CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA – The Westaim Corporation announced today the appointment of Barry M. Heck as President & CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Heck has served as Westaim Senior Vice President since 1996. In June 2002, he was appointed President of Westaim’s iFire Technology division. Prior to joining Westaim, Mr. Heck was Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Viridian Inc., an international manufacturer and distributor of fertilizer products, and from 1985 to 1996 he was a Partner with Bryan & Company, Barristers & Solicitors.

“Barry Heck has demonstrated effective leadership both at Westaim and as President of iFire. He is a seasoned and skilled business negotiator who has been instrumental in reaching partnership agreements for both iFire and NUCRYST,” said Ian W. Delaney, Chairman of Westaim. “We are excited about the progress of iFire and NUCRYST as they continue to develop and grow.”

Mr. Heck replaces Kevin J. Jenkins who has left Westaim, effective immediately. The Board of Directors thanks Kevin Jenkins for his many years of service.

The Westaim Corporation’s technology investments include: NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals, which researches, develops and commercializes medical devices and pharmaceutical products based on its nanocrystalline silver technology; and iFire Technology, which has developed a revolutionary low-cost flat panel display. Westaim's common shares are listed on Nasdaq under the symbol WEDX and on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol WED.

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For more information contact:
Tony Johnston, Senior Vice President
The Westaim Corporation
(403) 234-3103
info@westaim.com
www.westaim.com

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties and the Company can give no assurance that these expectations are correct. Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements, including financial considerations and those predicting the timing and market acceptance of future products. The Company disclaims any intention or obligations to revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this Cautionary Statement.