TORONTO: Northern Lights Direct Response Television (DRTV) has created two DRTV commercials for Manulife Financial, to promote its consumer health insurance plan, FlexCare. The 120- and 60-second commercials are part of the third direct response campaign over the past four years that Northern Lights DRTV has created for Manulife Financial's Affinity Markets Division.

Bob Doyle, Director, Direct to Consumer Marketing for Manulife Financial, wanted to build on the success of past campaigns. "Direct response commercials have proven very successful for us in the past," says Doyle. "We wanted a new DRTV campaign not only to advertise the benefits of FlexCare, but also to inform Canadians that Manulife Financial has taken ownership of Maritime Life."

Ian French, President and Creative Director of Northern Lights DRTV, is pleased to work with the Direct to Consumer Team at Manulife Financial once again. "Over the years, we have come to know what works well for FlexCare," says French. "They have great success with their DRTV campaigns because they offer an attractive plan that provides comfort to the many Canadians who are concerned about unexpected health care costs."

The campaign is set to air nationally on January 17, 2005.

Media buying is being handled by Media Buying Services.

Northern Lights DRTV is a leading brand-based DRTV agency in North America. Clients include ING DIRECT, Columbia House, Bell, DIRECTV , TD Bank Financial Group and Yves Rocher.


For further information: Mr. Sandy French, CEO, Northern Lights DRTV. Phone: (416) 593-6104 x 222. Email: sfrench@nldrtv.com. Website: www.nldrtv.com