TORONTO (Standard & Poor's) Oct. 19, 2001--Standard & Poor's today assigned its 'P-2' Canadian national scale and triple-'B' global scale ratings to Laurentian Bank of Canada's C$100 million, series 9 preferred shares. The preferred shares are on par with existing ratings for preferred stock. The outstanding ratings are unaffected. (A complete list of ratings is available on RatingsDirect Canada, Standard & Poor's Web-based credit analysis system, or by calling the Toronto Ratings Desk at (1) 416-202-6000). This issuance follows the bank's announcement to redeem its outstanding noncumulative class A, series 6 preferred shares, representing an aggregate amount of C$60 million. The ratings on Laurentian Bank reflect its sizable presence in the Quebec market (53% of loan portfolio); a stable loan