National Bank Launches its Bursary and Summer Employment Program for Students with Physical or Sensory Disabilities

MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (MARKET WIRE) -- January 09, 2007 -- National Bank (TSX: NA) has launched its annual Bursary and Summer Employment Program for university and CEGEP students with physical or sensory disabilities.

The program was established to provide financial support to students with physical or sensory disabilities while allowing them to continue their studies and obtain work experience related to their field of study.

For the 18th consecutive year, the Bank will award a $2,000 bursary and a paid 12-week summer job to two university students in Quebec, Ontario or New Brunswick, and a $1,000 bursary with a paid 10-week summer job to a CEGEP student in Quebec.

The program helps raise awareness among the Bank's employees about the realities of living with a disability and underscores the importance of diversity in the workplace. Every effort is made to ensure that no qualified person, regardless of his or her status, is denied employment opportunities.

Since its inception, the Bank's Bursary and Summer Employment Program has enabled 52 CEGEP and university students with physical or sensory disabilities to develop their skills.

Interested students are encouraged to apply before February 9, 2007 via National Bank's website at www.nbc.ca/bursaries or by filling out an application available from their CEGEP, university, or certain other specialized organizations.

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group which provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its clients elsewhere in the world. The National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including retail, corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. National Bank has more than $116 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 16,972 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca.

Information (The telephone number provided below is for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives.)

Contacts:
National Bank of Canada
Denis Dube
Senior Director - Public Relations
514-394-8644