplement for a period of six months the military income received by IPSCO reservists who are called to active duty to the level of their base pay received from IPSCO. This has been done to ensure that those employees who are prepared to defend their country are not penalized monetarily. 

Company Contact:
Anne Parker
Vice President
Tel. 630-810-4790
Release 01-33





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