The Board of Directors of St. Lawrence Cement Group has approved a 12 per cent dividend increase.  Consequently, a dividend of $0.14 per share on the subordinate voting Class A shares, the Class B shares and the special shares will be paid on February 1, 2005 to shareholders of record on January 15, 2005, bringing the annual dividend to $0.56 per share compared to $0.50.  St. Lawrence Cement Group is a leading producer and supplier of products and services for the construction industry, namely cement, concrete, aggregates and construction. The Company operates in Canada and on the eastern seaboard of the United States, and employs a total of 2,900 people.