MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwire) -- 09/15/09 -- For the 4th consecutive year, National Bank Financial Group (TSX: NA) is proud to honour a Quebec musical writer and composer with the 2009 Gilles Vigneault Award, one of the awards given by the Fondation SPACQ (Societe professionnelle des auteurs et des compositeurs du Quebec). This year, Fred Pellerin is the recipient of the Gilles Vigneault Award and a bursary of $10,000 from the Financial Group for the body of his work.

In addition to financial support, the program puts the talents of Quebec artists in the spotlight. "Seeing the talent and energy of established and up-and-coming artists leaves no doubt as to the staying power of Quebec music. Its melodies and lyrics will continue to be a source of pride for the entire community," stated Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Bank Financial Group, at the awards gala which brought together songwriters, composers and members of the media.

In 2008, through its donations and sponsorship program and the initiatives of its employees, National Bank Financial Group helped support hundreds of organizations across Canada. It focuses primarily on four main areas of activity - health, education, arts and culture, and community outreach - with the goal of generating positive spinoffs for communities.

More information on the many causes and projects the Financial Group supports as part of its commitment to the communities it serves can be found in our Social Responsibility Report, available at www.nbc.ca/socialresponsibility

A photo is available by contacting the undersigned.

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2009, is an integrated group that 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. 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 close to $135 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 17,772 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.

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