2005 News Releases

Kitchener-Waterloo– Manulife Financial’s Canadian Pension Operations have been awarded the administration and record-keeping business for the Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP) and Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (Group RRSP) Wal-Mart Canada (Wal-Mart) offers for its Associates. The award means Manulife will become Wal-Mart Canada’s exclusive provider of Group Benefits and Group Retirement Savings Programs for its Associates.

Manulife will offer more than 60,000 Wal-Mart Associates across Canada a low-cost, diversified retirement savings program, supported by innovative solutions and a commitment to high-quality customer service.

“We’re very proud to be selected as the service provider of choice for Wal-Mart’s Group Retirement Savings Program,” says Michael Doughty, Senior Vice-President of Manulife Financial’s Canadian Pension Operations. “Wal-Mart is not only one of Canada’s largest employers, but it has also been recognized by Report on Business as one of Canada’s best. I am confident that their Associates will find real value in the products and services we offer to help them save for their retirement.”

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$364 billion (US$297 billion) as at June 30, 2005.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘0945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

About Wal-Mart Canada
Established in 1994 and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Wal-Mart Canada operates a growing network of 261 outlets nationwide. The company employs more than 60,000 Associates and has been repeatedly ranked Canada’s best retailer to work for by international human-resources firm Hewitt Associates and Report on Business Magazine.

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