TORONTO,
            November 3, 2008 –  Starting today, BMO is offering
            Canadians the ability to apply early for a Tax-Free Savings Account
            (TFSA) at all BMO branches across Canada or by phone. By applying
            early for a TFSA, Canadians can start to enjoy tax free savings immediately
            in the New Year.
      “The TFSA is great news for all Canadians, providing them with
        a powerful tool to save money without paying any tax on investment earnings
        or withdrawals,” said Tina Di Vito, Director, Retirement Group,
        BMO Financial Group. “BMO is well prepared to help Canadians understand
        the TFSA so they can take full advantage of the most important advancement
        encouraging Canadians to save since the RRSP was introduced in 1957.” 
      Canadians can learn more about the TFSA, or apply early for a BMO TFSA,
      by:
      
        - Visiting their local
        BMO branch;
 
        -  Calling BMO Direct Banking at 1-877 CALL BMO;
 
        -  Visiting bmo.com/tfsa
 
      
      “This is an exciting new way to save and at BMO, we are pleased
        to offer Canadians the ability to apply early for a TFSA across all our
        businesses,” adds Di Vito.
       Starting November 17, TFSA early applications will also be accepted
      through:
      
        -  BMO InvestorLine;
 
        -  BMO Online Banking;
 
        -  BMO Nesbitt Burns; 
 
        -  BMO Harris Private Banking.
 
      
      About the TFSA:
      
        -  Contributions
            to a TFSA begin January 2, 2009.
 
        -  Canadian residents
            age 18 and over can contribute to a TFSA.
 
        -  You can contribute
            a maximum of $5,000 per year to your TFSA.
 
        -  You can carry
            forward any unused contribution room from one year to the next.
 
        -  Withdrawals from your TFSA account can be made at any time. The amount
                      you withdraw from your TFSA will be added to your unused contribution
                      room so that the funds withdrawn can be put back into a TFSA in a subsequent
                    year.
 
      
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