MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - July 10, 2012) - National Bank (TSX:NA) is delighted to take part in the festivities marking the 30^th edition of the Just For Laughs Festival by presenting two items on the festival's 2012 programme: the ThéâtreJuste pour rire tour and three series of English-language shows: the National Bank Club Series, National Bank Special Event Series and National Bank Comicpro Series.

"National Bank is proud to join in the celebration of Just for Laugh's 30^th anniversary. For three decades now, the Festival has been expanding on its core programming to reach an even larger audience. Similarly, National Bank's participation this year is also multi-faceted, involving both the English- and French-language programmes of the Festival. As a partner, we are pleased to support the skill and comedic talent of theatre professionals and street artists alike. This is yet another way for us to contribute to arts and culture in Quebec," said Karen Leggett, Executive Vice-President - Marketing, National Bank.

Between July 10 and 28, the Bank will be presenting three series of shows in Montreal showcasing the most popular English-speaking comedians from Canada and the United States. National Bank will also be partnering for a third time with the Théâtre Juste pour rire to put on "Double Vie," the French-language version of a play by British playwright Ray Cooney. The play, which has been performed around the world, has been adapted and staged for a local audience by Normand Chouinard. The Quebec version is playing at the Théâtre Juste pour rire in Bromont this July and August, and at 17 other venues across the province until December.

In addition, the Bank will be presenting the Street Arts portion of the Festival, which features performers and artists taking to the streets between July 14 and 28. Festival-goers can stop by the National Bank hub for a chance to win instant prizes by playing an interactive game with a giant cell phone or their own smartphone.

Every year, through its donations and sponsorships program and the initiatives of its employees, National Bank helps 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 benefits for communities. To find out more about National Bank's involvement in the community, consult its Social Responsibility Report at [ www.nbc.ca/socialresponsibility ].

About National Bank of Canada

With $176 billion in assets as at April 30, 2012, National Bank of Canada ([ www.nbc.ca ]), together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups, and was named among the five strongest banks in the world by Bloomberg Markets. The Bank has close to 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:NA). Follow the Bank's activities via social media and learn more about its extensive community involvement at [ www.clearfacts.ca ] and [ www.commitment.nationalbank.ca ].

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