MontrÚal, February 21, 2000 – With the aim of helping to preserve the du Maurier Classic, one of four major tournaments on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour that it has sponsored since 1974, du Maurier Ltd. is turning to its former president, Jean-Paul Blais. With du Maurier likely to withdraw from its sponsorship as a result of federal government restrictions on tobacco-company sponsorships, it has, with LPGA approval, assigned Mr. Blais the mandate of soliciting new sponsors and overseeing a smooth transition of both the du Maurier Classic and the du Maurier Series. Mr. Blais will work with du Maurier in trying to find a suitable replacement as title sponsor for the Classic, which is the only Canadian stop on the LPGA Tour, and the Series, the Canadian women’s golf development program that du Maurier has created in 1990. “Over the past 26 years, du Maurier has worked with Canadian golfers and with the LPGA to make the Classic the wonderful event that it is today,” said du Maurier Chairman Don Brown. “Regretfully, we, in all likelihood, will be unable to continue under the legislative restrictions that come into force as of October 1, 2000. “However, we are committed to doing our utmost to try to find new sponsors for the Classic, as well as the Series, for 2001 and beyond. It is extremely important to preserve the future of the du Maurier Classic and its major tournament status because it would be a huge blow to women’s golf in Canada if this world-class event had to be cancelled for any reason. The same is true of the du Maurier Series, which, we believe, is an outstanding training ground for rising talent on the Canadian golf scene. “In our efforts to ease the transition, we are extremely pleased that a person of Jean-Paul’s stature and respect in the business community has taken up this formidable challenge,” said Brown. In pledging his support of the efforts to find new sponsorships, LPGA Commissioner Ty Votaw stated, “We obviously are pleased with this development and look forward to working with du Maurier and Jean-Paul Blais to facilitate the continuation of this major event.” A native of LÚvis, QuÚbec, Mr. Blais, who recently decided to pursue new endeavors, is currently working with du Maurier as a consultant following a distinguished career with the company. Mr. Blais is well connected with the firm’s sports and arts initiatives. “Having followed the growth of women’s golf in Canada over the years and witnessing the inroads made by the Classic and Series, I am eager to undertake the task at hand and I am optimistic that we will be able to announce some favorable news in the next few months,” said Mr. Blais. “Having followed the growth of women’s golf in Canada over the years and witnessing the inroads made by the Classic and Series, I am eager to undertake the task at hand and I am optimistic that we will be able to announce some favorable news in the next few months,” said Mr. Blais. In his sponsorship-seeking efforts, Mr. Blais will be supported by the entire du Maurier family, particularly Jocelyne Bourassa, executive director of the du Maurier Classic and du Maurier Series since 1980. “I have devoted the last 20 years of my life to this great championship and it is my firm intention to work to help ensure the success of this transition and maintain the development of this outstanding golf program for Canadian women golfers,” remarked Ms. Bourassa. The du Maurier Classic, which was first held in 1974, has become a rich part of Canada’s heritage, with du Maurier, the LPGA and an ever-growing group of Canadian golfers all playing significant roles in its growth and development. The du Maurier Classic has been one of four major tournaments on the LPGA Tour since 1979. A favorite tour stop for LPGA members, the site of the du Maurier Classic has moved around the country over the years, enabling Canadian golf fans from coast to coast to experience the excitement of a major championship. This year’s du Maurier Classic will be held at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club in Aylmer, QuÚbec, from August 7-13, with du Maurier contributing $1.2 million US in prize money. For further information: du Maurier Golf News Bureau http://www.dumaurierclassic2000.com Johanne LÚpine / Paul Vaillancourt Edelman Public Relations Worldwide Tel.: (514) 288-8290 E-mail: jlepine@edelman.qc.ca / paulv@edelman.qc.ca Cell: JL(514) 933-1319 PV(514) 996-6224