News Releases

Seneca students will be well prepared to take advantage of the growing demand for skilled contact centre employees with the creation of the BMO Customer Contact Centre Lab.

BMO Financial Group has provided $350,000 to establish the lab for professional development and hands-on training in customer relationship management, leadership, operations, financial and human resources management and project management principles.

An estimated 14,000 contact centres exist in Canada today, offering direct employment to more than half a million Canadians. Close to 3,000 contact centres operate in Ontario with almost half located in the Greater Toronto Area. The City of Toronto has indicated the contact centre industry will grow 20 per cent each year for the next five years. There are approximately 11,000 people currently employed in Toronto.

"These statistics highlight the increasing demand for trained personnel and formal education programs specific to the contact centre industry," said Neil Glasberg, Senior Vice-President, BMO Bank of Montreal Direct. "BMO is pleased to help Seneca students gain the education and practical experience needed to take advantage of these expanding opportunities."

The remaining $150,000 of BMO's gift will be matched through the Ontario Government's Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF) to bring the value of the funds to $300,000. The new bursary funds are:

• The BMO Financial Group Endowed Bursary for Business & Financial Management to benefit students in the Faculty of Business - Customer Contact Centre Management Graduate Certificate program and students in the Bachelor of Applied Business - Financial Services Management program and;
• The BMO Financial Group Endowed Bursary open to students in financial need in programs across the College.

"BMO Financial Group's generous donation is an important part in Seneca's strategy to build private sector support for enhanced student life and financial assistance, capital building and renovation, technology infrastructure, applied research and establishing Centres of Excellence," said Seneca College Vice-President Resource Development, Shirlene Courtis. "We are grateful for their investment in the future of Seneca, its students and the sectors we serve."

"Our partnership with Seneca is a win-win-win for all involved," said Scott Farber, Vice-President, BMO Bank of Montreal Direct. "Seneca wins because they can offer programs that are current and in high demand. BMO wins because it helps us attract a number of highly skilled graduates. And, most importantly, the students win because they graduate with an education and practical skills that many organizations are actively looking for."

About BMO Financial Group's Commitment to Communities
Since 1817, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility to the communities it serves. BMO Financial Group contributed more than $29 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in 2004, supporting thousands of communities, charities and not-for-profit organizations in Canada. BMO has committed $9.8 million over the next 10 years to universities and colleges across the country.

About Seneca College's Centre for Financial Services
Seneca College's Centre for Financial Services is committed to developing industry leadership and global career opportunities through leading education integrated with the newest technology. The Centre works with key financial services partners to anticipate industry direction and fulfill its changing needs.

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