Invitation to attend the Annual Meeting of National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada is pleased to invite representatives of the media to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2003, at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal, 201 Viger West, Salon Panoramique (Room 710), on the 7th floor. The meeting will start at 9:30 a.m.

Interested journalists should note that, as in previous years, use of photographic, recording or television equipment will not be allowed, except in the five minutes before the meeting begins.

Room 514-A on the 5th floor will be set up for journalists, particularly for those from the electronic media. Audio and video signals of all the proceedings will be available on-line. Television journalists should bring the equipment needed to record a 75 ohm signal as well as cables complying with BNC standards.

After the meeting, members of the Bank's senior management will meet with the media in Room 514-B.

Out-of-town media

For media representatives outside Montreal, the press conference will be interactive and accessible via conference call. Simultaneous translation will be available. A media advisory will be released on CCN Matthews 15 minutes before the press conference begins.

Access via telephone for English-speaking journalists : 1-877-711-5151
Access via telephone for French-speaking journalists : 1-877-783-7570

The Annual Meeting will be broadcast live on the Internet at www.nbc.ca/investorrelations under the heading "Events", and the archived version of the broadcast will be available starting March 13, 2003 at the same address.

DATE BOOK

WHAT :    Annual Meeting
WHO :     National Bank of Canada
WHEN :   Wednesday, March, 12, 2003, at 9h30 a.m.
WHERE :  Palais des Congrès de Montréal, 201 Viger West

             Journalists and electronic media: Room 514-A
             Media briefing: Room 514-B

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