Union members ratify new contract at Kitimat

Alcan Inc. said yesterday that 1,300 workers at its aluminum smelter in Kitimat, B.C., have ratified a new labour contract that was a key condition of a proposed $1.8 billion expansion plan.

Canadian Auto Workers union members voted 61 per cent in favour of the pact, which runs to 2012. Alcan still needs environmental permits, and a deal to sell surplus power to B.C. Hydro.