Western Financial Group Inc. - To Make Normal Course Issuer Bid

Western Financial Group Inc. (the "Company") has received the necessary regulatory approval to make a normal course issuer bid through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company has been authorized to repurchase: (i) a maximum of 2,387,642 of its common shares, representing approximately 5% of the 47,752,851 issued and outstanding common shares as at February 26, 2008. Daily repurchases by the Company will be limited to a maximum of 15,856 common shares, other than block purchase exceptions, based on an average daily trading volume for the last six calendar months of 63,426 common shares. All common shares purchased by the Company pursuant to the bid will be cancelled. The duration of the issuer bid shall extend for a period commencing on March 3, 2008 and ending on March 2, 2009, or on such earlier date as the Company may
complete its purchases pursuant to the bid.

The Company believes that, from time to time, the repurchase of its common shares represents an appropriate use of its funds.

Western Financial Group is a leader in providing insurance, financial services and banking services in over 80 communities, to more than 400,000 individuals and businesses in Western Canada through its WFG Agency Network locations, its affiliated insurance brokers, Western Life Assurance Company and Bank West.

The common shares of the Company are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WES".

For further information, please contact:
Arlene Beggs
Assistant to the President
Western Financial Group
(403) 652-2663