National Bank President and Chief Executive Officer to Speak at Merrill Lynch Canadian Banks' CEO Conference 2003

Réal Raymond, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank of Canada will speak on Wednesday, January 22, 2003, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm, at the Merrill Lynch Canadian Banks' CEO Conference 2003. Following his presentation, Mr. Raymond is scheduled to participate at 3:30 pm in a panel discussion with two senior executives from other Canadian banks.

A webcast of Mr. Raymond's live audio presentation and the panel discussion will be accessible via the Investor Relations page of the National Bank web site at www.nbc.ca/investorrelations under the heading Investor Presentation. The presentation slides will be available for viewing and downloading prior to the presentation at approximately 2:00 pm on January 22nd.

A replay will not be available.

Source:
Elaine Carr, Director, Investor Relations,
(514) 394-0296,
elaine.carr@bnc.ca