News Releases

- 42 per cent of Manitobans and Saskatchewanians made an RRSP contribution this year - tops in the country

- The two provinces contributed an average of $5,605 - $2,000 more than last year

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

- British Columbians contributed an average of $6,700 to their RRSPs this year - more than any other region in Canada

- One-third of British Columbians made a contribution before the February 29th deadline

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

- Half of the province's contributors opted for mutual funds for their RRSPs (51 per cent), followed by equities (29 per cent), GICs (21 per cent), bonds (10 per cent) and ETFs (4 per cent)

- 32 per cent contributed to an RRSP before February 29th deadline

- Average contribution amount was $3,864

- Atlantic Canadians most likely in Canada to include equities in their RRSPs

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

- 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

- Midnight, February 29th is the deadline for contributing to an RRSP

- BMO offers multiple options for Canadians looking to contribute

- BMO media spokespeople available to provide last-minute RRSP advice

New branch is latest step in rebuilding downtown Goderich following tornado damage

- Newly renovated BMO branch represents a $1.4 million investment into the community

- Special attendance by Deb Shewfelt, Mayor, Town of Goderich

- Donation presentation of $7,500 to the Alexandra Marine & General Hospital

- Grand opening celebration features a chance to win great prizes, including a iPad 2 or a cash prize

Tony Robson and David Haughton hosting BMO Capital Markets' 21st Global Metals & Mining Conference this week

- Outlook for copper factors in strong demand from China

- Gold consumption in India and China has been a key driver of the market

- Major outflows in burgeoning ETF industry carry potential risk to impact silver prices

"Stars of Vancouver Readers' Choice Awards"

- Making money make sense for customers in diverse and trendy downtown Vancouver neighbourhood

- $10 billion in credit available to Canadian businesses over the next three years will provide important benefits to companies located in B.C.

- $10 billion in credit available to businesses across Canada over the next three years will provide important benefits to companies located in B.C.

- BMO is committed to making money make sense and providing clarity for commercial customers making financial decisions

As the February 29th RRSP deadline approaches, BMO hosts media panel on how to get the most from your retirement savings

- New BMO branch represents a $1.1 million investment into the community

- BMO boosts credit to Canadian businesses by $10 billion

- Offering customers extended banking hours, including Saturdays and Sundays

- Grand opening celebration features, giveaways and a raffle for a chance to win one of two Apple iPads

- Forty per cent of boomers wished they had started saving for retirement earlier

- One-third regret not having invested more in real estate

- Boomers advise young Canadians to get moving on RRSPs, TFSAs, financial plans and becoming mortgage-free faster

- Female boomers feel more strongly than males about the need to have a financial plan and importance of being on the same page as their partner on retirement

As the February 29th RRSP deadline approaches, BMO hosts media panel on how to get the most from your retirement savings

Inclusiveness increasingly seen as key success factor of leading employers

- Calming Eurozone Situation Inspiring Market Confidence

- US Stocks Poised for Double-Digit Returns

- Commodities Should Help Drive Canadian Equities

- Don Coxe, Strategy Advisor, will be available for media interviews in advance of BMO Capital Markets' Metals & Mining conference

- Mr. Coxe to provide outlook for factors shaping commodity market

- 2012 will be a positive year for commodity stocks and non-European equities

BMO offers BMO SmartSteps for Parents, an online, interactive hub to help parents educate children on money management

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