10 Apr 2001 Curtailment in Canada Norske Skog Canada, where Norske Skog has a 50.8 % ownership, announced yesterday production curtailments of around 20,000 tonnes of newsprint. The announcement from Norske Skog Canada follows below. News Release from Norske Skog Canada: April 9, 2001 Norske Skog Canada cuts paper production to balance supply with weaker market demand Vancouver, BC: Norske Skog Canada announced today that it is planning to curtail newsprint production by 22,000 tonnes to address weaker demand in the company's export markets. The downtime will be taken over an estimated nine day period during May and June and will be equally split between the company’s Elk Falls and Crofton mills. The company said the curtailment is primarily the result of reduced newsprint consumption by customers in Asia and South America. Orders from North American customers have held up well through the first quarter, but some softness is anticipated as the U.S. economy weakens. Demand for directory and specialty grades of paper remains strong. Russ Horner, Norske Skog Canada’s president and CEO said the company was taking proactive curtailment to match output to demand in key markets. “Our paper inventory levels are currently at historically low levels, and we intend to maintain them in that range during this period of weaker demand,” Horner said. He said the company’s integrated pulp operations will also be impacted by the curtailment plan which will result in further reduced market pulp production of 4000-5000 tonnes bringing total pulp curtailment for the second quarter to 29,000 tonnes. For further information: Stuart Clugston Vice-President, Corporate Affairs 604-654-4463