http://www.ottawabusinessjournal.com/287516613648209.php

Thu, Nov 16, 2006 3:00 PM EST

Alcatel's Ottawa operations could be among the hardest hit by the company's plan to streamline operations as part of its acquisition of Lucent Technologies.
Speaking from an investor conference in Spain, CFO Jean-Pascal Beaufret said the two companies already know exactly where jobs will be cut as part of the integration plan, but did not provide specific details.

However, the company did say plans to cut 9,000 of its employees will hit operations in North America and western Europe the hardest.

"Most of the 9,000 people will be terminated in high wage countries, in North America and western Europe," Mr. Beaufret was quoted by Reuters.

"Close to 90 per cent of headcount (reductions) will be done in western Europe and North America," he added. Alcatel has about 1,800 people employed in Kanata and about 2,800 across the country in total.