News Releases

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - June 28, 2012) - According to a survey from BMO Financial Group, the Calgary Stampede is considered to be one of the most important events in Canada.

The survey, conducted by Leger Marketing, shows the Calgary Stampede (10 per cent), the Grey Cup (13 per cent), the Canadian National Exhibition (12 per cent), and the Toronto International Film Festival (11 per cent) are considered to be the most important annual events in Canada to attend.

Albertans are the most likely to say the Stampede (27 per cent) is the most important Canadian event to attend. However, the positive sentiment around the event does not stop in Alberta, with nearly half of Canadians (44 per cent) saying that if money were not a factor, they would likely attend the Stampede in the next five years.

"Our study tells us that Canadians see the Stampede as a great Canadian tradition, one that BMO is proud to have had a relationship with for a century," said Sandy Bourne, Vice-President, Sponsorships, BMO Financial Group. "The bank's ties to the Calgary Stampede are long and remarkable. We've been the banker to the Calgary Exhibition since 1899 when lands were christened at Victoria Park. And BMO continued as the official banker in 1912 when the first rodeo took place and became the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. The Stampede is an important event for us to connect with our customers and visitors from around the world."

The survey also shows that if money were not a factor:

• 62 per cent of Albertans say they would likely attend the Calgary Stampede over the next five years
• Those under 65 (47 per cent vs. 33 per cent of those 65+) are more likely to visit the Calgary Stampede in the next five years
• Those with children under 18 living at home (55 per cent vs. 39 per cent with no children) are more likely to visit the Calgary Stampede in the next five years.

About BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group is proud to be the official bank of the Calgary Stampede for the past 100 years. That's why we're corralling the community to celebrate with us at our special events - the BMO Farm Family Awards and BMO Kids' Day.

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly-diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $525 billion as at April 30, 2012, and more than 46,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.