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Great-West Lifeco Inc. (GWO)
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May 25, 2013, 5:45 PM EDT
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Great-West Lifeco reports first quarter 2009 results
TSX:GWO

Readers are referred to the cautionary note regarding Forward-Looking
Information and Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this Release.

TORONTO, May 7 /CNW/ - Great-West Lifeco Inc. (Lifeco) has reported net income attributable to common shareholders of $326 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $493 million in 2008. On a per common share basis, this represents $0.345 per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $0.552 per common share for 2008.

Earnings of $493 million in 2008 represents adjusted net income from continuing operations and, as such, excludes income from discontinued operations of $43 million, or $0.048 per common share as well as two non-recurring items that totaled $118 million, after-tax, or $0.132 per common share, as described in the United States section of this Release. Including these amounts, net income attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as reported, was $654 million, or $0.732 per common share.

The 2009 results reflect the weaker global equity and credit market conditions that were present in the quarter. A decline in the value of publicly traded and other investment securities through March 31, 2009 has lowered the market value of assets invested in the Company's segregated and mutual funds. Accordingly, the Company realized lower investment management fee income. This negatively impacted net income attributable to common shareholders by $89 million, or $0.09 per common share, and additionally, by $25 million, or $0.03 per common share as a result of increased actuarial liabilities. However, Great-West Life did not need to establish actuarial reserves with respect to segregated fund guarantees at March 31, 2009.

In the quarter, the Company increased provisions for future credit losses in actuarial liabilities by $202 million, mainly as a result of credit rating downgrades of investments held by the Company. This negatively impacted earnings by $138 million, or $0.15 per common share. The Company also recorded asset impairment charges in connection with certain financial, auto and commercial mortgage holdings. These impairment charges totaled $27 million, which negatively impacted earnings by $19 million, or $0.02 per common share.

At March 31, 2009, consolidated invested assets were $103.6 billion. The gross book value of impaired investments at that date was $351 million, against which the Company had recorded cumulative impairment provisions of $255 million. In addition, at March 31, 2009, the total provision for future credit losses in actuarial liabilities was in excess of $2.0 billion.

Highlights

-   The Company has maintained its quarterly common dividend at $0.3075
    per common share payable June 30, 2009. Dividends paid on common
    shares for the three months ended March 31, 2009 were 5% higher than
    a year ago.
-   The Company's capital position remains very strong. Lifeco's Canadian
    operating subsidiary, Great-West Life, reported a Minimum Continuing
    Capital and Surplus (MCCSR) ratio of 205% at March 31, 2009, which
    did not include any benefit from the $1,230 million of common and
    preferred share capital that was raised by Lifeco in the fourth
    quarter of 2008.
-   The Company and its major operating subsidiaries continue to hold
    strong credit ratings. The Company's ratings were affirmed with a
    stable outlook by A.M. Best on January 22nd, Moody's Investors
    Service and Standard and Poor's Ratings Services on February 12th and
    Fitch Ratings on April 20th. The ratings affirmations are significant
    in light of the current economic environment.
-   In the quarter, PanAgora, a subsidiary of Putnam Investments, sold
    its equity investment in Union PanAgora Asset Management GmbH. The
    transaction resulted in an after-tax gain to Putnam of $41 million
    (US$33 million), or $0.04 per common share.
-   Adjusted return on common shareholders' equity was 16.2% for the
    twelve months ended March 31, 2009.

OPERATING RESULTS

Consolidated net income for Lifeco is comprised of the net income of The Great-West Life Assurance Company (Great-West Life), Canada Life Financial Corporation (CLFC), London Life Insurance Company (London Life), Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company (GWL&A), and Putnam Investments, LLC (Putnam), together with Lifeco's corporate results.

CANADA

Net income attributable to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2009 was $208 million compared to $249 million in 2008. Individual Insurance & Investment Products net income was $127 million compared to $175 million in 2008, Group Insurance net income was $93 million compared to $100 million in 2008, and Corporate net income was a charge of $12 million compared to a charge of $26 million in 2008.

Asset impairment charges and provisions for future credit losses negatively impacted net income attributable to common shareholders by $2 million in the quarter.

Total sales for the three months ended March 31, 2009 were $1,785 million compared to $2,297 million in 2008, with the results reflecting lower sales of segregated fund and mutual fund products. Sales of protection products increased over the first quarter of 2008, however, with Individual Life sales up 9%. Sales of Group insurance products decreased 15% over 2008.

Total assets under administration at March 31, 2009 were $92.5 billion, compared to $93.4 billion at December 31, 2008.

UNITED STATES

Net income attributable to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2009 was $75 million compared to $76 million in 2008.

Asset impairment charges and provisions for future credit losses negatively impacted net income attributable to common shareholders by $21 million in the quarter. The results also include an after-tax gain of $41 million (US$33 million) realized by Putnam Investments LLC in connection with the sale of its equity investment in Union PanAgora Asset Management GmbH.

The $76 million in 2008 represents adjusted net income from continuing operations and, as such excludes income from discontinued operations of $43 million as well as two non-recurring items that contributed $118 million to earnings. The Company realized a gain of $176 million after-tax in connection with the termination of a long-standing assumption reinsurance agreement under which GWL&A had reinsured a block of U.S. participating policies. The Company also increased policy reserves by $58 million after-tax to provide for an increase in overhead costs expected to be absorbed as a result of the sale of Great-West Healthcare.

Total sales for the three months ended March 31, 2009 were $8.2 billion compared to $15.2 billion in 2008.

Total assets under administration at March 31, 2009 were $176.1 billion compared to $178.7 billion at December 31, 2008. Included in assets under administration at March 31, 2009 were $124.2 billion of mutual fund and institutional account assets managed by Putnam, compared to $129.0 billion at December 31, 2008.

EUROPE

Net income attributable to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2009 was $48 million compared to $175 million for the first quarter of 2008.

Asset impairment charges and provisions for future credit losses negatively impacted net income attributable to common shareholders by $134 million in the quarter.

Total sales for the three months ended March 31, 2009 were $795 million compared to $1,204 million in 2008.

Total assets under administration at March 31, 2009 were $64.2 billion, compared to $66.8 billion at December 31, 2008.

CORPORATE

Corporate net income for Lifeco attributable to common shareholders was a charge of $5 million for the first quarter of 2009 compared to a charge of $7 million for the first quarter of 2008.

QUARTERLY DIVIDENDS

At its meeting today, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.3075 per share on the common shares of the Company payable June 30, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business June 2, 2009.

In addition, the Directors approved quarterly dividends on:
-   Series D First Preferred Shares of $0.293750 per share;
-   Series E First Preferred Shares of $0.30 per share;
-   Series F First Preferred Shares of $0.36875 per share;
-   Series G First Preferred Shares of $0.325 per share;
-   Series H First Preferred Shares of $0.30313 per share;
-   Series I First Preferred Shares of $0.28125 per share; and
-   Series J First Preferred Shares of $0.3750 per share
all payable June 30, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of
business June 2, 2009.

For purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), and any similar provincial legislation, the dividends referred to above are eligible dividends.

GREAT-WEST LIFECO

Great-West Lifeco Inc. (TSX:GWO) is a financial services holding company with interests in the life insurance, health insurance, retirement savings, investment management and reinsurance businesses. The Company has operations in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia through The Great-West Life Assurance Company, London Life Insurance Company, The Canada Life Assurance Company, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company and Putnam Investments, LLC. Lifeco and its companies have nearly $333 billion in assets under administration and are members of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies.

Cautionary note regarding Forward-Looking Information

This release contains some forward-looking statements about the Company, including its business operations, strategy and expected financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates" or negative versions thereof and similar expressions. In addition, any statement that may be made concerning future financial performance (including revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, possible future Company action including statements made by the Company with respect to the expected benefits of acquisitions or divestitures are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are inherently subject to, among other things, risks, uncertainties and assumptions about the Company, economic factors and the financial services industry generally, including the insurance and mutual fund industries. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by the Company due to, but not limited to, important factors such as sales levels, premium income, fee income, expense levels, mortality experience, morbidity experience, policy lapse rates and taxes, as well as general economic, political and market factors in North America and internationally, interest and foreign exchange rates, global equity and capital markets, business competition, technological change, changes in government regulations, unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings, catastrophic events, and the Company's ability to complete strategic transactions and integrate acquisitions. The reader is cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive, and there may be other factors, including factors set out under "Risk Management and Control Practices" in the Company's 2008 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis and any listed in other filings with securities regulators, which are available for review at www.sedar.com. The reader is also cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully and to not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Other than as specifically required by applicable law, the Company has no intention to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cautionary note regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This release contains some non-GAAP financial measures. Terms by which non-GAAP financial measures are identified include but are not limited to "earnings before restructuring charges", "adjusted net income", "adjusted net income from continuing operations", "net income - adjusted", "earnings before adjustments", "constant currency basis", "premiums and deposits", "sales", and other similar expressions. Non-GAAP financial measures are used to provide management and investors with additional measures of performance. However, non-GAAP financial measures do not have standard meanings prescribed by GAAP and are not directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Please refer to the appropriate reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to measures prescribed by GAAP.

Further information

Selected financial information is attached.

Great-West Lifeco's first quarter conference call will be held Thursday,
May 7 at 3:00 p.m. (Eastern). The call can be accessed through
www.greatwestlifeco.com or by phone at:

-   Participants in the Toronto area: 416-340-2220
-   Participants from North America: 1-866-226-1798
-   Participants from Overseas: Dial international access code first,
    then 800-2787-2090

A replay of the call will be available from May 7 to May 14, 2009, and can be accessed by calling 1-800-408-3053 or 416-695-5800 in Toronto (passcode: 4003482 followed by the number sign).

Additional information relating to Lifeco, including the most recent interim unaudited financial statements, interim Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), and CEO/CFO certificates will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

                  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (unaudited)
              (in $ millions except per share amounts)


                                              For the three months
                                                 ended March 31,
                                      -----------------------------------
                                          2009        2008     % Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premiums and deposits:
Life insurance, guaranteed annuities
 and insured health products          $    4,709  $   16,790        -72%
Self funded premium equivalents
 (ASO contracts)                             618         585          6%
Segregated funds deposits:
  Individual products                      1,258       2,018        -38%
  Group products                           2,696       1,541         75%
Proprietary mutual funds deposits(1)       5,280       8,519        -38%
                                      -----------------------------------
Total premiums and deposits               14,561      29,453        -51%
                                      -----------------------------------

Fee and other income                         680         797        -15%
Paid or credited to policyholders          3,366      16,296        -79%

Net income - common shareholders
  Continuing operations - adjusted(3)        326         493        -34%
  Discontinued operations - adjusted(2)        -          43           -
                                      -----------------------------------
  Net income - adjusted(3)                   326         536        -39%
  Adjustments after tax(3)                     -         118           -
                                      -----------------------------------
  Net income                                 326         654        -50%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per common share
  Basic earnings - adjusted(3)        $    0.345  $    0.600        -43%
  Adjustments after tax(3)                     -       0.132           -
  Basic earnings                           0.345       0.732        -53%
  Dividends paid                          0.3075      0.2925          5%
  Book value                               12.68       11.80          7%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on common shareholders'
 equity (12 months):
  Net income adjusted(3)                   16.2%       21.1%
  Net income                                9.3%       21.3%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
At March 31
  Total assets                        $  129,596  $  133,557         -3%
  Segregated funds net assets             76,903      89,092        -14%
  Proprietary mutual funds net assets    126,377     167,812        -25%
                                      -----------------------------------
  Total assets under administration   $  332,876  $  390,461        -15%
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------
  Share capital and surplus(4)        $   13,299  $   11,651         14%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes Putnam Investments, LLC mutual funds and institutional
    deposits, excluding Prime Money Market Fund net deposits.
(2) Represents the operating results of GWL&A's health care business,
    which was sold effective April 1, 2008.
(3) During the first quarter of 2008, net income attributable to common
    shareholders was increased by $118 or $0.132 per common share as a
    result of the following items in the Company's United States segment:
    (a) A gain realized in connection with the termination of a long-
        standing assumption reinsurance agreement ($176 after-tax or
        $0.197 per common share) as described in Note 14 to the 2008
        Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
    (b) Reserve strengthening in GWL&A's continuing operations ($(58)
        after-tax or ($0.065) per common share) as described in Note 2 to
        the 2008 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
    Net income, basic earnings per common share and return on common
    shareholders' equity are presented on an adjusted basis, as a non-
    GAAP financial measure of earnings performance. Return on common
    shareholders' equity is restated excluding non recurring-items from
    prior periods.
(4) Excludes Putnam Prime Money Market Fund.



          SUMMARIES OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS (unaudited)
              (in $ millions except per share amounts)


                                                    For the three months
                                                       ended March 31,
                                                  -----------------------
                                                      2009        2008
                                                  -----------------------
Income
  Premium income                                  $    4,709  $   16,790
  Net investment income (note 4)
    Regular net investment income                      1,511       1,352
    Changes in fair value on held for
     trading assets                                   (1,967)       (940)
                                                  -----------------------
  Total net investment income                           (456)        412
  Fee and other income                                   680         797
                                                  -----------------------
                                                       4,933      17,999
                                                  -----------------------
Benefits and expenses
  Policyholder benefits                                4,609       3,689
  Policyholder dividends and experience refunds          398         347
  Change in actuarial liabilities                     (1,641)     12,260
                                                  -----------------------
  Total paid or credited to policyholders              3,366      16,296

  Commissions                                            307         322
  Operating expenses                                     663         637
  Premium taxes                                           55          52
  Financing charges (note 6)                              75         106
  Amortization of finite life intangible assets           22          21
                                                  -----------------------
Net income from continuing operations
 before income taxes                                     445         565
Income taxes - current                                    82         120
             - future                                     (4)        (23)
                                                  -----------------------
Net income from continuing operations before
 non-controlling interests                               367         468
Non-controlling interests                                 24        (157)
                                                  -----------------------
Net income from continuing operations                    343         625
Net income from discontinued operations (note 2)           -          43
                                                  -----------------------
Net income                                               343         668
Perpetual preferred share dividends                       17          14
                                                  -----------------------
Net income - common shareholders                  $      326  $      654
                                                  -----------------------
                                                  -----------------------
Earnings per common share (note 12)
  Basic                                           $    0.345  $    0.732
                                                  -----------------------
                                                  -----------------------
  Diluted                                         $    0.345  $    0.728
                                                  -----------------------
                                                  -----------------------



               CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
                           (in $ millions)


                                       March 31,  December 31,  March 31,
                                         2009         2008        2008
                                      -----------------------------------
Assets
Bonds (note 4)                        $   66,715  $   66,554  $   66,935
Mortgage loans (note 4)                   17,312      17,444      16,358
Stocks (note 4)                            5,459       5,394       6,415
Real estate (note 4)                       3,257       3,188       2,691
Loans to policyholders                     7,842       7,622       6,521
Cash and cash equivalents                  2,979       2,850       3,416
Funds held by ceding insurers             10,820      11,447      14,393
Assets of operation held for
 sale (note 2)                                 -           -         670
Goodwill                                   5,431       5,425       6,325
Intangible assets                          3,582       3,523       4,160
Other assets                               6,199       6,627       5,673
                                      -----------------------------------
Total assets                          $  129,596  $  130,074  $  133,557
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

Liabilities
Policy liabilities
  Actuarial liabilities               $   97,245  $   97,895  $  102,012
  Provision for claims                     1,432       1,466       1,340
  Provision for policyholder
   dividends                                 651         630         622
  Provision for experience rating
   refunds                                   233         310         218
  Policyholder funds                       2,449       2,326       2,292
                                      -----------------------------------
                                         102,010     102,627     106,484

Debentures and other debt instruments      3,960       3,821       5,155
Funds held under reinsurance contracts       191         192         169
Other liabilities                          5,594       5,969       5,129
Liabilities of operations held for
 sale (note 2)                                 -           -         396
Repurchase agreements                        521         334         689
Deferred net realized gains                  153         161         180
                                      -----------------------------------
                                         112,429     113,104     118,202

Preferred shares (note 8)                    748         752         797
Capital trust securities and
 debentures (note 7)                         755         658         636
Non-controlling interests
  Participating account surplus
   in subsidiaries                         2,022       2,012       1,952
  Preferred shares issued by
   subsidiaries                              157         157         157
  Perpetual preferred shares issued
   by subsidiaries                           148         150         151
  Non-controlling interests in
   capital stock and surplus                  38          13          11

Share capital and surplus
Share capital (note 8)
  Perpetual preferred shares               1,328       1,329       1,099
  Common shares                            5,737       5,736       4,714
Accumulated surplus                        6,941       6,906       6,992
Accumulated other comprehensive loss        (754)       (787)     (1,190)
Contributed surplus                           47          44          36
                                      -----------------------------------
                                          13,299      13,228      11,651
                                      -----------------------------------
Total liabilities, share capital
 and surplus                          $  129,596  $  130,074  $  133,557
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------



           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SURPLUS (unaudited)
                           (in $ millions)


                                                    For the three months
                                                       ended March 31,
                                                  -----------------------
                                                      2009        2008
                                                  -----------------------
Accumulated surplus
Balance, beginning of year                        $    6,906  $    6,599
Net income                                               343         668
Dividends to shareholders
  Perpetual preferred shareholders                       (17)        (14)
  Common shareholders                                   (291)       (261)
                                                  -----------------------
Balance, end of period                            $    6,941  $    6,992
                                                  -----------------------
                                                  -----------------------

Accumulated other comprehensive loss,
 net of income taxes (note 13)
Balance, beginning of year                        $     (787) $   (1,533)
Other comprehensive income                                33         343
                                                  -----------------------
Balance, end of period                            $     (754) $   (1,190)
                                                  -----------------------
                                                  -----------------------

Contributed surplus
Balance, beginning of year                        $       44  $       34
Stock option expense
  Current year expense (note 10)                           3           2
                                                  -----------------------
Balance, end of period                            $       47  $       36
                                                  -----------------------
                                                  -----------------------



     SUMMARIES OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)
                           (in $ millions)


                                                    For the three months
                                                       ended March 31,
                                                  -----------------------
                                                      2009        2008
                                                  -----------------------

Net income                                        $      343  $      668

Other comprehensive income (loss),
 net of income taxes
  Unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses)
   on translation of foreign operations                  182         456
  Unrealized gains (losses) on available
   for sale assets                                      (100)        (49)
  Realized (gains) losses on available for
   sale assets                                           (12)        (10)
  Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges          (53)        (46)
  Realized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges             12           -
  Non-controlling interests                                4          (8)
                                                  -----------------------
                                                          33         343
                                                  -----------------------
Comprehensive income                              $      376  $    1,011
                                                  -----------------------
                                                  -----------------------

Income tax (expense) benefit included in other comprehensive income

                                                    For the three months
                                                       ended March 31,
                                                  -----------------------
                                                      2009        2008
                                                  -----------------------

  Unrealized gains (losses) on available
   for sale assets                                $       27  $       22
  Realized (gains) losses on available
    for sale assets                                        3           3
  Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges           29          25
  Realized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges             (7)          -
  Non controlling interests                                -           2
                                                  -----------------------
                                                  $       52  $       52
                                                  -----------------------
                                                  -----------------------



          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
                           (in $ millions)


                                                    For the three months
                                                       ended March 31,
                                                  -----------------------
                                                      2009        2008
                                                  -----------------------

Operations
  Net income                                      $      343  $      668
  Adjustments:
    Change in policy liabilities                      (1,589)       (238)
    Change in funds held by ceding insurers              144         (18)
    Change in funds held under reinsurance
     contracts                                            (8)         (1)
    Change in current income taxes payable              (107)       (171)
    Future income tax expense                             (4)        (23)
    Changes in fair value of financial
     instruments                                       1,968         951
    Other                                                  8        (385)
                                                  -----------------------
    Cash flows from operations                           755         783

Financing Activities
  Issue of common shares                                   1           5
  Repayments on credit facility                            -        (235)
  Increase in line of credit in subsidiary               100          80
  Repayment of debentures and other debt
   instruments                                            (2)         (2)
  Dividends paid                                        (308)       (275)
                                                  -----------------------
                                                        (209)       (427)

Investment Activities
  Bond sales and maturities                            4,997       4,644
  Mortgage loan repayments                               419         376
  Stock sales                                            622         389
  Real estate sales                                        7         100
  Change in loans to policyholders                       (46)        (37)
  Change in repurchase agreements                        184         369
  Investment in bonds                                 (5,579)     (5,342)
  Investment in mortgage loans                          (190)       (712)
  Investment in stocks                                  (793)       (448)
  Investment in real estate                              (65)       (100)
                                                  -----------------------
                                                        (444)       (761)

Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash
 and cash equivalents                                     27         168

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents         129        (237)

Cash and cash equivalents from continuing and
 discontinued operations, beginning of year            2,850       3,676
                                                  -----------------------

Cash and cash equivalents from continuing and
 discontinued operations, end of period                2,979       3,439

Cash and cash equivalents from discontinued
 operations, end of period                                 -         (23)
                                                  -----------------------

Cash and cash equivalents from continuing
 operations, end of period                        $    2,979  $    3,416
                                                  -----------------------
                                                  -----------------------



Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in $ millions except per share amounts)

1.  Basis of Presentation and Summary of Accounting Policies

    The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of Great-West
    Lifeco Inc. (Lifeco or the Company) at March 31, 2009 have been
    prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
    principles, using the same accounting policies and methods of
    computation followed in the consolidated financial statements for the
    year ended December 31, 2008 except as noted below. These interim
    consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with
    the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in the
    Company's annual report dated December 31, 2008.

    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian
    generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
    estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
    and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities
    at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and
    expenses during the reporting period. The valuation of actuarial
    liabilities, certain financial assets and liabilities, goodwill and
    indefinite life intangible assets, income taxes and pension plans and
    other post retirement benefits are the most significant components of
    the Company's financial statements subject to management estimates.

    The year to date results of the Company reflect management's
    judgments regarding the impact of prevailing global credit, equity
    and foreign exchange market conditions. Financial instrument carrying
    values currently reflect the illiquidity of the markets and the
    liquidity premiums embedded in the market pricing methods the Company
    relies upon.

    The estimation of actuarial liabilities relies upon investment credit
    ratings. The Company's practice is to use third party independent
    credit ratings where available. Credit rating changes may lag
    developments in the current environment. Subsequent credit rating
    adjustments will impact actuarial liabilities.

    In addition to the Company's direct investments in certain financial
    institutions, the Company has contractual business relationships with
    these financial institutions. Given the current uncertainty
    associated with these entities, normal business conditions do not
    prevail and the Company's contractual business relationships may be
    impacted.

    Given the uncertainty surrounding the continued volatility in these
    markets, and the general lack of liquidity in financial markets, the
    actual financial results could differ from those estimates.

    (a) Changes in Accounting Policy

        Goodwill and Intangible Assets
        ------------------------------
        Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the Canadian
        Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Section 3064,
        Goodwill and Intangible Assets. This section replaces existing
        Section 3062, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and Section
        3450, Research and Development Costs. This section establishes
        new standards for the recognition and measurement of intangible
        assets, but does not affect the accounting for goodwill. As a
        result of the adoption of the new requirements software costs
        previously included in other assets have been reclassified to
        intangible assets and amortization on software costs previously
        included in operating expenses has been reclassified to
        amortization of finite life intangible assets.

    (b) Comparative Figures

        Certain of the 2008 amounts presented for comparative purposes
        have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in
        the current year as a result of the reclassifications in
        note 1(a) and certain other reclassifications. On the
        Consolidated Balance Sheets these reclassifications resulted in a
        decrease to other assets of $320, an increase to intangible
        assets of $137 and a decrease to policyholder liabilities of $183
        at March 31, 2008 and a decrease to other assets of $151 at
        December 31, 2008 with a corresponding increase to intangible
        assets. On the Summaries of Consolidated Operations these
        reclassifications resulted in a decrease to operating expenses of
        $11 with a corresponding increase to the amortization of finite
        life intangible assets and an increase in total paid or credited
        to policyholders of $12 with a corresponding decrease in income
        tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

2.  Acquisitions and Disposals

    (a) On April 1, 2008, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company
        completed the sale of its health care business. For the three
        months ended March 31, 2008, after tax net income of the health
        care business presented as discontinued operations on the
        Summaries of Consolidated Operations is comprised of the
        following:

        Income
          Premium income                                      $      224
          Net investment income                                       11
          Fee and other income                                       164
                                                              -----------
                                                                     399
                                                              -----------
        Benefits and expenses
          Paid or credited to policyholders and
           beneficiaries including policyholder
           dividends and experience refunds                          191
          Other                                                      145
                                                              -----------
        Net income from discontinued operations
         before income taxes                                          63
        Income taxes                                                  20
                                                              -----------
        Net income from discontinued operations               $       43
                                                              -----------
                                                              -----------

        At March 31, 2008, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets assets and
        liabilities of operations held for sale are comprised of the
        following:

        Assets
        Bonds                                                 $      184
        Cash and cash equivalents                                     23
        Goodwill                                                      49
        Intangible assets                                             11
        Other assets                                                 403
                                                              -----------
        Assets of operations held for sale                    $      670
                                                              -----------
                                                              -----------

        Liabilities
        Policy liabilities                                    $      231
        Other liabilities                                            165
                                                              -----------
        Liabilities of operations held for sale               $      396
                                                              -----------
                                                              -----------

    (b) On January 19, 2009, PanAgora, a subsidiary of Putnam LLC, sold
        its equity investment in Union PanAgora Asset Management GmbH to
        Union Asset Management, gross proceeds received of approximately
        U.S. $77 resulted in a gain to Putnam LLC of approximately U.S.
        $33 after taxes and minority interests.

3.  Restructuring Costs

    The following details the amount and status of the Putnam LLC
    restructuring program costs:

                                       Expected     Amounts     Amounts
                                         total     utilized-   utilized-
                                         costs        2007        2008
                                      -----------------------------------

    Compensation costs                $      133  $      (27) $      (76)
    Exiting and consolidating
     operations                               22          (6)         (5)
    Eliminating duplicate systems             29          (1)          -
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      $      184  $      (34) $      (81)
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

    Accrued on acquisition            $      154  $      (34) $      (81)
    Expense as incurred                       30           -           -
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      $      184  $      (34) $      (81)
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

                                                  Changes in
                                        Amounts     foreign     Balance
                                       utilized-   exchange    March 31,
                                          2009       rates        2009
                                      -----------------------------------

    Compensation costs                $       (4) $        4  $       30
    Exiting and consolidating
     operations                                -           3          14
    Eliminating duplicate systems              -           6          34
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      $       (4) $       13  $       78
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

    Accrued on acquisition            $       (4) $        7  $       42
    Expense as incurred                        -           6          36
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      $       (4) $       13  $       78
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

4.  Portfolio Investments

    (a) Carrying values and estimated market values of portfolio
        investments are as follows:


                        March 31, 2009
              -----------------------------------
                 Carrying Value & Market Value
              -----------------------------------
                            Held for trading(1)
               Available  -----------------------
                for sale  Designated  Classified
              -----------------------------------

Bonds
- government  $    3,134  $   16,010  $    1,112
- corporate        2,290      33,561         869
              -----------------------------------
                   5,424      49,571       1,981
              -----------------------------------

Mortgage loans
- residential          -           -           -
- non-
  residential          -           -           -
              -----------------------------------
                       -           -           -
              -----------------------------------

Stocks             1,418       3,712           -

Real estate            -           -           -
              -----------------------------------
              $    6,842  $   53,283  $    1,981
              -----------------------------------
              -----------------------------------


                                       March 31, 2009
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                               Amortized Cost                    Total
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                Carrying      Market    Carrying      Market
                   Value       Value  Value Non-  Value Non-
               Loans and   Loans and   financial   financial    Carrying
             receivables receivables instruments instruments       value
              -----------------------------------------------------------

Bonds
- government  $    1,820  $    1,827  $        -  $        -  $   22,076
- corporate        7,919       7,601           -           -      44,639
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                   9,739       9,428           -           -      66,715
              -----------------------------------------------------------

Mortgage loans
- residential      6,838       7,008           -           -       6,838
- non-
  residential     10,474      10,301           -           -      10,474
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                  17,312      17,309           -           -      17,312
              -----------------------------------------------------------

Stocks                 -           -         329         276       5,459

Real estate            -           -       3,257       2,993       3,257
              -----------------------------------------------------------
              $   27,051  $   26,737  $    3,586  $    3,269  $   92,743
              -----------------------------------------------------------
              -----------------------------------------------------------



                       December 31, 2008
              -----------------------------------
                 Carrying Value & Market Value
              -----------------------------------
                            Held for trading(1)
               Available  -----------------------
                for sale  Designated  Classified
              -----------------------------------

Bonds
- government  $    3,594  $   16,197  $      836
- corporate        2,051      33,319         849
              -----------------------------------
                   5,645      49,516       1,685
              -----------------------------------

Mortgage loans
- residential          -           -           -
- non-
  residential          -           -           -
              -----------------------------------
                       -           -           -
              -----------------------------------

Stocks             1,411       3,653           -

Real estate            -           -           -
              -----------------------------------
              $    7,056  $   53,169  $    1,685
              -----------------------------------
              -----------------------------------


                                     December 31, 2008
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                               Amortized Cost                    Total
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                Carrying      Market    Carrying      Market
                   Value       Value  Value Non-  Value Non-
               Loans and   Loans and   financial   financial    Carrying
             receivables receivables instruments instruments       value
              -----------------------------------------------------------

Bonds
- government  $    1,877  $    1,879  $        -  $        -  $   22,504
- corporate        7,831       7,371           -           -      44,050
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                   9,708       9,250           -           -      66,554
              -----------------------------------------------------------

Mortgage loans
- residential      6,986       7,157           -           -       6,986
- non-
  residential     10,458      10,414           -           -      10,458
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                  17,444      17,571           -           -      17,444
              -----------------------------------------------------------

Stocks                 -           -         330         326       5,394

Real estate            -           -       3,188       3,053       3,188
              -----------------------------------------------------------
              $   27,152  $   26,821  $    3,518  $    3,379  $   92,580
              -----------------------------------------------------------
              -----------------------------------------------------------



                         March 31, 2008
              -----------------------------------
                 Carrying Value & Market Value
              -----------------------------------
                            Held for trading(1)
               Available  -----------------------
                for sale  Designated  Classified
              -----------------------------------

Bonds
- government  $    1,779  $   15,655  $      645
- corporate        3,033      36,018       1,053
              -----------------------------------
                   4,812      51,673       1,698
              -----------------------------------

Mortgage loans
- residential          -           -           -
- non-
  residential          -           -           -
              -----------------------------------
                       -           -           -
              -----------------------------------

Stocks             1,426       4,666           -

Real estate            -           -           -
              -----------------------------------
              $    6,238  $   56,339  $    1,698
              -----------------------------------
              -----------------------------------


                                       March 31, 2008
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                               Amortized Cost                    Total
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                Carrying      Market    Carrying      Market
                   Value       Value  Value Non-  Value Non-
               Loans and   Loans and   financial   financial    Carrying
             receivables receivables instruments instruments       value
              -----------------------------------------------------------

Bonds
- government  $    1,711  $    1,866  $        -  $        -  $   19,790
- corporate        7,041       7,226           -           -      47,145
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                   8,752       9,092           -           -      66,935
              -----------------------------------------------------------

Mortgage loans
- residential      7,061       7,271           -           -       7,061
- non-
  residential      9,297       9,405           -           -       9,297
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                  16,358      16,676           -           -      16,358
              -----------------------------------------------------------

Stocks                 -           -         323         416       6,415

Real estate            -           -       2,691       2,940       2,691
              -----------------------------------------------------------
              $   25,110  $   25,768  $    3,014  $    3,356  $   92,399
              -----------------------------------------------------------
              -----------------------------------------------------------

(1) Investments can be held for trading in two ways: designated as held
    for trading at the option of management; or, classified as held for
    trading if they are actively traded for the purpose of earning
    investment income.


    (b) Included in portfolio investments are the following:

        (i)  Impaired investments

                                                 March 31, 2009
                                      -----------------------------------
                                         Gross                  Carrying
                                         amount    Impairment    amount
                                      -----------------------------------
             Impaired amounts by type
               Held for trading(1)    $      162  $     (145) $       17
               Available for sale             16         (16)          -
               Loans and receivables         158         (80)         78
                                      -----------------------------------
             Total                    $      336  $     (241) $       95
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------


                                                December 31, 2008
                                      -----------------------------------
                                         Gross                  Carrying
                                         amount    Impairment    amount
                                      -----------------------------------
             Impaired amounts by type
               Held for trading(1)    $      160  $     (138) $       22
               Available for sale             18         (17)          1
               Loans and receivables          93         (60)         33
                                      -----------------------------------
             Total                    $      271  $     (215) $       56
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------


                                                 March 31, 2008
                                      -----------------------------------
                                         Gross                  Carrying
                                         amount    Impairment    amount
                                      -----------------------------------
             Impaired amounts by type
               Held for trading(1)    $        -  $        -  $        -
               Available for sale              -           -           -
               Loans and receivables          28         (49)        (21)
                                      -----------------------------------
             Total                    $       28  $      (49) $      (21)
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

        (1)  Excludes amounts in funds held by ceding insurers of $15 and
             impairment of ($14) at March 31, 2009 and $15 and ($11),
             respectively at December 31, 2008.


        (ii) The allowance for credit losses and changes in the allowance
             for credit losses related to investments classified as loans
             and receivables are as follows:


                       For the three months       For the three months
                       ended March 31, 2009       ended March 31, 2008
                    -----------------------------------------------------
                             Mortgage                   Mortgage
                      Bonds    loans    Total    Bonds    loans    Total
                    -----------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning
 of year            $    31  $    29  $    60  $    34  $    19  $    53
Net provision
 (recovery) for
 credit losses-
 in year                 12        7       19        -        -        -
Write-offs, net
 of recoveries            -       (1)      (1)      (6)       -       (6)
Other (including
 foreign exchange
 rate changes)            1        1        2        1        1        2
                    -----------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of
 period             $    44  $    36  $    80  $    29  $    20  $    49
                    -----------------------------------------------------
                    -----------------------------------------------------

    (c) Net investment income is comprised of the following:


For the three
 months ended               Mortgage             Real
 March 31, 2009      Bonds    loans    Stocks   estate   Other    Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regular net
 investment income:
  Investment income
   earned           $ 1,064  $   235  $    44  $    45  $    70  $ 1,458
  Net realized
   gains (losses)
   (available for
    sale)                16        -       (1)       -        -       15
  Net realized
   gains (losses)
   (other
    classifications)     (3)       4       76        -        -       77
  Amortization of
   net realized/
   unrealized gains
   (non-financial
    instruments)          -        -        -       (4)       -       (4)
  Net (provision)
   recovery for
   credit losses
   (loans and
    receivables)        (12)      (7)       -        -        -      (19)
  Other income
   and expenses           -        -        -        -      (16)     (16)
                    -----------------------------------------------------
                      1,065      232      119       41       54    1,511
Changes in fair
 value on held
 for trading assets:
  Net realized/
   unrealized gains
   (losses)
   (classified held
    for trading)          9        -        -        -        -        9
  Net realized/
   unrealized gains
   (losses)
   (designated held
    for trading)     (1,794)       -     (175)       -       (7)  (1,976)
                    -----------------------------------------------------
                     (1,785)       -     (175)       -       (7)  (1,967)
                    -----------------------------------------------------
Net investment
 income             $  (720) $   232  $   (56) $    41  $    47  $  (456)
                    -----------------------------------------------------
                    -----------------------------------------------------



For the three
 months ended               Mortgage             Real
 March 31, 2008      Bonds    loans    Stocks   estate   Other    Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regular net
 investment income:
  Investment income
   earned           $   890  $   228  $    45  $    35  $   128  $ 1,326
  Net realized
   gains (losses)
   (available for
    sale)                13        -        -        -        -       13
  Net realized
   gains (losses)
   (other
    classifications)      6        6        5        -        -       17
  Amortization of
   net realized/
   unrealized gains
   (non-financial
    instruments)          -        -        -       11        -       11
  Other income and
   expenses               -        -        -        -      (15)     (15)
                    -----------------------------------------------------
                        909      234       50       46      113    1,352
Changes in fair
 value on held for
 trading assets:
  Net realized/
   unrealized gains
   (losses)
   (classified held
    for trading)         21        -        -        -        -       21
  Net realized/
   unrealized gains
   (losses)
   (designated held
    for trading)       (683)       -     (242)       -      (36)    (961)
                    -----------------------------------------------------
                       (662)       -     (242)       -      (36)    (940)
                    -----------------------------------------------------
Net investment
 income             $   247  $   234  $  (192) $    46  $    77  $   412
                    -----------------------------------------------------
                    -----------------------------------------------------

        Investment income earned is comprised of income from investments
        that are classified or designated as held for trading, classified
        as available for sale and classified as loans and receivables.

5.  Financial Instrument Risk Management

    The Company has policies relating to the identification, measurement,
    monitoring, mitigating, and controlling of risks associated with
    financial instruments. The key risks related to financial instruments
    are credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk (currency, interest
    rate and equity). The following sections describe how the Company
    manages each of these risks.

    (a) Credit Risk

        Credit risk is the risk of financial loss resulting from the
        failure of debtors making payments when due. The following
        policies and procedures are in place to manage this risk:

        -  Investment guidelines are in place that require only the
           purchase of investment-grade assets and minimize undue
           concentration of assets in any single geographic area,
           industry and company.
        -  Investment guidelines specify minimum and maximum limits for
           each asset class. Credit ratings are determined by recognized
           external credit rating agencies and/or internal credit review.
        -  Investment guidelines also specify collateral requirements.
        -  Portfolios are monitored continuously, and reviewed regularly
           with the Boards of Directors or the Investment Committees of
           the Boards of Directors.
        -  Credit risk associated with derivative instruments is
           evaluated quarterly based on conditions that existed at the
           balance sheet date, using practices that are at least as
           conservative as those recommended by regulators.
        -  The Company is exposed to credit risk relating to premiums due
           from policyholders during the grace period specified by the
           insurance policy or until the policy is paid up or terminated.
           Commissions paid to agents and brokers are netted against
           amounts receivable, if any.
        -  Reinsurance is placed with counterparties that have a good
           credit rating and concentration of credit risk is managed by
           following policy guidelines set each year by the Board of
           Directors. Management continuously monitors and performs an
           assessment of creditworthiness of reinsurers.

     (i)   Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk

           The following table summarizes the Company's maximum exposure
           to credit risk related to financial instruments. The maximum
           credit exposure is the carrying value of the asset net of any
           allowances for losses.

                                       March 31,  December 31,  March 31,
                                         2009         2008        2008
                                      -----------------------------------

           Cash and cash equivalents  $    2,979  $    2,850  $    3,416
             Bonds
               Held for trading           51,552      51,201      53,371
               Available for sale          5,424       5,645       4,812
               Amortized cost              9,739       9,708       8,752
           Mortgage loans                 17,312      17,444      16,358
           Loans to policyholders          7,842       7,622       6,521
           Other financial assets         13,969      15,004      17,783
           Derivative assets                 484         677         710
                                      -----------------------------------
           Total balance sheet
            maximum credit exposure   $  109,301  $  110,151  $  111,723
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

           Credit risk is also mitigated by entering into collateral
           agreements. The amount and type of collateral required depends
           on an assessment of the credit risk of the counterparty.
           Guidelines are implemented regarding the acceptability of
           types of collateral and the valuation parameters. Management
           monitors the value of the collateral, requests additional
           collateral when needed and performs an impairment valuation
           when applicable.

     (ii)  Concentration of Credit Risk

           Concentrations of credit risk arise from exposures to a single
           debtor, a group of related debtors or groups of debtors that
           have similar credit risk characteristics in that they operate
           in the same geographic region or in similar industries. The
           characteristics are similar in that changes in economic or
           political environments may impact their ability to meet
           obligations as they come due.

           The following table provides details of the carrying value of
           bonds by industry sector and geographic distribution:

                                       March 31,  December 31,  March 31,
                                         2009         2008        2008
                                      -----------------------------------
           Bonds issued or
            guaranteed by:
             Canadian federal
              government              $    2,228  $    1,867  $    1,654
             Canadian provincial
              and municipal
              governments                  6,151       6,029       6,009
             U.S. Treasury and
              other U.S. agencies          5,017       4,968       4,075
             Other foreign governments     6,691       6,854       7,376
             Government related            2,000       1,563       2,287
             Sovereign                     1,671       1,739       2,081
             Asset-backed securities       7,077       7,243       8,304
             Residential mortgage
              backed securities            1,201       1,156         215
             Banks                         4,489       5,070       6,192
             Other financial
              institutions                 3,431       3,602       4,491
             Basic materials                 937         870         673
             Communications                1,327       1,220       1,244
             Consumer products             4,362       4,104       4,131
             Industrial products/
              services                     1,623       1,985       1,527
             Natural resources             2,062       1,813       1,889
             Real estate                   1,687       1,645       1,805
             Transportation                2,624       2,497       2,564
             Utilities                     7,416       7,068       6,540
             Miscellaneous                 1,977       1,866       1,389
                                      -----------------------------------
           Total long term bonds          63,971      63,159      64,446
           Short term bonds                2,744       3,395       2,489
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      $   66,715  $   66,554  $   66,935
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------
           Canada                     $   26,040  $   26,231  $   25,241
           United States                  18,751      17,703      16,771
           Europe/Reinsurance             21,924      22,620      24,923
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      $   66,715  $   66,554  $   66,935
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

           The following table provides details of the carrying value of
           mortgage loans by geographic location:

                                          March 31, 2009
                          -----------------------------------------------
                             Single      Multi-
                             family      family
                          residential residential  Commercial     Total
                          -----------------------------------------------

           Canada         $    1,813  $    4,409  $    6,134  $   12,356
           United States           -         580       1,610       2,190
           Europe/
            Reinsurance            -          36       2,730       2,766
                          -----------------------------------------------
           Total mortgage
            loans         $    1,813  $    5,025  $   10,474  $   17,312
                          -----------------------------------------------
                          -----------------------------------------------


                                         December 31, 2008
                          -----------------------------------------------
                             Single      Multi-
                             family      family
                          residential residential  Commercial     Total
                          -----------------------------------------------

           Canada         $    1,850  $    4,524  $    6,144  $   12,518
           United States           -         576       1,581       2,157
           Europe/
            Reinsurance            -          36       2,733       2,769
                          -----------------------------------------------
           Total mortgage
            loans         $    1,850  $    5,136  $   10,458  $   17,444
                          -----------------------------------------------
                          -----------------------------------------------


                                           March 31, 2008
                          -----------------------------------------------
                             Single      Multi-
                             family      family
                          residential residential  Commercial     Total
                          -----------------------------------------------

           Canada         $    1,791  $    4,712  $    5,441  $   11,944
           United States           -         527       1,211       1,738
           Europe/
            Reinsurance            -          31       2,645       2,676
                          -----------------------------------------------
           Total mortgage
            loans         $    1,791  $    5,270  $    9,297  $   16,358
                          -----------------------------------------------
                          -----------------------------------------------

     (iii) Asset Quality

           Bond Portfolio Quality

                                       March 31,  December 31,  March 31,
                                         2009         2008        2008
                                      -----------------------------------

           AAA                        $   24,668  $   25,138  $   28,518
           AA                             10,555      10,765      10,716
           A                              18,284      18,030      16,965
           BBB                             9,889       8,809       7,799
           BB and lower                      575         417         448
                                      -----------------------------------
                                          63,971      63,159      64,446
           Short term bonds                2,744       3,395       2,489
                                      -----------------------------------
           Total bonds                $   66,715  $   66,554  $   66,935
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

           Derivative Portfolio Quality

                                       March 31,  December 31,  March 31,
                                         2009         2008        2008
                                      -----------------------------------

           Over-the-counter contracts
            (counterparty ratings):
           AAA                        $        6  $       19  $        2
           AA                                135         165         460
           A                                 343         468         249
                                      -----------------------------------
           Total                      $      484  $      652  $      711
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

     (iv)  Loans Past Due, But Not Impaired

           Loans that are past due but not considered impaired are loans
           for which scheduled payments have not been received, but
           management has reasonable assurance of timely collection of
           the full amount of principal and interest due. The following
           table provides carrying values of the loans past due, but not
           impaired:

                                       March 31,  December 31,  March 31,
                                         2009         2008        2008
                                      -----------------------------------

           Less than 30 days          $       61  $       50  $       91
           30 - 90 days                       34           4           1
           90 days and greater                 3           1           1
                                      -----------------------------------
           Total                      $       98  $       55  $       93
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

    (b) Liquidity Risk

        Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to
        meet all cash outflow obligations as they come due. The following
        policies and procedures are in place to manage this risk:

        -  The Company closely manages operating liquidity through cash
           flow matching of assets and liabilities.
        -  Management monitors the use of lines of credit on a regular
           basis, and assesses the ongoing availability of these and
           alternative forms of operating credit.
        -  Management closely monitors the solvency and capital positions
           of its principal subsidiaries opposite liquidity requirements
           at the holding company. Additional liquidity is available
           through established lines of credit and the Company's
           demonstrated ability to access capital markets for funds. The
           Company maintains a $200 million committed line of credit with
           a Canadian chartered bank.

    (c) Market Risk

        Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows
        of a financial instrument will fluctuate as a result of changes
        in market factors. Market factors include three types of risks:
        currency risk, interest rate risk and equity risk.

        (i)   Currency Risk

              Currency risk relates to the Company operating in different
              currencies and converting non-Canadian earnings at
              different points in time at different foreign exchange
              levels when adverse changes in foreign currency exchange
              rates occur. The following policies and procedures are in
              place to mitigate the Company's exposure to currency risk.

              -  The Company uses financial measures such as constant
                 currency calculations to monitor the effect of currency
                 translation fluctuations.
              -  Investments are normally made in the same currency as
                 the liabilities supported by those investments.
              -  Foreign currency assets acquired to back liabilities are
                 normally converted back to the currency of the liability
                 using foreign exchange contracts.
              -  A 10% weakening of the Canadian dollar against foreign
                 currencies would be expected to increase non-
                 participating actuarial liabilities by the same amount
                 as the supporting assets. A 10% strengthening of the
                 Canadian dollar against foreign currencies would be
                 expected to decrease non-participating actuarial
                 liabilities by the same amount as the supporting assets.

        (ii)  Interest Rate Risk

              Interest rate risk exists if asset and liability cash flows
              are not closely matched and interest rates change causing a
              difference in value between the asset and liability. The
              following policies and procedures are in place to mitigate
              the Company's exposure to interest rate risk.

              -  The Company utilizes a formal process for managing the
                 matching of assets and liabilities. This involves
                 grouping general fund assets and liabilities into
                 segments. Assets in each segment are managed in relation
                 to the liabilities in the segment.
              -  Interest rate risk is managed by investing in assets
                 that are suitable for the products sold.
              -  For products with fixed and highly predictable benefit
                 payments, investments are made in fixed income assets
                 that closely match the liability product cash flows.
                 Protection against interest rate change is achieved as
                 any change in the fair market value of the assets will
                 be offset by a similar change in the fair market value
                 of the liabilities.
              -  For products with less predictable timing of benefit
                 payments, investments are made in fixed income assets
                 with cash flows of a shorter duration than the
                 anticipated timing of benefit payments, or equities as
                 described below.
              -  The risk associated with the mismatch in portfolio
                 duration and cash flow, asset prepayment exposure and
                 the pace of asset acquisition are quantified and
                 reviewed regularly.

              Projected cash flows from the current assets and
              liabilities are used in the Canadian Asset Liability Method
              (CALM) to determine actuarial liabilities. Cash flows from
              assets are reduced to provide for potential asset default
              losses. Testing under several interest rate scenarios
              (including increasing and decreasing rates) is done to
              assess reinvestment risk.

              One way of measuring the interest rate risk associated with
              this assumption is to determine the effect on the present
              value of the projected net asset and liability cash flows
              of the non-participating business of the Company of an
              immediate and permanent 1% increase and 1% decrease in
              interest rates at each future duration. These interest rate
              changes will impact the projected cash flows.

              -  The effect of an immediate and permanent 1% increase in
                 interest rates at each future duration would be to
                 decrease the present value of these net projected cash
                 flows by approximately $11.
              -  The effect of an immediate and permanent 1% decrease in
                 interest rates at each future duration would be to
                 decrease the present value of these net projected cash
                 flows by approximately $169.

        (iii) Equity Risk

              Equity risk is the uncertainty associated with the
              valuation of assets arising from changes in equity markets.
              To mitigate price risk, the Company has investment policy
              guidelines in place that provide for prudent investment in
              equity markets within clearly defined limits.

              Some policy liabilities are supported by equities
              (including real estate), for example segregated fund
              products and products with long-tail liabilities. Generally
              these liabilities will fluctuate in line with equity market
              values. There will be additional impacts on these
              liabilities as equity market values fluctuate. A 10%
              increase in equity markets would be expected to
              additionally decrease non-participating actuarial
              liabilities by approximately $38. A 10% decrease in equity
              markets would be expected to additionally increase non-
              participating actuarial liabilities by approximately $184.

6.  Financing Charges

    Financing charges consist of the following:

                                                    For the three months
                                                       ended March 31,
                                                  -----------------------
                                                      2009        2008
                                                  -----------------------

    Interest on long-term debentures and
     other debt instruments                       $       53  $       75
    Dividends on preferred shares classified
     as liabilities                                        9           9
    Unrealized losses (gains) on preferred
     shares classified as held for trading                 1          11
    Other                                                  2           2
    Interest on capital trust debentures                  12          12
    Distributions on capital trust securities
     held by consolidated group as temporary
     investments                                          (2)         (3)
                                                  -----------------------
    Total                                         $       75  $      106
                                                  -----------------------
                                                  -----------------------

7.  Capital Trust Securities and Debentures

    During the first quarter of 2009, the Company disposed of $95
    principal amount of capital trust securities held by the consolidated
    group as temporary investments.

8.  Share Capital

    (a) Preferred Shares

        The Company recognized the surrender of Series E First Preferred
        shares with a carrying value of $5 and Series F First Preferred
        shares with a carrying value of $1.

        The Company has designated outstanding Preferred Shares Series D
        and Series E as held for trading on the Consolidated Balance
        Sheets with changes in fair value reported in the Summaries of
        Consolidated Operations. During the three months ended March 31,
        2009 the Company recognized unrealized gains (losses) of $4 for
        Series D and $(5) for Series E (for the three months ended
        March 31, 2008, $1 for Series D and $(12) for Series E). The
        redemption price at maturity is $25 per share plus accrued
        dividends.

    (b) Common Shares

        Issued and outstanding

                            March 31, 2009          December 31, 2008
                      ---------------------------------------------------
                                    Carrying                  Carrying
                         Number       value        Number       value
                      ---------------------------------------------------
Common shares:
Balance, beginning
 of year              943,882,505  $     5,736  893,761,639  $     4,709
Issued from treasury            -            -   48,200,000        1,000
Issued under stock
 option plan              143,215            1    1,920,866           27
                      ---------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of
 period               944,025,720  $     5,737  943,882,505  $     5,736
                      ---------------------------------------------------
                      ---------------------------------------------------

                           March 31, 2008
                      -------------------------
                                    Carrying
                         Number       value
                      -------------------------
Common shares:
Balance, beginning
 of year              893,761,639  $     4,709
Issued from treasury            -            -
Issued under stock
 option plan              358,243            5
                      -------------------------
Balance, end of
 period               894,119,882  $     4,714
                      -------------------------
                      -------------------------

9.  Capital Management

    At the holding company level, the Company monitors the amount of
    consolidated capital available, and the amounts deployed in its
    various operating subsidiaries. The amount of capital deployed in any
    particular company or country is dependent upon local regulatory
    requirements as well as the Company's internal assessment of capital
    requirements in the context of its operational risks and
    requirements, and strategic plans.

    Since the timing of available funds cannot always be matched
    precisely to commitments, imbalances may arise when demands for funds
    exceed those on hand. Also, a demand for funds may arise as a result
    of the Company taking advantage of current investment opportunities.
    The sources of the funds that may be required in such situations
    include bank financing and the issuance of debentures and equity
    securities.

    The Company's practice is to maintain the capitalization of its
    regulated operating subsidiaries at a level that will exceed the
    relevant minimum regulatory capital requirements in the jurisdictions
    in which they operate.

    In Canada, the Office of the Superintendent of the Financial
    Institutions (OSFI) has established a capital adequacy measurement
    for life insurance companies incorporated under the Insurance
    Companies Act (Canada) and their subsidiaries, known as the Minimum
    Continuing Capital and Surplus Requirements (MCCSR).

    For Canadian regulatory reporting purposes, capital is defined by
    OSFI in its MCCSR guideline. The following table provides the MCCSR
    information and ratios for Great-West Life:

                                       March 31,  December 31,  March 31,
                                         2009         2008        2008
                                      -----------------------------------
    Capital Available:
    Tier 1 Capital
      Common shares(1)                $    6,116  $    6,116  $    6,116
      Shareholder surplus                  5,607       5,604       4,921
      Qualifying non-controlling
       interests                             149         150         151
      Innovative instruments                 743         648         634
      Other Tier 1 Capital Elements        1,434       1,513       1,621
                                      -----------------------------------
      Gross Tier 1 Capital                14,049      14,031      13,443

    Deductions from Tier 1:
      Goodwill & intangible assets
       in excess of limit                  5,670       5,673       5,708
      Other deductions                     1,907       1,697       1,347
                                      -----------------------------------
    Net Tier 1 Capital                     6,472       6,661       6,388
    Adjustment to Net Tier 1 Capital         (46)          -           -
                                      -----------------------------------
    Net Tier 1 Capital                     6,426       6,661       6,388
                                      -----------------------------------

    Tier 2 Capital
      Tier 2A                                329         345         447
      Tier 2B allowed                        300         300         501
      Tier 2C                              1,759       1,550       1,322
      Tier 2 Deductions                      (46)          -           -
                                      -----------------------------------
    Tier 2 Capital Allowed                 2,342       2,195       2,270
                                      -----------------------------------

    Total Tier 1 and Tier 2 Capital        8,768       8,856       8,658
    Less: Deductions/Adjustments               -         124         124
                                      -----------------------------------
    Total Available Capital           $    8,768  $    8,732  $    8,534
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

    Capital Required:
      Assets Default & market risk    $    1,650  $    1,510  $    1,487
      Insurance Risks                      1,822       1,800       1,735
      Interest Rate Risks                    790         803       1,026
      Other                                    6          50         (57)
                                      -----------------------------------
    Total Capital Required            $    4,268  $    4,163  $    4,191
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------
    MCCSR ratios:
    Tier 1                                  151%        160%        152%
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------
    Total                                   205%        210%        204%
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      -----------------------------------

    (1) The $1,230 of common and preferred share capital that was raised
        by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2008 remained at the
        holding company as at March 31, 2009.


    In the United States, GWL&A is subject to comprehensive state and
    federal regulation and supervision throughout the United States. The
    National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has adopted
    risk-based capital rules and other financial ratios for U.S. life
    insurance companies. At the end of 2008 the risk-based capital (RBC)
    ratio for GWL&A was 381%, in excess of that required by NAIC.

    As at March 31, 2009 and 2008 the Company maintained capital levels
    above the minimum local requirements in its other foreign operations.

    The Company is both a user and a provider of reinsurance, including
    both traditional reinsurance, which is undertaken primarily to
    mitigate against assumed insurance risks, and financial or finite
    reinsurance, under which the amount of insurance risk passed to the
    reinsurer or its reinsureds may be more limited.

    The capitalization of the Company and its operating subsidiaries will
    also take into account the views expressed by the various credit
    rating agencies that provide financial strength and other ratings to
    the Company.

    The Company has also established policies and procedures designed to
    identify, measure and report all material risks. Management is
    responsible for establishing capital management procedures for
    implementing and monitoring the capital plan. The Board of Directors
    reviews and approves all capital transactions undertaken by
    management.

10. Stock Based Compensation

    No options were granted under the Company's stock option plan for the
    three months ended March 31, 2009, (110,000 options were granted
    during the first quarter of 2008). The weighted fair value of options
    granted during the three months ended March 31, 2008 were $3.13 per
    option. Compensation expense of $3 after-tax has been recognized in
    the Summaries of Consolidated Operations for the three months ended
    March 31, 2009 ($2 after-tax for the three months ended March 31,
    2008).

11. Pension Plans and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

    The total benefit costs included in operating expenses are as
    follows:

                                                   For the three months
                                                      ended March 31,
                                                -------------------------
                                                    2009         2008
                                                -------------------------

    Pension benefits                            $        16  $        12
    Other benefits                                        3            3
                                                -------------------------
    Total                                       $        19  $        15
                                                -------------------------
                                                -------------------------

12. Earnings per Common Share

    The following table provides the reconciliation between basic and
    diluted earnings per common share:

                                                   For the three months
                                                      ended March 31,
                                                -------------------------
                                                    2009         2008
                                                -------------------------
    Earnings
    Net income from continuing operations       $       343  $       625
    Net income from discontinued operations               -           43
                                                -------------------------
    Net income                                  $       343  $       668
    Perpetual preferred share dividends                  17           14
                                                -------------------------
    Net income-common shareholders              $       326  $       654
                                                -------------------------
                                                -------------------------

    Number of common shares
    Average number of common shares
     outstanding                                943,916,502  893,862,214

    Add:
      Potential exercise of outstanding
       stock options                                303,303    4,838,672
                                                -------------------------
    Average number of common shares
     outstanding - diluted basis                944,219,805  898,700,886
                                                -------------------------
                                                -------------------------

    Basic earnings per common share
      From continuing operations                $     0.345  $     0.684
      From discontinued operations                        -        0.048
                                                -------------------------
                                                $     0.345  $     0.732
                                                -------------------------
                                                -------------------------

    Diluted earnings per common share
      From continuing operations                $     0.345  $     0.680
      From discontinuing operations                       -        0.048
                                                -------------------------
                                                $     0.345  $     0.728
                                                -------------------------
                                                -------------------------

13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss


                        For the three months ended March 31, 2009
            -------------------------------------------------------------
             Unrealized    Unreal-
                foreign      ized    Unreal-
               exchange     gains      ized
                  gains   (losses)    gains
            (losses) on        on   (losses)                Non-
            translation available        on             control-
             of foreign  for sale cash flow                ling    Share-
             operations    assets    hedges     Total  interest   holder
              -----------------------------------------------------------
Balance,
 beginning
 of year      $   (605) $    (36) $   (197) $   (838) $     51  $   (787)

Other
 comprehensive
 loss              182      (142)      (63)      (23)        4       (19)
Income tax           -        30        22        52         -        52
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                   182      (112)      (41)       29         4        33
              -----------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end
 of period    $   (423) $   (148) $   (238) $   (809) $     55  $   (754)
              -----------------------------------------------------------
              -----------------------------------------------------------


                        For the three months ended March 31, 2008
            -------------------------------------------------------------
             Unrealized    Unreal-
                foreign      ized    Unreal-
               exchange     gains      ized
                  gains   (losses)    gains
            (losses) on        on   (losses)                Non-
            translation available        on             control-
             of foreign  for sale cash flow                ling    Share-
             operations    assets    hedges     Total  interest   holder
              -----------------------------------------------------------
Balance,
 beginning
 of year      $ (1,801) $    174  $     13  $ (1,614) $     81  $ (1,533)
Other
 comprehensive
 loss              456       (84)      (71)      301       (10)      291
Income tax           -        25        25        50         2        52
              -----------------------------------------------------------
                   456       (59)      (46)      351        (8)      343
              -----------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end
 of period    $ (1,345) $    115  $    (33) $ (1,263) $     73  $ (1,190)
              -----------------------------------------------------------
              -----------------------------------------------------------

14. Contingent Liability (changes since December 31, 2008 annual report)

    A subsidiary of the Company has resolved a reinsurance treaty dispute
    that was subject to retrocession coverage within the amount of the
    established actuarial provision.

15. Segmented Information

    Consolidated Operations
    For the three months ended March 31, 2009

                                United               Lifeco
                     Canada     States     Europe   Corporate    Total
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Income:
Premium income     $   2,074  $     955  $   1,680  $       -  $   4,709
Net investment
 income
  Regular net
   investment income     547        442        521          1      1,511
  Changes in fair
   value on held for
   trading assets       (322)      (221)    (1,424)         -     (1,967)
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Total net
 investment income       225        221       (903)         1       (456)
Fee and other
 income                  222        283        175          -        680
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Total income           2,521      1,459        952          1      4,933
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Benefits and
 expenses:
  Paid or credited
   to policyholders    1,683        944        739          -      3,366
  Other                  531        389        177          3      1,100
  Amortization of
   finite life
   intangible assets       7         14          1          -         22
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Net income from
 continuing
 operations before
 income taxes            300        112         35         (2)       445
Income taxes              62         32        (16)         -         78
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Net income before
 non-controlling
 interests               238         80         51         (2)       367
Non-controlling
 interests                19          5          -          -         24
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Net Income               219         75         51         (2)       343
Perpetual preferred
 share dividends          11          -          3          3         17
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Net income-common -
 shareholders      $     208  $      75  $      48  $      (5) $     326
                   ------------------------------------------------------
                   ------------------------------------------------------


For the three months ended March 31, 2008

                                United               Lifeco
                     Canada     States     Europe   Corporate    Total
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Income:
Premium income     $   1,977  $     853  $  13,960  $       -  $  16,790
Net investment
 income
  Regular net
   investment income     624        316        419         (7)     1,352
  Changes in fair
   value on held
   for trading
   assets                (88)      (220)      (632)         -       (940)
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Total net
 investment income       536         96       (213)        (7)       412
Fee and other
 income                  265        378        154          -        797
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Total income           2,778      1,327     13,901         (7)    17,999
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Benefits and
 expenses:
  Paid or credited
   to policyholders    1,880        914     13,502          -     16,296
  Other                  543        388        185          1      1,117
  Amortization of
   finite life
   intangible assets       7         13          1          -         21
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Net income from
 continuing
 operations before
 income taxes            348         12        213         (8)       565
Income taxes              69         (7)        36         (1)        97
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Net income before
 non-controlling
 interests               279         19        177         (7)       468
Non-controlling
 interests                19       (175)        (1)         -       (157)
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Net income from
 continuing
 operations              260        194        178         (7)       625
Net income from
 discontinued
 operations                -         43          -          -         43
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Net Income               260        237        178         (7)       668
Perpetual preferred
 share dividends          11          -          3          -         14
                   ------------------------------------------------------
Net income-common -
 shareholders      $     249  $     237  $     175  $      (7) $     654
                   ------------------------------------------------------
                   ------------------------------------------------------
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