News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 20, 2011) - BMO Bank of Montreal is helping Canadians achieve their home ownership dreams by sponsoring "Make It Happen Mondays" on HGTV Canada during the Monday night TV line-up of My First Place, My First Sale, and Property Virgins, which premiered on October 17, 2011 from 8pm-11pm ET/5pm-8pm PT.

"We've all got dreams of finding the perfect home for an affordable price, and renovating to make it our own, but sometimes we need a little help to 'Make It Happen'," said Sandy Bourne, Vice-President, Sponsorships, BMO Financial Group. "As HGTV is a leader when it comes to providing Canadians with entertaining and engaging programs that provide ideas and advice on the many facets of homeownership, we see this sponsorship as the perfect complement to BMO's ongoing commitment to help make money make sense for Canadians."

This sponsorship allows BMO to provide HGTV's vast audience access to many of BMO's solutions designed to help them reach their financial goals, whether it is paying down the mortgage faster, getting funds for home improvement or better managing household spending and saving.

"The HGTV Monday night sponsorship provides us with a tremendous opportunity to make a direct connection with Canadians at home and showcase how BMO can help households make smart money management decisions through the wide variety of BMO products and services," said Su McVey, Vice President, Customer Communications and Marketing, BMO Bank of Montreal.

Ms. McVey added that the shows are a great counterpart to BMO SmartSteps programs (including one for Homeowners), and BMO MoneyLogic™ – an online personal financial management tool to help track everyday expenses.

"Shaw Media is pleased to announce the new long-term sponsorship with BMO Bank of Montreal to present 'Make It Happen Mondays' on HGTV Canada. The HGTV series airing on Monday night that feature home ownership naturally have a financial component, and we feel that BMO's notable brand and specialization in these areas provides a great partnership for the network," said Errol Da-Ré, Senior Vice President of Sales, Shaw Media.

About "Make It Happen Mondays"

My First Place: My First Place captures the emotions and designing challenges of moving into your first home. The new residents, whether they are a couple, a family or an individual, get valuable assistance from an ensemble team of design experts who come up with creative solutions to practical problems for house-poor, first-time homeowners. At the core of each episode are the personal stories of the new homeowners. Everyone will be able to relate to the emotional roller coaster of buying, moving into and designing your first home!

My First Sale: Think buying your first place is tough? Try selling it! My First Sale takes the proven and successful docudrama format of My First Place and turns it upside down - telling the story from the seller's point of view. Selling your first place means the stakes are even higher than when you purchased. More pressure, more jeopardy, more to gain - and potentially thousands to lose. For HGTV viewers, My First Sale has even more drama and, most important, more valuable takeaways to help viewers make top dollar on their own sale.

Property Virgins: Property guru Sandra Rinomato helps first-time buyers find their ultimate home. Part realtor, part therapist, friend and financial advisor, Sandra helps buyers see the difference between their hopes of acquiring the out of reach dream home and the cold-hard reality of what it takes to find the right property.

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $477 billion as at July 31, 2011, and more than 47,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.

About Shaw Communications Inc.

Shaw Communications Inc. is a diversified communications and media company, providing consumers with broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Home Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business), satellite direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct) and engaging programming content (through Shaw Media). Shaw serves 3.4 million customers, through a reliable and extensive fibre network. Shaw Media operates one of the largest conventional television networks in Canada, Global Television, and 18 specialty networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, History Television and Showcase. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (TSX:SJR.B)(NYSE:SJR). For more information about Shaw, please visit www.shaw.ca.