News Releases

- One in ten Canadians are expected to carry debt following holiday season purchases according to the 2012 BMO Holiday Spending Outlook

- One quarter of Canadians have family and assets abroad

- More than one-third of international asset holders are not familiar with the taxes and laws pertaining to their wills

- Assets abroad can include second properties, bank accounts and investments

- Corporate executorship is key to managing an estate with global components

- BMO Holiday Spending Survey shows consumers are better prepared for holiday shopping now than in 2011, with most planning weeks or months in advance

- However, three per cent of Canadians still consider themselves last-minute shoppers

- Men more likely to wait until December to start (38 per cent versus 21 per cent of women)

Writing a story on retirement or investing? Need some background, a quote, a different perspective?

Call the BMO RRSP Media Hotline at 1-866-298-8385 or e-mail Rachael McKay at rachael.mckay@bmo.com

- 87 per cent of Canadians believe it's important to support Canadian food producers on a regular basis

- Agricultural sector accounts for approximately eight per cent of Canada's total GDP

- Almost two-thirds would opt for a donation made on their behalf rather than receiving a holiday gift

- More than three-quarters like the idea of making a charitable donation on someone else's behalf instead of giving a present

- Almost half of Canadians volunteered in 2012

- Alberta, Atlantic Canada and Ontario will see the most spending activity on Boxing Day

- According to BMO Economics, total retail sales, excluding auto and gasoline sales, are expected to be almost $60 billion in November to December period

- BMO, the official bank of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), is launching a twitter contest for CHL fans

- Fans have the chance to tweet using @BMOCHL #UltimateFan for a chance to win a trip for two to the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Halifax

- Interest rate of 1.2 per cent to be paid on all balances - the highest rate offered among Canada's major financial institutions for a full-service savings account

- New enhancements designed to help Canadians reach their savings goals faster

Poll reveals top three New Year's Resolutions for Employees and their Bosses

- Six out of 10 Canadians are planning a vacation during the upcoming holidays

- Canadians plan to spend an average of $560 on travel during the holiday season

- Use of reward points for travel continues to increase

- One quarter of Canadians have family and assets abroad

- More than one-third of international asset holders are not familiar with the taxes and laws pertaining to their wills

- Assets abroad can include second properties, bank accounts and investments

- Corporate executorship is key to managing an estate with global components

- Program helps farmers mitigate risk and manage cash flow

- BMO AgriInvest Account allows farmers to increase their savings through market-leading rate

- Offers tips on year-end tax-saving strategies

- 2012 award is 9th in a row for Sinclair, 2nd for Hutchinson

- BMO branch represents a $1.5 million investment in the community

- 'Making Money Make Sense' in six different languages

- Offering customers extended banking hours, including Saturdays and Sundays

- Grand opening celebration features great prizes and giveaways

- Six out of 10 Canadians are planning a vacation during the upcoming holidays

- Canadians plan to spend an average of $560 on travel during the holiday season

- Use of reward points for travel continues to increase

- One quarter of Canadians have family and assets abroad

- More than one-third of international asset holders are not familiar with the taxes and laws pertaining to their wills

- Assets abroad can include second properties, bank accounts and investments

- Corporate executorship is key to managing an estate with global components

New Findings from BMO Financial Group and Chrome River Survey Reveal Heavy Reliance On Manual Processes

- Companies are not investing in new processes and systems to improve how billable expenses are managed.

- Most frequent travelers in professional services businesses rely on manual processes to manage, monitor and capture client billable expenses.

- Drawn out reimbursement cycles result in lost revenue.

- A corporate card program paired with a sophisticated expense management system can eliminate the need to manually reconcile expenses.

On December 12th BMO's Jack Ablin, Scott Graham and Paul Taylor will discuss potential resolutions along with market and economic implications

- Canada's first bank steps in for two-year commitment to refresh gallery and educational programs

- BMO, the official bank of the Calgary Stampede, has long ties to the city and province; open for business in 1886

On December 12th BMO's Jack Ablin, Scott Graham and Paul Taylor will discuss potential resolutions along with market and economic implications

- $1.5 million donation largest in UFV's history

- BMO's largest one-time donation in B.C.

- UFV Plaza will become Chilliwack's newest business education centre

Former branch donated to University of the Fraser Valley - BMO's largest one-time donation in B.C.

- New BMO branch represents a $1.7 million investment in the community

- Customers offered extended banking hours, including Saturdays

- 'Making Money Make Sense' in four different languages

- Grand opening celebration features giveaways and a raffle

- Total annual alcohol sales on pace to top $19 billion

- Wine continues to uncork stronger sales; consumers willing to pay a premium

- Canadian wineries expected to benefit from holiday spike

- Two-thirds of Canadians say they have an RRSP, up six per cent from 2011

- Three-quarters of those surveyed plan to contribute the same amount or more compared to last year

- Average amount contributed in 2011 was $4,670

- Majority either seldom or never max out their contribution in a given year

- Total unused RRSP contribution amount to exceed $1 trillion by 2018

BMO donates $500,000 to help establish Catalyst's Inclusive Leadership Initiative

- The BMO / Catalyst Inclusive Leadership Practice Centre (ILPC) will draw together corporate leaders who are interested in creating development opportunities that will help emerging leaders build more inclusive workplaces around the globe.

- Centre will employ networking, educational and research opportunities to provide organizations with the necessary knowledge and resources to advance, grow, and sustain dedicated employee resource groups.

- BMO's Institute for Learning (IFL) will be the flagship location for in-person training and certification of these learners.