Natcan Investment Management Announces Second Issuance of The Natcan QSSP II Investment Fund, Series 2009

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, May 25 (MARKET WIRE) --
Natcan Investment Management inc., a subsidiary of National Bank
Financial Group (TSX: NA), has announced the second issuance of Category
A Shares, Series 2009 of The Natcan QSSP II Investment Fund Inc. (the
"Fund"), formerly known as Le Fonds d'Investissement Actions-Croissance
PME Inc.

Following the changes to the SME Growth Stock Plan (the "SME Plan")
announced in the Quebec budget on March 19, Natcan Investment Management
now offers an instrument that combines the benefits of diversification
and professional management and the advantages of the new Stock Savings
Plan (the "QSSP II Plan"): The Natcan QSSP II Investment Fund Inc.

The Fund's investment objectives are to provide medium- and long-term
capital appreciation and to entitle subscribers of Category A Shares,
Series 2009 of the Fund to claim a deduction under the QSSP II Plan for
income tax purposes for the 2009 tax year. The Fund will therefore invest
the proceeds of its issuance of Category A Shares, Series 2009 primarily
in Quebec-based companies whose securities qualify for the QSSP II Plan.

This new provincial plan offers businesses improved access to capital,
while providing investors with numerous advantages, such as:

- The tax deductions have been increased from 100% to 150% of the
adjusted cost of qualifying shares or securities acquired from March 20,
2009 to December 31, 2010;

- The minimum period for which qualifying shares or securities must be
held has been reduced from three calendar years after the end of the year
shares were acquired (i.e., four consecutive December 31) to two calendar
years after the end of the year shares were acquired (i.e., three
consecutive December 31);

- The maximum size of eligible companies has been increased from $100
million to $200 million in assets;

- The process for determining which securities are eligible has been
simplified, thereby increasing the number of securities eligible for the
Fund.

The issuance of Category A Shares, Series 2009 of the Fund took place
from April 20 to May 15, 2009. The second issuance begins today and ends
on June 23, 2009.

The Category A Shares, Series 2009 of the Fund are available in three
different classes, each with equal rights and privileges:

- The Advisor Class is available to all investors with no sales charge.
However, redemption fees will be payable if the redemption of the shares
is requested within three years of purchase. No redemption fees will be
charged as of January 1, 2012.

- The Investor Class is available to all investors with no sales charge
or redemption fee.

- Lastly, Class F is intended for investors who have fee-based accounts
with brokers. Class F carries no sales charge, and the management fee is
1% lower than for the two other classes.

The Category A Shares, Series 2009 of the Fund can be purchased through
National Bank Financial by calling 1-800-361-8838 (toll free) or
514-879-2222, National Bank Direct Brokerage by calling 1-800-363-3511 or
514-866-6755, or through most investment advisors and mutual fund
representatives in Quebec. A minimum initial investment of $2,000 per
subscriber is required.

No securities regulatory authority has expressed and opinion about the
securities of this Fund and any representation to the contrary is an
offence. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses
all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the
prospectus before investing. The Fund is not guaranteed, its value
changes frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in
2009, 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 close to $137 billion in assets and, together with its
subsidiaries, employs 17,199 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 Financial Group
Denis Dube
Senior Manager, Public Relations
514-394-8644

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