News Releases

TORONTO, November 29, 2010 – The issue of household finances in Canada has been a hot topic since the onset of the economic downturn, and as debt rises and interest rates hover at record lows, many questions remain as to the status of Canadian household finances heading into 2011.

Join Douglas Porter, Deputy Chief Economist, BMO Capital Markets, and regional housing and financial experts Laura Parsons and Larry Moser as they present findings from BMO's report “Canadian Savings: Return of the Profligate Sums?”, share insights on the factors impacting the state of Canadian household finances and what Canadians should be considering when it comes to managing debt.

BMO Panel to Discuss:

-          What factors are driving the growth in Canadian household debt to record highs? Is it sustainable? Are there offsetting factors?

-          What should Canadians be focusing on when it comes to their personal balance sheets?

-          Good debt vs. bad debt – is there such a thing?

-          What can Canadians do to invest smarter, better manage their savings and balance debt moving forward?

Following a brief presentation, the discussion will continue with a media Q&A session.

WHAT:             BMO Virtual Roundtable: The Rise in Assets and the State of Household Finances in Canada

WHO:               Douglas Porter, Deputy Chief Economist, BMO Capital Markets

Laura Parsons, Area Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal

Larry Moser, Regional Sales Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal

WHERE:           Dial-in

                        Participant dial-in number(s): 416-340-2217 / 866-696-5910

Participant passcode: 6866414

WHEN:             December 1, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. ET

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For further information or to confirm your participation, please contact:

Amanda Robinson, Toronto, amanda.robinson@bmo.com, 416-867-3996