News Releases

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Dec. 16, 2014) - BMO Bank of Montreal today announced a financial relief program to assist commercial customers affected by avian influenza in British Columbia and other impacted locations throughout western Canada.

"While this is not a wide spread issue, affected poultry producers are no doubt feeling a great deal of uncertainty around what the next few days, weeks and months will bring in light of the recent events surrounding avian influenza," said Mike Bonner, Senior Vice President, B.C. and Yukon Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Over the years, we've built valuable relationships with poultry producers in the region that have spanned decades, and as members of this community, we stand by producers in good times and bad and are here to help those affected through this difficult period."

The program includes:

• Deferral of loan payments
• Waiver of a new loan application and concessions on renewal fees
• Flexible terms on existing and new lines of credit are being developed on a case-by-case basis

For further information, customers are encouraged to visit a local BMO branch, or call 1-877 CALL BMO (225-5266), or visit www.bmo.com. For information on branch locations in your area, please visit the BMO Branch Locator.

About BMO and Agriculture

BMO's roots in the Canadian agricultural sector date back to 1817, when the Bank first began working with farmers to support and expand the agricultural industry, which has become a key driver of Canada's economy. Today, BMO provides customized loan, deposit, cash management and card payment solutions to Canada's agri-business owners, the single largest core commercial sector that the bank serves.

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services organization based in North America. The bank offers a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers. BMO Financial Group had total assets of $589 billion and more than 46,000 employees at October 31, 2014.