Press Release

Altamira High-Interest CashPerformer rate increases to 2.75%;
Altamira launches $U.S. High-Interest CashPerformer at 3.25%

Toronto (December 1, 2005) Effective today, Altamira Investment Services is pleased to announce an increase in the rate of the Altamira High-Interest CashPerformer to 2.75%.  Altamira remains committed to offering a highly competitive rate of interest.  The change will be effective for all existing and new accounts from the first dollar invested.  Today marks Altamira's one-year anniversary of the launch of High-Interest CashPerformer, with assets now over $2.5 billion.

Key features of High-Interest CashPerformer:

· Earn higher daily interest – 2.75% as of December 1, 2005
· Interest paid on every dollar
· No account fees or service charges
· No minimum balance required
· Easily accessible – it's not locked in
· RRSP, RRIF & RESP eligible
· Eligible for CDIC deposit insurance

Following the success of High-Interest Cash Performer, Altamira today announces the launch of $U.S. High-Interest CashPerformer, a U.S. dollar savings vehicle, offering a rate of 3.25%.  "High-Interest CashPerformer is an excellent alternative to traditional savings accounts, money market funds and other short-term instruments.  And now, investors can invest their U.S. savings in $U.S. High-Interest CashPerformer at a highly competitive rate," said Ian Dillon, chief investment strategist at Altamira Investment Services.

$U.S. High-Interest CashPerformer offers a short-term parking place for investors with U.S. savings.  It's also an alternative to U.S. savings accounts where funds can be held for future expenses or travel.

Key features of $U.S. High-Interest CashPerformer:

· Earn higher daily interest – 3.25% as of December 1, 2005
· Interest paid on every dollar
· No account fees or service charges
· No minimum balance required
· Easily accessible – it's not locked in
· RRSP and RRIF eligible

Altamira is a leading investment services company, offering a wide range of mutual funds, savings products, financial planning and managed portfolio services. Award-winning client service, product innovation and expert advice define Altamira's distinctive approach to investment management. The company is headquartered in Toronto with offices across the country, and is a subsidiary of the National Bank of Canada.  www.altamira.com

When you invest in High-Interest CashPerformer or $U.S. High-Interest CashPerformer, Altamira deposits your money in an account opened for you at National Bank of Canada. National Bank is a member of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation.  High-Interest CashPerformer accounts are eligible for CDIC insurance, subject to CDIC rules and regulations. However, like other banks, U.S. dollar accounts are not insured, and $U.S. High-Interest CashPerformer accounts are not therefore insured.  The interest rate is an annual rate and is subject to change without direct notice to you. Interest is calculated daily on the balance in your account and paid monthly. Altamira acts as the deposit agent of, and receives a commission from, National Bank. Altamira may share a portion of this commission with other dealers who solicit deposits for High-Interest CashPerformer accounts and $U.S. High-Interest CashPerformer accounts. Altamira shares your name, address and social insurance number with National Bank to open and administer an account in your name.  Such information is treated by National Bank in accordance with applicable laws for the protection of personal information.

-30-

Media contact:
Jessica Steinberg
Public Relations Manager
(416) 507-7252
jsteinberg@altamira.com