News Releases

- 42 per cent of Albertans contributed to an RRSP before the February 29th deadline - unchanged from last year

- The average RRSP contribution amount in Alberta was $3,980 while the national average was $4,670

- Nationally, men were more likely than women to have made a contribution

- 38 per cent contributed to an RRSP before Feb. 29th deadline

- Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba led the way with 42 per cent participation

- Canadians contributed an average of $4,670

- Men more likely than women to have contributed

- Mutual funds were top RRSP investment choice this season, followed by GICs

18-Year BMO Veteran Responsible for Relationships With Corporate and Government Clients Worldwide

Adds global responsibility for all BMO's Fixed Income and Money Market Sales & Trading capabilities to existing Financial Products portfolio

Assumes Responsibility for All BMO's FX Activities in North America, Europe and Asia

Access to capital, developing a business plan, and finding customers top challenges

- Food and hospitality, retail/services, and arts/entertainment & recreation most favoured sectors

- 52 per cent of Canadians believe access to capital to be the primary challenge to starting their own business

- 86 per cent of potential entrepreneurs say sharing knowledge with other business owners will be important to their success