Statement from The North West Company Inc. Regarding the Kennedy Home


WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Dec. 16, 2011) - Earlier this morning a fire destroyed the home of the President & CEO of The North West Company Inc., (TSX:NWC) Edward Kennedy. The Kennedy family escaped unharmed.

"We are thankful Edward, Stella and their children are all safe" said Sandy Riley, Chairman of the Board. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they deal with this tragic loss. We ask that the public and the media respect their privacy at this time."

Operations at The North West Company are not affected by the incident.

Contact Information:

The North West Company Inc.
Craig Gilpin
Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Officer
204-934-8857
204-934-1317 (FAX)
cgilpin@northwest.ca

The North West Company Inc.
John King
Chief Financial Officer
204-934-1397
204-934-1317 (FAX)
jking@northwest.ca

The North West Company Inc.
Paulina Hiebert
Vice President, Legal and Corporate Secretary
204-934-1756
204-934-1317 (FAX)
phiebert@northwest.ca