Jacynthe Côté and Pierre Lavoie honoured by the Université du Québec à
Chicoutimi

JONQUIÈRE, QC, April 30 /CNW Telbec/ - Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) rector Michel Belley awarded honorary doctorate degrees to well-known personalities in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean at an event attended by Sylvie Beauchamp, president of l'Université du Québec and a number of other dignitaries. Jacynthe Côté, chief executive of Rio Tinto Alcan and Pierre Lavoie, accomplished athlete, courageous father and socially-engaged citizen were among the recipients.

"I am deeply moved by the distinction that you have bestowed upon me. Receiving this honour here, in this great region where I was born, grew up and began my career in the aluminium industry makes this moment even more special. I am very proud to receive this doctorate, and am also humbled, when I think about all of the people I have had the opportunity to know and who have influenced my life," declared Jacynthe Côté.

Pierre Lavoie said that he was surprised by the honour: "Today, I have received a major recognition, which I share first of all with my spouse, Lyne, who is always beside me and gives me unconditional support. Thanks to Lyne's encouragement, I can rise to the daily challenges and focus on our mission. An individual is receiving this honorary doctorate today, but an entire community deserves it. My thanks go out to the many people who support me everyday."

The ceremony was held at the UQAC sports complex and highlighted the work and determination of three individuals whose achievements have had a significant impact on the Quebec community.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.

For further information: Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations: Stefano Bertolli, [phone], [email protected]; Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean: Claudine Gagnon, [phone], [email protected]; www.riotintoalcan.com