WES.PR.A - <span class="simulate_din_font">Western Financial Group Declares Dividends</span> (CAD 3.375)

Company: New Western First Pref Ser 3
Stock Name: WES.PR.A
Amount: CAD 3.375
Announcement Date: 22/05/2012
Record Date: 30/05/2012

Dividend Detail:

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/THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ANY UNITED STATES NEWS
SERVICE OR OTHERWISE IN THE UNITED STATES./

HIGH RIVER, AB, May 22, 2012 /CNW/ - (TSX - WES) - Western Financial
Group ("the Company") announced today that it will provide the
following dividends:

First Preferred Shares Series 3 (WES.PR.A) - A dividend of $3.3750 per share to be declared payable on
June 15, 2012 to the holders of record as of June 1, 2012.

First Preferred Shares Series 4:�� (WES.PR.B) - A dividend of $3.3750 per share to be declared payable
on June 15, 2012 to the holders of record as of June 1, 2012.

All dividends are designated as "eligible" dividends for the purposes of
the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial and territorial legislation.

About Western Financial Group

Western Financial Group is a western Canada based, diversified,
financial services company serving more than 600,000 customers. Founded
in 1996 and headquartered in High River, Alberta, Western provides
insurance, banking and investment products and services through more
than 120 office locations, the internet (www.westernfinancialgroup.ca) and other distribution channels. With a skilled team of approximately
1,500 employees, and backed by the strong resources of its owners,
Western is committed to building the strongest financial services
company in western Canada.

Western Financial Group is a subsidiary of Desjardins Group, the leading
cooperative financial group in Canada and the sixth largest in the
world.

For further information:

Arlene Beggs, Assistant to the President
Western Financial Group
403-652-2663
info@westernfg.ca