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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

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

OR

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

OR

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