News Releases

Equity Through Education Campaign Raises CDN$1.6 Million / US$1.4 Million

BMO Nesbitt Burns and Harris Nesbitt proudly announced today they have raised CDN$1.6 million (US$1.4 million) to be donated to seven charities across North America through the firms' Equity Through Education charitable program. The monies raised were commissions earned yesterday (May 17) on all institutional equity trades in Canada and the U.S.

The Equity Through Education charitable program was launched in 2005 to support the notion that gaining an education is a means of improving lives. Funds raised through Equity Through Education are donated to charitable organizations whose mission includes improving access to education and training for bright, deserving people who otherwise might not have the opportunity.

“Equity Through Education is an important charitable and diversity initiative that represents a partnership with our clients and our communities. It is a way for all of us to demonstrate our commitment to diversity as well as our ability to make a tangible difference,” said Eric Tripp, Co-President of BMO Nesbitt Burns and Campaign Chair of the special trading day.

“I am pleased to say that our four Canadian charities: the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation (CMSF); the Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY); the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS); and the Pathways to Education Program will share CDN $850,000. Our three U.S.-based charities: the Jackie Robinson Foundation; YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities Network; and the Financial Women's Association will share US $675,000.”

BMO Nesbitt Burns and Harris Nesbitt, through their parent, BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO) have proud traditions of supporting community reinvestment. BMO Financial Group contributed more than CDN$37.9 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in 2005, supporting thousands of communities, charities and not-for-profit organizations across North America.

BMO Nesbitt Burns and Harris Nesbitt are leading full-service investment banking firms offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a broad range of products and services including investment and corporate banking, treasury services, market risk management, institutional investing and research.

For more information, please visit www.bmo.com.

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