National Bank congratulates the 30 Virginie bursary winners

National Bank is proud to have awarded individual $20,000 bursaries to 30 students or future students under the 2003-2004 Virginie Bursary Program.

National Bank believes that education is one of the keys to personal growth and competencies development, which is why it encourages young people and adults alike to pursue or resume their education.   The Virginie Bursary Program ties in perfectly with the Bank's values.

The contest ran during the broadcast of the Virginie television series every Friday from September 1, 2003 to April 15, 2004.  It was sponsored by National Bank, Radio-Canada, the Fédération des producteurs de lait du Québec, the Journal de Montréal, the Journal de Québec and Aetios Productions.  Random draws were made to award a scholarship every week, for 30 weeks.  To enter the contest, participants had to complete an entry form, available in the Journal de Montréal and the Journal de Québec, answer the question of the week given during the broadcast of Virginie, and write a short essay on the course of studies they wished to pursue and how they would use the $20,000 bursary.

2003-2004 Virginie bursary winners

About the 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 close to $84 billion and, together with its subsidiaries, employs close to 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.

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

Denis Dubé
Manager, Public Relations Department
National Bank of Canada
Tel.: (514) 394-8644