MONTREAL, July 12, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Further to the train derailment
that took place last Saturday in LacMégantic, National Bank is hard at
work helping its clients and the residents of this community devastated
by the explosions. Bank executives, including Diane Giard, Executive
Vice-President - Personal and Commercial Banking, were on site to
ensure that operations were running smoothly and clients' needs were
being met quickly.
"About 100 employees of National Bank and its suppliers are working hard
to minimize the effects of these events for victims, whether onsite,
from the head office or branches in the Eastern Townships or Beauce.
Our thoughts are with all the families affected by the Lac-Mégantic
disaster. We are doing everything in our power to make these
circumstances less difficult for them, and help the region's economy
get back on its feet quickly," stated Louis Vachon, President and Chief
Executive Officer of National Bank.
Today, National Bank is announcing new measures, in addition to those
already implemented since last weekend:
New measures:
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This Friday, a new temporary branch will open its doors at the Carrefour Lac-Mégantic shopping centre (3560 Laval St., Suite 155, Lac-Mégantic). As soon as
it opens, it will provide all regular Bank services: transaction and
advisory services, ABMs, and others. Advisors will also be onsite to
assist clients. This branch will take over from the branch on Frontenac
Street, which remains part of the security zone.
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The services of the National Bank Financial branch are being provided by the St-Georges-de-Beauce branch until further
notice.
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No transaction fees will be charged for 4 weeks for Personal Banking clients with packages, and Commercial
Banking clients of the Lac-Mégantic branch.
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Accelerated processing of financing applications, to support the development of businesses in the region, which will also
benefit from the proximity and expert advisory services of our Account
Managers.
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Special banking treatment for the Town of Lac-Mégantic, based any needs that may arise when the
situation stabilizes.
Measures already in effect:
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Mobile branch, set up since Sunday on the grounds of Polyvalente Montignac school (3409 Laval St. in Lac-Mégantic), including three ABMs and
advisors to assist clients during this difficult time.
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Banking fee exemption for all non-clients who use National Bank ABMs in Lac-Mégantic.
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Various special measures, including payment deferrals, to help its clients affected by this
disaster (on a case-by-case basis). For more information, clients can
call customer service at 1-888-483-5628 or go to the National Bank Hub
(mobile bank). An intervention plan has also been set up to handle any
claims from National Bank Insurance clients.
Donations to the Red Cross
On Saturday, July 6, National Bank announced that it was donating 50,000
dollars to the Canadian Red Cross to help victims of the Lac-Mégantic
disaster.
Since Monday, July 8, the Bank has also been collecting donations from
the public as part of fundraising efforts organized in all branches
across Canada, and it will continue to do so until August 9, 2013.
Cheques and donations should be made out to the Canadian Red Cross,
Lac-Mégantic Explosion. The Red Cross will issue tax receipts for all
donations of $10 and over. All donations collected through National
Bank branches will be remitted to the Red Cross and used to provide
immediate assistance to the victims.
About National Bank of Canada
With $185 billion in assets as at April 30, 2013, 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 20 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 clearfacts.ca and commitment.nationalbank.ca.
Image with caption: "National Bank Hub (mobile bank) set up since Sunday on the grounds of Polyvalente Montignac school (3409 Laval St. in Lac-Mégantic). (CNW Group/National Bank of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130712_C7248_PHOTO_EN_28999.jpg
SOURCE: National Bank of Canada
