The National Bank publishes its first public accountability statement on its commitment to the community

The National Bank today announced the publication of its public accountability statement on its commitment to the community for fiscal 2002. This document, a first for the National Bank, presents concrete examples of its contribution to the development and well-being of the communities it serves. The public accountability statement is entitled the 2002 Social Responsibility Report and is available in its entirety on the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca/socialresponsibility.

"Support for education, health, the arts, youth, the elderly, the disadvantaged, access to credit, advisory services for individuals as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, the creation of new products and services in response to the needs of the different client groups, environmental responsibility – these are all initiatives that are evidence of the importance we have always assigned to listening and being responsive to the various communities where we are present," stated Réal Raymond, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank.

In 2002, the National Bank donated some $10 million to foundations and community organizations through its donation and sponsorship programs, fundraising campaigns in branches and philanthropic activities organized by its employees and subsidiaries across Canada.

In addition to being available on the website, the public accountability statement can also be obtained, in English and in French, at all National Bank branches or by calling its TelNat customer service centre at 1-888-4TELNAT.

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. The National Bank has assets of about $75 billion and, together with its subsidiaries, employs over 17,000 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA:TSX). For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca.

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Information (the following telephone number and e-mail address are intended solely for the use of journalists and other media representatives):

Denis Dubé
Director of Public Relations
National Bank of Canada
Tel.: (514) 394-8644
E-mail: denis.dube@bnc.ca