Press Release

July 23rd 2002 Regina, SK/ - Partners in Planning Financial Services Ltd. (PIP) is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Canadian Western Trust (CWT), a leading provider of self-directed retirement back office services. Under the arrangement, CWT will provide RRSP and RRIF trustee and administrative services to PIP financial representatives and their clients.

Additionally, as part of the arrangement, CWT has been appointed by PIP to assume trustee and back office services for 1,500 accounts, formerly administered in house by Equinox Investor Services. CWT is able to provide PIP representatives with a true alternative when it comes to self-directed retirement services, accessible either online via CWeb or by phone from CWT’s Vancouver head office.

"Working with a Western based trust company that is willing to supply the service and listen to the representatives needs for the future is important." says PIP Financial Planner John Fahie. "CWT seems to want to supply both."

"CWT's attitude toward business reminds me a lot of Westjet." Confirms Jerry Zakariasen, fellow PIP Planner, "They have a great attitude when it comes to customer service, and have not gotten so big that they've forgotten who brings them their business."

CWT Vice President and General Manager, Adrian Baker said, "We are thrilled to be working with Partners in Planning and eagerly await the opportunity to provide PIP representatives and clients with quality customer service, a full range of wealth management services and to become an integral part of PIP’s strategic service delivery."

About Partners in Planning

Headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan, PIP provides comprehensive financial planning services to ensure clients' financial goals are achieved. PIP representatives offer a full range of mutual funds, segregated funds and money market products.

Today, PIP and its insurance business unit Genesis Brokerage Group comprises over 700 top quality financial representatives offering service in over 100 locations throughout Canada. PIP is Canada's largest independent mutual fund dealer.

About Canadian Western Trust

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canadian Western Trust (CWT) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Western Bank. CWT offers self-directed registered accounts and investment loan services geared towards independent financial planners, advisors and mortgage brokers. CWT also provides corporate and group services to corporations who offer employee compensation plans. CWT has assets in excess of $250 million and has over $1 billion assets under administration in self-directed RRSPs and RRIFs.

For additional information regarding this announcement, please contact: