The North West Company Inc. Announces the Appointment of a New Director

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Jan. 25, 2012) - The North West Company Inc. ("North West") (TSX:NWC) today announced the appointment of Eric Stefanson FCA to the Board of Directors of North West.

Mr. Stefanson was the managing partner of Central Canada Region for BDO Canada LLP Chartered Accountants and Advisors from 2004 to 2009. He has also held various positions with Assante Canada, including the position of Chief Financial Officer from 2001 to 2004.

Mr. Stefanson was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 1990 to 2000, and held various portfolios during that period, including the position of Finance Minister and Chair of the Treasury Board for the period 1993 to 1999.

Mr. Stefanson is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Via Rail Canada (Vice Chairman and Chair of Audit, Risk and Finance Committee); Health Sciences Centre Foundation (Chair); FWS Holdings Ltd. (Chair of Audit Committee); Paragon Pharmacies Limited; as well as Chair of the Investment Committee of the Winnipeg Civic Employee's Benefits Program. He was a member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Audit Committee for The Winnipeg Foundation from 2005 to 2011.

In August, 2000 Eric received the Icelandic Order of the Falcon from the President of Iceland.

"I am pleased to welcome Eric to the North West Board", said Sandy Riley, Chairman of the Board. "He brings a unique set of experiences to the Board, which will be of great value."

Corporate Profile

The North West Company is a leading retailer of food and everyday products and services to rural communities and urban neighbourhoods in Canada, Alaska, the South Pacific and the Caribbean. North West operates 231 stores under the trading names Northern, NorthMart, Giant Tiger, AC Value Center and Cost-U-Less, and has annualized revenue of approximately CDN $1.5 billion.