Press Release

Altamira increases $U.S. High-Interest CashPerformer rate to 4.0%

Toronto (April 4, 2006) Effective today, Altamira Investment Services is pleased to announce an increase in the rate of its recently launched $U.S. High-Interest CashPerformer to 4.0%. The rate change will be effective for all existing and new accounts from the first dollar invested. The popular Canadian dollar version of Altamira High-Interest CashPerformer remains one of the industry leaders with its current rate of 3.25%.

"Investors have told us they are looking for competitive rates for both Canadian and U.S. savings. This is just another step in our commitment to being an industry leader in high-interest savings," said Ian Dillon, chief investment strategist at Altamira Investment Services.

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

• Earn higher daily interest: 4.0% as of April 4, 2006
• Interest paid on every dollar
• No account fees or service charges
• No minimum balance required
• Easily accessible – it's not locked in

Key features of High-Interest CashPerformer:

• Earn higher daily interest: 3.25%
• 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

Altamira Investment Services is a leading provider of financial and retirement planning services. We offer a wide range of investment solutions including mutual funds, savings accounts, principal-protected notes 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.

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 (CDIC). 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.

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