Ricardo Pascoe to Speak at National Bank Financial Canadian Financial Services Conference

Market Wire, March, 2008

National Bank (TSX: NA)

Ricardo Pascoe, Co-president and Co-CEO of National Bank Financial, will speak on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at 1:45 p.m. EDT, at National Bank Financial Canadian Financial Services Conference in Montreal.

A webcast of Mr. Pascoe's live audio presentation will be accessible via the Investor Relations page of the National Bank web site at www.nbc.ca/investorrelations . The presentation slides will be available prior to the presentation at approximately 1:00 p.m. EDT on March 26. A replay will then be available for a 30 day period.

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 $120 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 16,856 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 .

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

Contacts: National Bank of Canada Helene Baril Senior Director, Investor Relations 514-394-0296 National Bank of Canada Marie-Claude Lavigne Senior Advisor, Public Relations Department 514-394-8644