News Releases

Canada Day: BMO Takes a Look at What a Difference 145 Years Makes

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 29, 2012) - In advance of Canada's 145^th birthday, BMO Financial Group takes a look at how the country, and the bank, have changed since Confederation.

"Canada is clearly a much-transformed country since its birth 145 years ago, and BMO has grown along with it," said Paul Taylor, Chief Investment Officer, BMO Harris Private Banking and BMO Global Asset Management. "Our country's modern strengths are clear - we can all be proud of Canada's economic leadership and strong fiscal position, and look forward to increasing economic vigour in the years ahead."

Then and now. A comparative look back:

Item	Confederation	Present Day
Canadian population	3,463,000	34,837,000
Canadian GDP/capita	$3,100 (1870, current $)	$56,000
Value of Canadian exports	$50.3 million (1866)	$44,780 million
Cost of a barrel of oil	US$2.41	US$79.44
Cost of an ounce of gold	US$18.93	US$1,579
BMO Assets	$19.8 million	$525.5 billion
BMO Deposits	$11.2 million	$317.3 billion
BMO Branches	25	1,599
BMO Employees	112 (1856)	46,566

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For further information:

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

Ronald Monet, Montreal
514-877-1873
ronald.monet@bmo.com

Laurie Grant, Vancouver
604-665-7596
laurie.grant@bmo.com
Internet: www.bmo.com