National Bank of Canada: Notice of Intention Regarding the Exercise of Options

National Bank (TSX: NA) today announced that Patricia Curadeau-Grou, Executive Vice-President, Finance, Risk and Treasury has expressed her intention to exercise up to 30 000 options, as of December 21, 2007.

The announcement was made via a press release in keeping with practices under the National Bank's corporate governance rules, which stipulate that the President and Chief Executive Officer and all officers who are on the Bank's Office of the President are required to publicly disclose their intention to exercise stock options at least five business days in advance.

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 $113 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 16,863 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 .

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 Department 514-394-8644