Largest investment in company’s history will increase company’s competitive position and create 30 jobs

Pictou, Nova Scotia (April 18, 2006) – Advocate Printing & Publishing, Atlantic Canada’s largest independent printer, today announced a $10 million investment to the printing operation in Pictou, Nova Scotia, the largest single investment in the company’s 115-year history. The multi-million dollar press is part of Advocate’s long-term business strategy to expand its capabilities and enhance the quality of its products and service to its clients.

The company’s purchase of a Goss heatset M600 commercial printing press, a state of the art press by the global leader in offset printing solutions, will increase the company’s capacity by 300 percent.

“This new press is as much of a milestone as when Advocate founder John MacDonald purchased the first lead type press in 1891,” said Sean Murray, CEO. “This investment means that Advocate’s Pictou plant will be the most modern and advanced heatset printing facility in eastern Canada and allows us to expand our business in the Maritimes but also right across the country and into the US.”

When fully operational, the new technology will create 30 new skilled jobs in its Pictou location.

“As a long-standing anchor business for Pictou County, this company continues to provide leadership for other organizations in our region,” said Jim McConnell, chair of the Pictou County Regional Development Corporation. “We are very proud of Advocate’s growth, commitment to our County, and their example of a company doing business here and competing in a global market. The increase in employment opportunities to Pictou County is very important as we continue to build a strong, diversified workforce with unique skills. ”

Advocate combines experienced workmanship with modern technology to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers. This investment is part of an expansion strategy that included significant investment in wide format printing and signage in 2005. The new press will offer commercial customers increased options, efficiencies, and a greater diversity of production configurations for high-end print products.

“This new press is very important to Atlantic Canada's publishing industry,” said Neville Gilfoy, president of Progress Corp which publications include Progress, Progrès, Nova Scotia OPEN TO THE WORLD, Book of Lists, Progress Research & Discovery and Halifax Magazine. “Progress Corp publishes almost 1,000,000 copies of its magazines each year and Advocate's new technologies and efficiencies will make us more competitive and will give us the tools to provide better solutions to our clients. It is very gratifying to see Advocate make this kind of commitment to their community, this region and their customers,” Gilfoy added.

Advocate continues to respond to clients’ needs and offer new levels of service with the purchase of the Goss heatset M600 commercial printing press, which is in addition to Atlantic Canada’s biggest wide format printing purchased in 2006.

“As another proud family owned business in Atlantic Canada; we consider the unequalled quality controls and service standards of the Advocate Group of companies as the critical component of our success,” said Linda Gourlay, Co-Publisher Saltscapes and Eastern Woods & Waters magazines. “This exciting and timely announcement is extremely meaningful in enhancing the world class standards required for award winning regional magazines in North America like ours. Thanks to the Advocate’s investment in Atlantic Canada we will now have a competitive advantage second to none.”

The press, being fabricated in France, will be delivered to Pictou in August 2006.

“The M600 will give us a competitive edge in the marketplace,” said Mr. Murray, “but it is also a great investment for our clients, our employees, our suppliers and our community.”

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About Advocate Printing & Publishing

Advocate Printing & Publishing, the largest independent printer in Atlantic Canada, was founded in 1891. Headquartered in Pictou, Nova Scotia, with locations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the company services the Atlantic Provinces, the eastern seaboard and across Canada. The company’s clients include Sobeys, Progress Magazine, Saltscapes Magazine, GNC, Stanfield’s, Clearwater and Pharmachoice.

In addition to the Pictou location, Advocate Printing & Publishing operates Maritime Press in Moncton, New Brunswick and St. Croix Printing and Publishing in St. Stephen, New Brunswick as well as, eight other publishing and print sales offices, seven newspapers and 14 community and trade magazines, a flyer distribution company and a pub in downtown Pictou. The printing business includes production of national flyers, magazines, print collateral such as brochures and business cards, and promotional materials such as hockey pucks and banners. For more information visit www.advocateprinting.com.