Media Contacts:
Kevin Windorf, New York, (212) 885-4111
Kim Hanson, Toronto, (416) 867-4924

Internet: www.bmocm.com

NEW YORK, November 6, 2009 – BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), will host its 17th annual Digital Entertainment Investor Conference, Thursday, November 12, 2009, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

The conference is expanding this year to include companies in the digital media, games, video and music sectors. More than 45 public and private companies are scheduled to present including:

• Activision Blizzard (ATVI)
• Brightcove
• Electronic Arts (ERTS)
• GameStop (GME)
• Microsoft (MSFT)
• Nintendo of America (NTDOY)
• OnLive
• Pandora
• Sony Computer Entertainment America (SNE)

Media will have access to the featured BMO Capital Markets Arcade Room, with live demonstrations of the latest consoles, devices, platforms and games (some before their release date in retail stores).

"This conference will not only spotlight the hottest games and technologies, but will provide a showcase for the companies behind the dynamic evolution we'll see in the digital entertainment arena over the next few years,” said Edward Williams, Senior Research Analyst, BMO Capital Markets and host of the Digital Entertainment Conference. "This event will also provide a leading perspective on the upcoming holiday selling season in this space,” he added.

With an expected audience of more than 500 people, the conference provides a dynamic forum on the rapidly expanding and evolving media and entertainment industries.

The two-track agenda includes 30-minute presentations by 22 public and private companies, as well as six-person panel discussions with senior executives from 23 public and private companies.

Presentations will be broadcast live and archived* at: www.bmocm.com/conferences/digitalentertainment2009

* Private companies will not be webcast.

An up-to-the-minute agenda and a complete list of companies that will participate at the conference* are also available at: www.bmocm.com/conferences/digitalentertainment2009

* Agenda and participant list subject to change.

Media interested in attending the event and/or scheduling an interview are asked to call (212) 885-4111 or (416) 867-3996.

About BMO Capital Markets
BMO Capital Markets is a leading full-service North American financial services provider, with more than 2,200 employees operating in 14 North American offices and 27 worldwide, offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a complete range of investment and corporate banking products and services. BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), one of the largest diversified financial services providers in North America with US$385 billion total assets and 37,000 employees as at July 31, 2009.

Internet: www.bmocm.com/bmosp (Closed-End Funds)

TORONTO, November 6, 2009 – T. Boone Pickens Energy Fund (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that it has filed and received a receipt for its preliminary prospectus from the securities regulatory authority in each province and territory of Canada.

The Fund has been created to provide investors with the opportunity for long-term capital growth by providing access to the energy-related investment strategies of TBP Investments Management, LLC (the “Portfolio Manager”). The Portfolio Manager and its management team are led by Mr. T. Boone Pickens, who as founder and a principal of the Portfolio Manager, brings more than 50 years of “hands on” experience in the oil and gas industry to the evaluation of potential energy investments and energy sector themes.

Mr. Pickens intends to acquire, directly or indirectly, 10% of the Units of the Fund, to a maximum of U.S.$10 million under the Offerings.

In the Fund’s initial public offering, investors may purchase either Class A Combined Units or Class F Combined Units at a price of $10.00 per Combined Unit of the class, or Class U Combined Units at a price of U.S.$10.00 per Class U Combined Unit. Each Combined Unit consists of one transferable, redeemable Unit of the class and one transferable Warrant for one Unit of the class. The offerings are expected to close in mid-December 2009.

The Fund will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing the net proceeds of the offerings in an actively-managed portfolio consisting primarily of equities and commodity-related investments within the energy and energy-related sectors. Portfolio investments will include traditional or conventional energy sector investments but may also include alternative energy investments including non-traditional uses for natural gas and renewable energy that are consistent with energy themes and policies espoused by the Portfolio Manager. The Fund’s portfolio will be managed with the goal of providing absolute returns in any market environment.

Prospective purchasers may purchase Combined Units either by: (i) a cash payment; or (ii) an exchange (the “Exchange Option”) of freely-tradeable listed securities (“Exchange Eligible Securities”) of certain energy-related issuers, including exchange-traded funds, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. To utilize the Exchange Option, a prospective purchaser must deposit Exchange Eligible Securities with the Fund’s agent for the Exchange Option through CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on November 24, 2009.

Harris Investment Management, Inc. is the Fund’s investment manager and has retained the Portfolio Manager to manage the Fund’s Portfolio and implement the Fund’s investment strategy. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. will act as the administrator of the Fund and will be responsible for its management and administration.

The offerings are being made through BMO Capital Markets.

For further information, please visit the Fund’s website at www.bmocm.com/bmosp under “Closed-End Funds”.

About BMO Capital Markets
BMO Capital Markets is a leading full-service North American financial services provider, with over 2,200 employees operating in 14 North American offices and 27 worldwide, offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a complete range of investment and corporate banking products and services. BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), one of the largest diversified financial services providers in North America with US$385 billion total assets and 37,000 employees as at July 31, 2009.

This press release does not constitute an offer of these securities for sale in the United States, which securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration.

A preliminary prospectus containing important information relating to the Combined Units, Units and Warrants has been filed with securities commissions or similar authorities in each province and territory of Canada. The preliminary prospectus is still subject to completion or amendment. Copies of the preliminary prospectus may be obtained from BMO Capital Markets, Distribution Department, 1 First Canadian Place, B2 Level, Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1H3 (tel: 416-363-6996 x224). There will not be any sale or any acceptance of an offer to buy the securities until a receipt for the final prospectus has been issued.

TORONTO, November 6, 2009 – As a result of a proposed fund merger involving its current underlying fund, it is expected that, on or about November 27, 2009, the underlying fund to the Fund will become BMO Emerging Markets Fund. The investment objective of the Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation. Currently, the Fund seeks a similar return to BMO Guardian Emerging Markets Fund by investing primarily in units of that fund. On the effective date of the merger, the Fund will seek a similar return to BMO Emerging Markets Fund by investing primarily in units of that fund.

The anticipated merger of BMO Guardian Emerging Markets Fund into BMO Emerging Markets Fund will occur on or about November 27, 2009 pending securityholder and regulatory approval. Securityholder approval is being sought at a special meeting to be held on or about November 10, 2009.

About BMO Investments Inc.
BMO Investments Inc. is a member of the BMO Financial Group and part of the organization's Private Client Group. The Private Client Group provides integrated wealth management services in Canada and the United States and had total assets under management and administration of $230 billion as at July 31, 2009.

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TORONTO, November 6, 2009 – Business credit may have been falling over the past few months, but BMO has stepped up by making a minimum of $1 billion available to lend to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) across Canada.

"According to data from the Bank of Canada, short-term business credit growth has been slowing throughout the recession, and has actually shrunk over the past four months,” said Jennifer Lee, Economist, BMO Capital Markets. "But economic recoveries yield enormous opportunity. The great majority of Canada's small businesses will survive this latest recession and emerge stronger than ever."

"We want to recognize the thousands of small businesses across the country who have weathered the recession so well," said Gail Cocker, BMO's Senior Vice-President, Commercial Banking. "Now that we are into the recovery, many businesses will be looking to move forward with expansion plans or restock their inventory. With this minimum billion dollar commitment and the expertise of our bankers, BMO can provide those businesses with the capital and advice they need to succeed.

"We're open for Canadian businesses - throughout the business cycle," said Ms. Cocker. "To entrepreneurs across the country, we want you to know we are ready to listen and advise you on the best solutions for your business. Come and talk to us today."

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For news media inquiries, please contact:
Laurie Grant, BMO Bank of Montreal, 604-665-7596
Morley Scott, Vancouver Giants, 604-789-3249 

VANCOUVER, BC, November 5, 2009 – BMO Bank of Montreal is ”lacing up” a sponsorship with the Vancouver Giants Hockey Club to support junior hockey in Metro Vancouver and promote a great Canadian family entertainment tradition.

“The Vancouver Giants thrilled fans last year, when they finished in first place in the Western Hockey League’s BC Division, and they are off to a great start again this year,” said Rob Serraglio, Senior Vice-President, BC & Yukon Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “This is a golden opportunity to associate the BMO brand with a sport that people in Vancouver love and with a strong-performing team that is involved in the community.”

Over each of the past four seasons, the Vancouver Giants have amassed 100 points or greater and have captured four straight BC Division titles within the Western Hockey League.

BMO is also introducing its national sponsorship marketing program – BMO Power of Blue - to Vancouver Giants home games. This customer experience program features:

• The chance to sit in better seats at each home game when you wave your BMO debit or credit card.
• Access to BMO MasterCard giveaways.

“I am extremely pleased that a major corporation like BMO Bank of Montreal, which has been in business in Vancouver since 1887, is supporting our hockey and community involvement goals,” said Vancouver Giants President and majority owner, Ron Toigo. “Together, we can help develop junior hockey in Metro Vancouver and ensure that these young men have the opportunity to pursue higher achievements, in hockey, school and life.”

BMO’s association with the Vancouver Giants is in keeping with its more than ten years of involvement with the Canadian Hockey League through the BMO MasterCard affinity program.

In 2008, BMO contributed more than $55 million in donations and sponsorships in support of hundreds of organizations across the country. BMO Bank of Montreal has 116 branches in British Columbia.

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For news media inquiries, please contact:
Toronto, 416-867-3996
Montreal, 514-877-1101

HALIFAX, November 4, 2009 – BMO Financial Group announced today that it has significantly expanded its commitment to the use of green energy by purchasing Bullfrog Power for all of its 64 facilities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Effective immediately, BMO becomes biggest user of Bullfrog Power in Atlantic Canada.

The announcement follows purchases over the last two years of Bullfrog Power’s clean, renewable energy for BMO locations in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, where a total of 78 branches have been bullfrogpowered to date.

"Customers expect us to show leadership when it comes to the environment,” said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice-President, Atlantic Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “This means that we must adopt and integrate environmental best practices into everything we do. With this purchase, we are reaffirming our commitment to minimizing the impact of our operations on the environment – here in Atlantic Canada and everywhere else we do business.”

“It is part of our Environmental Policy to encourage a green workplace through programs that promote energy efficiency, waste minimization, recycling and green procurement,” said Jim Johnston, Director, Environmental Sustainability, BMO Financial Group. “With this further investment, BMO moves to the top-tier Vanguard level on the bullfrogpowered Green Index for companies who have purchased over 20,000 annual megawatt hours of green power. It shows our leadership in the area of environmental sustainability and will represent an integral part of BMO achieving carbon neutrality company-wide in 2010.”

“At Bullfrog Power, we’re delighted that BMO has decided to expand its green power partnership with us, as we bring a new green electricity choice to Maritime homes and businesses,” says Tom Heintzman, President, Bullfrog Power. “By choosing to bullfrogpower all of its operations in the Maritimes, BMO continues to play an important role in the advancement of the renewable power industry in Canada.”

BMO Financial Group is listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, the Jantzi Social Index and the FTSE4Good Series Index. BMO is also included on the 2009 Jantzi/Maclean’s list of the 50 Most Responsible Corporations in Canada and has appeared on Corporate Knights Magazine's Best 50 Corporate Citizens list every year since 2003.

To help customers, investors, employees and other interested parties make sense of it all, BMO’s Corporate Responsibility website has a section devoted to addressing climate change (www.bmo.com/environment). The site provides one of the most complete compilations of corporate performance data among its peers.

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Internet: www.bmocm.com

NEW YORK, November 3, 2009 – BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), has appointed Dirk Leasure as Head of its Financial Sponsors Group.

Based in New York, Leasure will lead a team of investment bankers based in New York and Chicago who specialize in helping U.S. private equity firms.

The group works closely with private equity firms by providing advisory services as well as acquisition financing when they pursue leveraged buyout transactions. In addition, BMO’s Financial Sponsors Group helps with add-on acquisitions while the sponsor owns the company, and assists with M&A and Equity Capital Markets advice when the sponsor looks to exit from the investment.

“The private equity community remains vibrant and a strong source of investment and corporate banking revenue. As the financial markets and our economy recover, financial sponsors will become an even more active and important client group,” said Dominic Petito, Co-Head, U.S. Investment & Corporate Banking, BMO Capital Markets.

“Serving the needs of financial sponsor clients will help BMO Capital Markets accelerate and strengthen our growth across the full range of industry sectors and product groups. Dirk has significant experience working with financial sponsors and we look forward to his leadership and direction to capitalize on the opportunities before us,” said David Casper, Co-Head, U.S. Investment & Corporate Banking, BMO Capital Markets.

As the markets continue to recover, BMO anticipates a substantial increase in private equity activity into 2010 and beyond. Some of the trends expected to surface within the private equity market include:

• A significant increase in the size and number of transactions involving sponsors looking to exit from successful investments by selling companies from their portfolios as buyers are increasingly able to obtain debt financing
• A notable rise in the size and number of transactions involving sponsors looking to exit from successful investments by taking their companies public via IPOs given the rebound in public equity market values
• A considerable boost in the number and size of transactions where sponsors are buying companies as new investments as the loan and high yield bond markets continue to recover
• Sponsors, particularly in the middle-market, will continue to be more selective in choosing the investment banks they partner with. For example, sponsors will focus even more intently on developing key relationships with those investment banks that can bring them deal flow, provide acquisition financing and have deep sector expertise and execution capabilities.

“BMO is exceptionally well-positioned to benefit from the increase in sponsor activity, which we are already seeing. Consequently, we are excited about the opportunity and believe that adding additional focus and people to this effort will produce substantial rewards,” said Leasure.

Prior to joining BMO Capital Markets in 2002, Leasure spent eight years with Goldman Sachs working with financial sponsors in their leveraged finance group, including two years leading that group's efforts with financial sponsors in London. Leasure is a graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia.

About BMO’s U.S. Financial Sponsors Group
A financial sponsor is another name commonly used to refer to private equity investment firms, particularly those private equity firms that engage in leveraged buyout or LBO transactions. BMO’s U.S. Financial Sponsors Group is a highly regarded team dedicated to providing coverage for these investors. The group offers clients a full range of investment and corporate banking capabilities including development of proprietary investment opportunities, M&A advisory, acquisition financing, restructuring and equity capital market services through a single point of contact. For more information visit, http://www.bmocm.com/industry/us/fs/default.aspx.

About BMO Capital Markets
BMO Capital Markets is a leading full-service North American financial services provider, with over 2,400 employees operating in 14 North American offices and 27 worldwide, offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a complete range of investment and corporate banking products and services. BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), one of the largest diversified financial services providers in North America with US$385 billion total assets and 37,000 employees as at July 31, 2009.

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WHAT:

BMO to host a conference call discussing economic and investment outlook.
Despite a recent dip, equity markets are up strongly since their March lows and economies across the globe are slowly gaining traction. Join Canadian and U.S. Chief Investment Officers from BMO Harris Private Banking and Harris Private Bank to discuss their economic outlook, prospects for recovery, and asset allocation of investment portfolios that best align with this outlook.

CIOs Paul Taylor and Jack Ablin will provide a market outlook and comment on:

• The tailwinds supporting the global equity markets and economic recovery over the next 12 months.
• Risks that could nudge the economy back into recession
• Factors which underlie the case for a biased equity allocation within a balanced investment portfolio

For more commentary and analysis on the Canadian and U.S. markets and what this means for investors, media are invited to participate in an interactive media conference call at 12 p.m. EST on Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

Media conference call details:

Who:
Host: Andrew Auerbach, Senior Vice-President & Head, BMO Harris Private Banking

Paul Taylor, Chief Investment Officer, BMO Harris Private Banking, Toronto

Jack Ablin, Chief Investment Officer, Harris Private Bank, Chicago

Ablin is also the author of Reading Minds and Markets: Minimizing Risk and Maximizing Returns in a Volatile Global Marketplace, recently ranked as one of the top hardcover business books by The Wall Street Journal

When:
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
12 p.m. EDT

Media dial-in number for BMO Harris Private Banking conference call:
416-695-7806 / 888-789-9572

Participant Passcode:
5153086

The call will be archived at www.bmoharrisprivatebanking.com until November 13, 2009 and a print transcript of the conference call will be available upon request.

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Internet:
www.siminovitchprize.com

TORONTO, November 2, 2009 – BMO Financial Group announced that Calgary-born, Toronto-based designer Ronnie Burkett has been selected as the recipient of the 2009 Elinore & Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, the largest theatre award in the country. Burkett was chosen from a short list of six finalists including Jean Bard (Montreal, QB), Bretta Gerecke (Edmonton, AB), Anick Labissonnière (Montreal, QB), Richard Lacroix, Montreal, QB; and Ken MacDonald (Vancouver, BC and Toronto, ON).

“The selection of Ronnie Burkett as winner of the 2009 Siminovitch Prize goes to recognize his unique contribution to theatre design. Design has remained at the very centre of everything he has created. His work challenges audiences and extends the way we see theatre,” said Maureen Labonté, Jury Chair. “As a designer, he takes risks and experiments while remaining profoundly human in the theatre he creates. He continues to inspire younger, emerging artists whom he has mentored and taught.”

Recognized as one of Canada’s foremost theatre artists, Burkett has been credited with creating some of the world’s most elaborate and provocative puppetry. His work has stimulated an unprecedented adult audience for puppet theatre, continuously playing to great critical and public acclaim on Canada’s major stages and at international theatre festivals. His current production Billy Twinkle, Requiem For a Golden Boy follows the now-retired 10 Days on Earth, Provenance and the “Memory Dress Trilogy” of Tinka’s New Dress, Street of Blood and Happy.

"My chief mentor in puppetry, Martin Stevens, said that 'art is the personal contribution to the ever-continuing conversation about life.’ Here in the middle of my career, the Siminovitch Prize will allow me to continue that discussion in a significant way," said Burkett.

Burkett has been captivated by puppetry since the age of seven when he opened the World Book Encyclopedia to the entry for “puppets”. He began touring his puppet shows around his home province of Alberta when he was 14 and has been on the road ever since.

“From all of us at BMO Financial Group, I would like to congratulate Ronnie on his outstanding achievements in the world of Canadian theatre,” said Gilles Ouellette, President and CEO, Private Client Group, BMO Financial Group. “The Siminovitch Prize represents an excellence that Ronnie has demonstrated continuously throughout his career. His work is an example of the creativity we can foster in Canada through encouragement, mentorship and support for the arts.”

Burkett received a cheque for $75,000 at the ceremony on Monday, November 2nd and selected Clea Minaker as his protégé who received $25,000 of the prize. The Siminovitch Prize is set up in this way to put an emphasis on the role of mentorship in Canadian theatre.

Clea Minaker, Protégé

Clea Minaker grew up on Vancouver Island and has been based out of Montreal for the past twelve years. From 2002-2005 Clea studied at France’s National Puppetry School (E.S.N.A.M) located at the International Institute of Puppetry Arts, in Charleville-Mézières, France. Upon returning to Canada she has been employed as a: puppeteer, actress, puppet builder, designer, director, and teacher. She has worked in theatre companies, on solo performances, in short films, music videos, and concerts. In 2007/2008 she toured internationally with Canadian singer Feist, designing and performing live shadow puppetry and video projections in close to one hundred concert venues. For 2010, Clea has been commissioned to create and direct a touring performance for young audiences at Youtheatre in Montreal. She will also be in residence at Tas de Sable in Amiens France, beginning the creation of her first, full-length, solo performance.

Clea holds a D.M.A (professional arts diploma) in puppetry from E.S.N.A.M, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mcgill University.

About the 2009 Siminovitch Prize Jury

This year’s jury was chaired by newcomer Maureen Labonté, a Montreal-based translator and dramaturge. Other members of the jury included:

• Mérédith Caron – Montreal, Quebec, one of Quebec’s foremost costume designers and a teacher at Montreal’s National Theatre School;
• Rachel Ditor – Vancouver, British Columbia, a dramaturge who has freelanced around Canada and currently Literary Manager at the Arts Club Theatre in Vancouver as well as adjunct professor in dramaturgy at the University of British Columbia;
• Sue LePage – Toronto, Ontario, celebrated set and costume designer for more than 25 years; and
• Mieko Ouchi – Edmonton, Alberta, playwright, actor, stage and film director as well as co-founder and Artistic co-director of the Concrete Theatre in Edmonton.

About the Siminovitch Prize
The Siminovitch Prize in Theatre was introduced in 2001 and dedicated to renowned scientist Lou Siminovitch and his late wife Elinore, a playwright. Sponsored by BMO Financial Group, Canada’s largest annual theatre arts award recognizes direction, playwriting and design in three-year cycles. Previous recipients include:

• Toronto director, Daniel Brooks in 2001;
• Montreal playwright, Carole Fréchette in 2002;
• Montreal designer, Louise Campeau in 2003;
• St. John’s director, Jillian Keiley in 2004;
• Toronto playwright, John Mighton in 2005;
• Toronto set and costume designer, Dany Lyne in 2006;
• Montréal director, Brigitte Haentjens in 2007; and
• Toronto playwright, Daniel MacIvor in 2008.

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TORONTO, November 2, 2009 – Effective November 1, 2009, BMO Investments Inc. and Guardian Group of Funds Ltd. amalgamated to form a single legal entity. BMO Investments Inc. is now the manager and trustee of all BMO Guardian Funds and will continue to act as manager and trustee of the BMO Mutual Funds.

This change will allow the two fund families, BMO Mutual Funds and BMO Guardian Funds, to operate within a more streamlined organizational structure that will provide administrative and cost benefits.

BMO Guardian Funds
BMO Guardian Funds is a diversified family of funds and includes a broad range of domestic and global investment options covering a full array of asset classes, sectors, regions and specialized mandates. BMO Guardian Funds are currently offered by Guardian Group of Funds Ltd., which is a member of BMO Financial Group and part of the organization's Private Client Group.

BMO Mutual Funds
BMO Mutual Funds are offered by BMO Investments Inc., which is a member of the BMO Financial Group and part of the organization's Private Client Group. The Private Client Group provides integrated wealth management services in Canada and the United States and had total assets under management and administration of $230 billion as at July 31, 2009.

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For all other client inquires, please contact Client Services:
Tel: 1-800-361-1392
Fax: 1-866-486-2846

TORONTO, October 30, 2009 – BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., the manager of BMO Nesbitt Burns Balanced Portfolio Fund, BMO Nesbitt Burns Growth Portfolio Fund and BMO Nesbitt Burns All Equity Portfolio Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each, a “Fund”), is pleased to announce certain changes to the investment strategies of the Funds and a change to a Fund’s name to be effective October 30, 2009.

A summary of the revised investment strategies of each Fund is as follows:

BMO Nesbitt Burns Balanced Portfolio Fund will be fully invested at all times in securities of other mutual funds, fixed income securities and cash or cash equivalents, subject to the Fund’s specific investment restrictions and policies. The Fund’s underlying equity mutual funds will invest primarily in securities of Canadian and foreign companies and may also invest in preferred shares and unit trusts such as royalty income trusts, real estate investment trusts and business trusts. The Fund’s underlying fixed income mutual funds will invest primarily in fixed income securities including government and corporate bonds, high yield bonds, debentures, and asset and mortgage-backed securities. The Fund may invest up to 60 per cent of its net asset value in foreign securities.

BMO Nesbitt Burns Growth Portfolio Fund will be fully invested at all times in securities of other mutual funds, fixed income securities and cash or cash equivalents, subject to the Fund’s specific investment restrictions and policies. The Fund’s underlying equity mutual funds will invest primarily in securities of Canadian and foreign companies and may also invest in preferred shares and unit trusts such as royalty income trusts, real estate investment trusts and business trusts. The Fund’s underlying fixed income funds will invest primarily in fixed income securities including government and corporate bonds, high yield bonds, debentures, and asset and mortgage-backed securities. The Fund may invest up to 95 per cent of its net asset value in foreign securities.

BMO Nesbitt Burns All Equity Portfolio Fund will be fully invested at all times in securities of other mutual funds, fixed income securities and cash or cash equivalents, subject to the Fund’s specific investment restrictions and policies. The Fund will invest primarily in underlying mutual funds which will invest in equity securities of Canadian and foreign companies, and which may invest in preferred shares and unit trusts such as royalty income trusts, real estate investment trusts and business trusts. The Fund may invest up to 100 per cent of its net asset value in foreign securities. In conjunction with these changes to the investment strategies, the Fund’s name will change to BMO Nesbitt Burns Maximum Growth Portfolio Fund to better reflect the revised strategies.

Please refer to the simplified prospectus of the BMO Nesbitt Burns Group of Funds for a complete description of the investment strategies of the Funds.

About BMO Nesbitt Burns Group of Funds

BMO Nesbitt Burns Group of Funds is a diversified family of funds which includes domestic and global investment options covering various asset classes and regions. The Funds are currently offered by BMO Nesbitt Burns, one of North America’s leading full-service investment firms and a member of the BMO Financial Group.

About BMO Nesbitt Burns

BMO Nesbitt Burns and its predecessor companies have been helping investors meet their financial goals since 1912.

In August 1987, BMO Bank of Montreal acquired Nesbitt Thomson – then one of Canada's oldest and most respected investment houses. In 1994, Nesbitt Thomson and Burns Fry — also recognized as one of the largest worldwide dealers of Canadian equities and debt securities — merged. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. emerged as a member organization of BMO Financial Group, offering a broad range of wealth management and investment products and solutions.

Today, as one of Canada's leading full service investment firms, BMO Nesbitt Burns has an established reputation within the financial services industry. With over 75 branches and 1300 Investment Advisors (as of September 2009) BMO Nesbitt Burns is committed to helping clients meet their wealth management objectives in the same tradition of professionalism, integrity and innovation.

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TORONTO, October 28, 2009 – Members of the media are invited to attend a roundtable discussion on the potential impact of H1N1 on Canadian small businesses. The panel discussion will be held on Thursday, October 29 at the Hilton Hotel on 145 Richmond St. West in Toronto.

A Harris/Decima survey released in June found that 82 per cent of Canadian small businesses do not have a health-related continuity plan. The panel will review the barriers entrepreneurs face in developing contingency plans and discuss strategies that these businesses can adopt to close the gap in their preparedness.

The panel will be moderated by Cathy Pin, Vice President, Commercial Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal, and will include:

• Wendy Schettler, Director Public Health Programs, International Centre for Infectious Diseases (ICID)
• Mike Cuma, VP Human Resources and Labour Relations, Legacy Bowes Group (on behalf of ICID)
• Alan West, Lawyer, Gowlings LLP
• Cynthia Speranza, Coordinator, Danforth Mosaic Business Improvement Area

Details:
When: Thursday, October 29
12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. ET

Where: Varley Room, Hilton Hotel
145 Richmond St. West
Toronto, ON

Media interested in attending can RSVP by contacting Peter Scott: 416-867-3996, PeterE.Scott@bmo.com

Those unable to attend in person can dial in to the meeting via teleconference.

Dial-In Numbers: 416-443-4516 or 1-866-386-7641 (Toll Free)
Pass Code: 8756972 followed by the number sign

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For news media inquiries, please contact:
Toronto (416) 867-3996
Montreal (514) 877-1873
Vancouver (604) 665-7596

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TORONTO, October 27, 2009 – With the enhancements announced today, Canadian Investors can now add their non-managed, traditionally self-directed equity and fixed income investments to their BMO Nesbitt Burns Architect Account.

The Architect Program already simplifies investing by allowing Investment Advisors to combine:

• Separately managed accounts
• Mutual funds
• Exchange traded funds (ETFs) and;
• Alternative investment products, into one Architect Program Account.

Through this significant account consolidation, the Program provides clients one complete investment solution:

• One account
• One performance report and;
• One investment policy statement.

‘’We are thrilled to be able to provide our clients with a truly unique approach to investing with more freedom and flexibility than ever before” said Sarah Widmeyer, SVP and Managing Director, BMO Nesbitt Burns.

With the Architect Program, clients can now benefit from the professional management of separately managed accounts, mutual funds and ETFs and have the flexibility to hold individual stocks and bonds that they may own, all in one account. This simplifies the client’s total investment picture and clarifies it like never before on one performance statement.

“So whether you have legacy blue chip shares or other investment ideas you would like to explore, these can now all be held together with your managed portfolios, in one single Architect account” added Widmeyer.

The Program is significantly enhancing personal investing and providing a whole new level of clarity with a simplified program to help achieve diversification, transparency and sophistication within a single account.

BMO Nesbitt Burns launched the Architect program in 2005 and was the first Canadian financial institution to offer its clients a Unified Managed Account (UMA). This enhancement of the Architect Program solidifies BMO Nesbitt Burns’ position as the Canadian leader in creating sophisticated, transparent and most importantly, providing clear investment solutions for clients.

About BMO Nesbitt Burns

BMO Nesbitt Burns and its predecessor companies have been helping investors meet their financial goals since 1912. In August 1987, BMO Bank of
Montreal acquired Nesbitt Thomson-then one of Canada's oldest and most respected investment houses. In 1994, Nesbitt Thomson and Burns Fry—also recognized as one of the largest worldwide dealers of Canadian equities and debt securities—merged. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. emerged as a member organization of BMO Financial Group, offering a broad range of wealth management and investment products and solutions.

Today, as one of Canada's leading full service investment firms, BMO Nesbitt Burns has an established reputation within the financial services industry. With over 75 branches and 1300 Investment Advisors (as of September 2009) BMO Nesbitt Burns is committed to helping clients meet their wealth management objectives in the same tradition of professionalism, integrity and innovation.

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Investor Relations
Steven Bonin, Toronto, 416-867-5452
Andrew Chin, Toronto, 416-867-7019

Internet: www.bmo.com

TORONTO, October 27, 2009 – Bank of Montreal (TSX, NYSE: BMO) today announced its intention, subject to the approval of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) and the Toronto Stock Exchange, to renew its normal course issuer bid through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Bank of Montreal (“the bank”) intends to file a notice of intention with the Toronto Stock Exchange in this regard.

The notice will provide that the bank may purchase for cancellation on the Toronto Stock Exchange up to 15,000,000 common shares, being approximately 3.0 per cent of the public float, over a one year period. The period would begin once all required approvals have been obtained. The actual number of common shares that may be purchased and the timing of any such purchases will be determined by the bank. The bank will pay the market price for the shares at the time of acquisition. The bank will only initiate purchases under the bid after consulting with OSFI.

The bank’s previous 12-month normal course issuer bid expired on September 7, 2009 and the bank did not repurchase any common shares under that bid. There were 551,513,248 Bank of Montreal common shares issued and outstanding as at September 30, 2009 and the public float was 551,075,410 common shares.

BMO Financial Group’s Tier 1 ratio was 11.71 per cent as at July 31, 2009. The normal course issuer bid is being renewed as part of the bank’s capital management strategy.

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TORONTO, October 26, 2009 – Today at the opening of Toronto Stock Exchange BMO Financial Group announced a significant expansion of its BMO Exchange Traded Funds (ETF)* product line, solidifying its commitment as the only major financial institution in Canada to offer a family of ETFs. The addition of nine ETFs brings the total offered by BMO to 13.

“We are excited to announce the expansion of our ETF product line. It is part of BMO’s commitment to providing our clients with the most diverse group of products, solutions, best education and support in the field of investments and a testament to our dedication to helping clients make sense of their finances.” said Gilles Ouellette, President and CEO, BMO Private Client Group.

“In order to bring our clients the best of the ETF world, we have brought on board one of the most experienced teams in Canada led by Rajiv Silgardo, with a history of ETF firsts and many years of experience in managing institutional and retail ETF strategies,” added Ouellette.

“BMO ETFs full suite of products provide our clients further options for diversification, liquidity, risk control and cost effectiveness, allowing them to select and implement the optimal combination of investments to help them build the right portfolio to help meet their unique investment goals,” said Rajiv Silgardo, Head of BMO ETFs.

New BMO ETF Products (www.bmo.com/etfs)

• BMO Short Federal Bond Index ETF (ZFS)
• BMO Short Provincial Bond Index ETF (ZPS)
• BMO Short Corporate Bond Index ETF (ZCS)
• BMO High Yield US Corporate Bond Hedged to CAD ETF (ZHY)
• BMO S&P/TSX Equal Weight Banks Index ETF (ZEB)
• BMO S&P/TSX Equal Weight Oil & Gas Index ETF (ZEO)
• BMO International Equity Hedged to CAD Index ETF (ZDM)
• BMO Emerging Markets Equity Index ETF (ZEM)
• BMO S&P/TSX Equal Weight Global Base Metals Hedged to CAD Index ETF (ZMT)

Existing ETFs

• BMO Canadian Government Bond Index ETF (ZGB) has been designed to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of the Citigroup Canadian Government Bond Index.
• BMO Dow Jones Canada Titans 60 Index ETF (ZCN) has been designed to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of the Dow Jones Canada Titans 60 Index.
• BMO US Equity Hedged to CAD Index ETF (ZUE) has been designed to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Index (CAD hedged).
• BMO Dow Jones Industrial Average Hedged to CAD Index ETF (ZDJ) has been designed to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (CAD hedged).

Much like a stock, an ETF is an investment vehicle that is listed and traded on stock exchanges and which can be bought or sold directly during trading hours. ETFs are baskets of securities which consist of stocks, bonds or other assets and generally aim to track the performance of an index.

*BMO ETFs are managed and administered by Jones Heward Investment Counsel Inc., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Bank of Montreal

About BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $415 billion as at July 31, 2009, and more than 36,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.

"Dow Jones," “Dow Jones Industrial Average”, “Dow Jones Canada Titans 60”, “DIAMONDS” and “Titans” are service marks of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and have been licensed for use for certain purposes. The BMO ETFs based on Dow Jones’ indexes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Dow Jones, and Dow Jones makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in such ETFs.

Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) and “TSX” is a trademark of Toronto Stock Exchange. These trademarks have been licensed for use by BM0. The BMO ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P or Toronto Stock Exchange, and S&P and Toronto Stock Exchange make no representation, warranty or condition regarding the advisability of buying, selling or holding units/shares in the BMO ETF.

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VANCOUVER, BC, October 26, 2009 – BMO Bank of Montreal today opened its newest full service branch in Vancouver at 3263 Kingsway Avenue.

The Renfrew - Collingwood – Killarney area is a busy commercial and residential area known for its multicultural diversity. The Kingsway & Cecil branch is on a major thoroughfare between Vancouver and Burnaby, and is only three blocks from the Joyce Street Skytrain Station.

“The new BMO branch in the former Collingwood Town Centre, a popular shopping destination, makes for an ideal location within a dynamic family-oriented neighbourhood,” said Kulwinder Sidhu, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal.

“Residents have access to financial advice, whether it’s finding the right mortgage solution or planning for retirement, and they can start putting money back in their pockets by taking advantage of our BMO SmartSteps initiative,” added David Eleiter, Personal Banking Area Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal.

“BMO is here to help customers Make Money Make Sense, especially during these economic times. We are pleased to offer historically low mortgage rates as well as other cost saving advice,” said Mr. Eleiter. “With BMO, homebuyers have the ability to lock in at historically low rates if they are not ready to buy at this time, and our First Home Essentials Kit can provide a step-by-step guide to entering the real estate market.”

“A diverse range of sectors makes Vancouver an ideal stomping ground for small businesses in the services, industrial and resource industries,” said Dr. Sherry Cooper, Chief Economist, BMO Capital Markets, in the recent Canada’s Small Business Juggernaut Report issued by BMO Economics. “Longer-term, Vancouver is ideally located as an access point to fast-growing Asian markets, and small business will benefit as trade to that region continues to expand”, she added.

Customers can expect:

• A highly experienced, multi-lingual team of 11 financial services professionals including access to a financial planner, mortgage specialist, commercial banker and a BMO Nesbitt Burns investment advisor;
• Commercial account and deposit services;
• Two Instabank automated banking machines (ABMs);
• Ample free parking for BMO customers in the underground parkade; and
• Full wheelchair accessibility.

Hours of operation are:
Monday to Thursday 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Friday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

Customers are invited to come into the branch for a 20 minute conversation on ways to save money. “Our new BMO SmartSteps program delivers a straightforward approach that can add up to real savings for customers through reduced fees, lower interest costs and less money going towards taxes,” said Henry Donkers, Vice-President, Vancouver District, BMO Bank of Montreal.

These tips include:
1. Generate automatic monthly savings;
2. Minimize banking fees;
3. Take years off of mortgage payments and become debt-free quicker;
4. Open a Tax Free Savings Account
5. Automate money transfers to avoid extra fees.

The Kingsway and Cecil branch joins other new BMO branches in British Columbia that are part of the bank’s Green Energy Initiative. All new branches in B.C., Alberta and Ontario are Bullfrog-powered. BMO is committed to purchase over 8,300 megawatt hours of emission free electricity annually - generated from clean, renewable sources like wind power and low-impact hydro.

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TORONTO, October 23, 2009 – Every homebuyer faces the age-old question of whether to choose a fixed or variable rate mortgage. A new report released today by BMO’s Economics Department provides valuable insights to help consumers make the right choice.

“The question of whether to lock in to a longer-term fixed mortgage rate or stay in a variable rate has become an increasingly complex and important issue,” said Doug Porter, Deputy Chief Economist, BMO Capital Markets. “Short-term rates are at extreme lows and pressure is likely to build for higher rates in the year ahead.”

According to the report, over the past 30 years it has been more cost-effective for borrowers to have a variable rate mortgage 82 per cent of the time. However, under the current environment, Porter points out there are a number of factors to consider before assuming the variable rate is the hands-down winner:

• Canada has been in a long-term declining rate environment since the early 1980s.
• The Bank of Canada’s overnight rate is now as low as it can go, so there is no further downside for variable rates. The surprises can only be to the high side from here.
• Fixed rates were advantageous during only two recent periods – through the late 1970s and in the late 1980s; in both cases ahead of a period of rising interest rates, as is the case now.

The Case for Staying Fixed

A conventional fixed rate mortgage can mitigate a number of risks. Although inflation hasn’t been a problem since 1991, there is a risk of an inflation flare-up as global central banks keep the pedal to the policy metal, and amid record government deficits. The Bank of Canada could be forced to raise interest rates aggressively, driving variable mortgage rates higher, but leaving Canadians with fixed rates unscathed. Plus, fixed rates are currently attractive given that short-term rates are already as low as they can go.

The Case for Going Variable

The advantage to a variable rate mortgage is that it has been consistently less costly over time. As well, the current outlook for inflation remains benign, which will likely keep price pressures at bay well into 2011. The soaring Canadian dollar is putting additional downward pressure on prices, reducing the near-term need for the Bank of Canada to raise rates. There is also some risk to locking in as fixed rates could fall if the economy performs worse than anticipated. Even as rates start to rise, Canadians can always lock into a fixed rate at a later date.

The Verdict

The decision depends on the individual. For those who don’t have a lot of financial flexibility – such as first-time home buyers and those who would run into difficulty from an upswing in interest rates – the moderate extra cost of peace of mind you can get from a fixed rate may be a price worth paying. There is also a reasonable scenario where fixed rates may actually prove to be a cheaper alternative at this point. However, BMO Economics’ core view is that the most likely economic and interest rate outlook will ultimately again slightly favour the variable rate option. That’s particularly the case given the variable rates being offered, such as BMO’s current rate of 2.25 per cent for a five-year variable mortgage.

“The most important thing a current or first time homeowner can do is talk to a knowledgeable mortgage expert about their situation and make decisions based on their stage in life and their particular circumstances,” said Jane Yuen, Senior Manager, Mortgages, BMO Bank of Montreal. “So come in to a branch or contact a mortgage expert to decide on the type of mortgage that is best for you at this point in your life.”

The full report can be found in BMO Economics’ Focus, at www.bmocm.com/economics.

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For news media inquiries, please contact:
Toronto (416) 867-3996

TORONTO, October 23, 2009 – BMO Bank of Montreal announced today it is decreasing its residential mortgage rates, effective October 24, 2009. The new rates are:

(The interest on fixed-rate mortgages compounds semi-annually, not in advance.)

Special Offers*

To:

Change:

5 year(fixed/closed)

4.48%

-0.06%

*This special discounted rate is not the posted rate of BMO Bank of Montreal. Rate is subject to change without notice. Offer may be withdrawn or extended without notice. Mortgage funds must be advanced within 90 days of the application.

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For news media inquiries, please contact:
Toronto (416) 867-3996
Montreal (514) 877-1873

SAINT JOHN, October 22, 2009 – BMO today congratulated the Insurance Brokers Association of New Brunswick (IBANB) as it opened its annual meeting in Saint John on the occasion of its 90^th anniversary.

“Independent Insurance brokers are active members in communities across the country, and we congratulate the IBANB and its members for their important contribution to New Brunswick over the last 90 years,” said John Knotek, Senior Manager, Industry Programs, BMO Bank of Montreal.

“Brokers’ business financial needs are many and varied,” said Knotek. “They need cost-effective everyday banking, easy and convenient access to their accounts, consistent access to acquisition and succession financing, plus services such as payroll and cash management. At BMO, we have worked extensively with members of the insurance industry to develop a financial services program to meet brokerages’ specific needs. Our bankers understand how a brokerage business operates, and we can help them get the best value for their banking dollar.”

“BMO has a long history of doing business with brokers,” said Linda Dawe, CEO, IBANB. “BMO has kept up with the trends in our industry, understands the needs of brokerages and where brokerages are headed. Not only have they put a program together, they have supported brokers over the long term through challenges we never thought might occur. They are a trusted partner and friend.”

In a program to support Canada’s entrepreneurs – including insurance brokerages – as they emerge from the recession, BMO Bank of Montreal is showing it is open for Canadian business by making a minimum of $1 billion additional funds available to lend to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) across Canada.

"We’re open for Canadian businesses – throughout the business cycle,” said Carolyn Booth, BMO's District Vice-President, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. “Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy. If you’re a broker who is not currently banking with us, come and talk to us today.”

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For more information, please contact:
Dianne Lister, Vice President, External Relations & Advancement, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x7207;
Don Cumming, Senior Director, Public Affairs and Government Relations, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6181;
Kasia Lech, Manager, Media Relations, BMO Financial Group, (416) 867-3996

Peterborough, October 22, 2009 – Over 165 members of the Peterborough and Trent communities gathered today at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club to participate in Inside Trent: Lunch with the Experts 2009 and to hear about a new $500,000 gift from BMO to establish the BMO Financial Group Future Green Leaders’ Fund at Trent University.

Demonstrating leadership in today’s emerging green economy, BMO Financial Group’s support will provide the opportunity to increase the number of graduate students and undergraduate summer student researchers studying within Trent’s leading-edge environmental portfolio.

“BMO Financial Group’s generous support will help further Trent’s collective knowledge base to prepare us to take action to meet the environmental challenges we all face,” said Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “The new Future Green Leaders’ Fund allows us to further build on a 45-year relationship with BMO and to ensure Trent University remains on the forefront of preparing students for jobs in the emerging green economy.”

Trent University has been a leader in the environment since its inception in 1964. Thousands of Trent students have gone on to become highly skilled, contributing professionals in a wide variety of occupations within the environmental/green workplace. Trent’s environmental expertise at both national and international levels is focused on aquatic sciences, climate change, water contaminant analysis, environmental modeling, northern and polar studies, species conservation and biodiversity, wildlife stress and diseases, ecological restoration, community-based environmental solutions and DNA profiling of animal and plants for effective ecosystem management. Graduates of Trent’s environmental portfolio make significant contributions to helping governments, the private sector and communities affect important and positive change.

"Today, we are taking the opportunity to bring together two elements at the heart of our strong focus on corporate responsibility, namely education and the environment," said Eileen Grady, Managing Director, BMO Harris Private Banking, Peterborough. "We firmly believe that this donation and the establishment of the BMO Financial Group Future Green Leaders’ Fund will help to attract and support new leaders in Canada’s green economy to Trent – cementing the University’s place as a true leader in environmental education in Canada."

A leader amongst financial institutions in Canada in the area of environmental sustainability, BMO is a generous supporter of many environmental initiatives in Canada. In 2008, BMO created the Clear Blue Skies strategy to recognize the importance the bank places on the quality of the air that we breathe. Achievements to date include: being the first Canadian bank to achieve ISO 14001 certification; a commitment to reducing net emissions related to energy consumption and transportation to zero by 2010, and being named as one of the highest scoring companies in the world and the only Canadian bank in the Global 500 Carbon Disclosure leadership Index for 2009.

The announcement of the creation of the BMO Financial Group Future Green Leaders’ Fund led off the third annual Inside Trent: Lunch with the Experts speaker series. This year’s luncheon featured keynote speaker Michael Kerford, vice president of ECO Canada, and a panel of Trent experts, speaking on the topic of “Preparing for the Green Economy: Green Jobs and Opportunities for Youth in the Emerging Eco Jobs Marketplace.”

The event was also presented as part of a two-day celebration of the launch of Trent University’s Centre of Knowledge in the Environment, the first of four virtual centres designed to profile interdisciplinary teaching and research expertise among the humanities, social sciences, sciences and professional programs to be unveiled leading up to the University’s milestone 50^th anniversary in 2014. This Centre celebrates Trent’s national and international expertise in and commitment to the environment as a distinct focal point of excellence. Trent’s environmental expertise at both national and international levels is focused on aquatic sciences, climate change, water contaminant analysis, environmental modeling, northern and polar studies, species conservation and biodiversity, wildlife stress and diseases, ecological restoration, community-based environmental solutions, and DNA profiling of animal and plants for effective ecosystem management. Trent leaders in this Centre strive to build even further speciality expertise by infusing Trent’s understanding of Indigenous knowledge into the study of climate change, water science, biomaterials, sustainable agriculture, ecology and conservation biology. In addition, Trent’s expertise in Indigenous Knowledge infuses our understanding of the environment.

The Inside Trent: Lunch with the Experts series was launched in Peterborough in 2007 as a community outreach event, designed to bring Trent’s experts to the community to facilitate a sharing of knowledge on topical subjects. The event is held on an annual basis in various communities and is sponsored by the Trent University Legacy Society, visionary donors who have made a future gift to Trent through their estate plans.

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For news media inquiries, please contact:
Toronto (416) 867-3996
Montreal (514) 877-1101
Vancouver (604) 665-7596

TORONTO, October 20, 2009 – A BMO Retirement Institute survey released today reveals that 50 per cent of small business owners over the age of 45 plan to retire over the next 10 years which could represent a significant threat to the survival of their businesses and to the economy. However, findings from the BMO Retirement Institute show these threats could be reduced based on four mitigating factors:

• A shift to succession planning by small businesses.
  
  • Eighty-one per cent of owners do not have a formal succession plan in place with 4 in 10 planning to close down their business when they fully retire.
• Recession economics are prompting boomer small business owners to delay their exit.
  
  • Fifty-six per cent have said the recession has had a negative impact on their bottom line and 4 in 10 have revised their retirement date due to the economic recession.
• Retiring boomers will swell the ranks of the self-employed; and
• The overwhelmingly positive experience of entrepreneurs will influence others to start their own business.
  
  • Ninety-two per cent of small and medium enterprise owners said if they could do it all over again, they would still decide to own their own business.

Opportunity Knocks

Without researching and investigating all options for exiting the business, owners may fail to appreciate its potential value. Having a succession plan or exit strategy in place could minimize the number of business closures upon retirement.

“The process of succession planning should begin well in advance of the target retirement date since it can take years to develop a comprehensive plan. A formal succession plan should include a retirement timetable, the estimated value of business as well as potential successors or purchasers”, said Tina Di Vito, Director, Retirement Strategies, BMO Financial Group. Di Vito also heads up the BMO Retirement Institute, a think tank set up by the Bank to provide leading perspectives and help make sense of retirement issues.

Boomers Working Longer

Small business owners, over age 45, are working longer. This decision is partially influenced by boomers’ unique attitude toward aging and work , as well as the impact of recent economic conditions. Overall, the Institute found the recession has had a negative impact on the bottom line of almost 60 per cent of businesses. “Four in ten small business owners over age 45 said the recession has caused them to revise their retirement date. If the attitude towards working longer lingers even as the recession eases, it will reduce the number of small business owners who will retire within the next 10 years. That is good news for the economy,’’ added Di Vito.

“Most business owners are so focused on growing and maintaining their business they find it difficult and even emotionally draining to contemplate selling or winding it down. Our best advice is to speak to our experts in commercial banking and wealth management. They can provide guidance and direction on how to put a succession plan in place,” said Gail Cocker, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal.

Trend in Self Employment May Lead to Boom in New Businesses

Between 1990 and 2008, growth in the number of self-employed individuals was mostly among those aged over 55 years, more than doubling from 350,000 to 723,000.³ Also, recent BMO Economics research indicates that self-employment tends to increase at a steady rate, no matter what is happening in the economy. “If the positive trend to self-employment continues, it will lessen the economic impact that results from small business owners retiring. With more boomers possibly engaging in self-employment following retirement, the Institute believes that Canada could well experience a boom in new businesses as the oldest members of the largest cohort in history are about to turn 64. This may allow additional time for owners to prepare a formal succession plan which may include selling the business in a more favorable environment,” said Di Vito.

Always Nice to Be Your Own Boss

Enthusiastic entrepreneurs are exerting a positive influence on those who are considering starting their own business. Satisfied business owners convey the message that opportunities await those who are willing to take a risk by becoming a business owner. As they look back on their own experience, 92 per cent of business owners report they would happily do it all over again while others indicate they will never retire.”

"Satisfied business owners are exerting a persuasive influence on those who are considering starting their own business. This will help refresh the small business ranks with a diverse pool of young people, immigrants, women and retiring boomers who are eager to start their own business,” added Di Vito.

About The BMO Retirement Institute

The BMO Retirement Institute, launched in April 2008, provides thought provoking insight and financial strategies for those either planning for or in their retirement years. The Institute was launched to help pre-retirees simplify the complex dynamic between personal finances, personal relationships and retirement lifestyles. Contact the institute by email at bmo.retirementinstitute@bmo.com or visit www.bmo.com/RetirementInstitute for a copy of the report.

About the BMO Retirement Institute Study
The research, conducted from August 13^th-19^th, 2009 is based on 800 Canadian small business owners (sole proprietors or co-owners) who are at least 45 years of age and run a business with a maximum of 10 employees. Data were collected using Harris/Decima’s proprietary online panel. The results were weighted based on company size within region and based on data available through InfoCanada.

_________________

¹ With less than 10 employees
² According to the State of the Baby Boomers Report conducted by The Strategic Counsel for BMO Financial Group in June 2006, Boomers place a high priority on living a vigorous and robust life as they age, and express a strong desire to continue being actively involved and engaged in the world.
³ Small Business Quarterly, Volume.10, No. 4, February 2009
⁴ Economic Research: Self-Employed ‡ Unemployed, BMO Capital Markets, May 2009

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For news media inquiries, please contact:
Toronto (416) 867-3996
Montreal (514) 877-1873
Vancouver (604) 665-7596

TORONTO, October 19, 2009 – As Small Business Week kicks off across Canada today, BMO Financial Group noted that this year’s celebration will take on special meaning for most small businesses as the economic recovery takes hold.

A recent study from BMO Economics found that not only will the great majority of Canada’s small businesses survive the recession, but as the recovery continues, many will be stronger than ever.

To support Canada’s entrepreneurs as they emerge from the recession, BMO Bank of Montreal is showing it is open for Canadian business by announcing it is making a minimum of $1 billion available to lend to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) across Canada.

"We’re open for Canadian businesses – throughout the business cycle,” said Gail Cocker, BMO's Senior Vice-President, Commercial Banking. “Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy. BMO has been there for small business customers consistently - in good times and in challenging times.”

"Whether it's for money to invest or a better way to manage their cash flow or to figure out their succession plan, small and medium-sized business owners need a good banker - someone who listens, understands their unique needs and can advise them on the best solutions for their business," said Ms. Cocker. “Come and talk to us today.”

As well, BMO Bank of Montreal has launched BMO Business Essentials - three banking solutions specially designed to take the complexity out of banking decisions, by offering clear and customizable choices to three key business segments:

•  BMO Retail Essentials for new business Start-Ups and small business owners in the Sales and Service industries
• BMO Professional Essentials for owners of professional firms with more demanding cash flow needs and growing transaction processing requirements
• BMO e-Smart Essentials for Mid Market business owners who want to save on capital and labour expenses by handling transactions online.

The complete report from BMO Economics, Canada’s Small Business Juggernaut, can be found at www.bmocm.com/economics.

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For Investor Relations Inquiries:
Viki Lazaris, Toronto, (416) 867-6656
Steven Bonin, Toronto, (416) 867-5452

Internet: www.bmocm.com

TORONTO, October 13, 2009 – BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO), today announced it has opened an office in Paris, France – BMO’s 27^th global office – as part of its strategy to broaden its institutional equity sales and trading services for European clients.

The new BMO Capital Markets office will significantly bolster the firm’s current global institutional equity sales capabilities, which now include desks in 11 cities: Toronto, New York, Paris, London, Zurich, Lugano, Montreal, Vancouver, Boston, Houston and San Francisco.

The Paris office will be led by Matthieu Debost, who joins as Managing Director and Head of European Sales, BMO Capital Markets. He brings a new group, which includes six equity sales professionals, all of whom come from a global investment bank and have experience in covering a broad cross-section of stocks. The new team will strengthen BMO’s existing European institutional equity sales group.

“By expanding our global footprint to Paris, we will have the leading distribution capability for Canadian equities in Europe,” said Tom Milroy, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Capital Markets. “With this opening, BMO Capital Markets will be the only Canadian investment dealer with four equity sales and trading offices in Europe. In addition, this team will strengthen our ability to distribute US equities and offer a wide range of equity products and services to European investors, especially our top-rated research, where we are recognized leaders.”

“Our priority is to offer European institutional investors access to the best ideas in all key sub-sectors, including global metals and mining, a historic strength of the firm,” said Mike Miller, Head of Equity Products, BMO Capital Markets. “Our global equity capabilities allow us to execute on behalf of clients anywhere – extending from North America, Australia, Brazil and South Africa to the U.K. and Europe.”

About BMO Capital Markets
BMO Capital Markets is a leading full-service North American financial services provider, with over 2,400 employees operating in 14 North American offices and 27 worldwide, offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a complete range of investment and corporate banking products and services. BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO), one of the largest diversified financial services providers in North America with
US$385 billion total assets and 37,000 employees as at July 31, 2009.

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Bill Downe, CEO of BMO Financial Group and Matthieu Debost, BMO’s new head of European Sales, in Paris, France today to celebrate the launch of BMO’s 27^th global office located in the City of Lights.

TORONTO, October 14, 2009 – Not only will the great majority of Canada’s small businesses survive the recession, but as the recovery continues, many will be stronger than ever, according to a major study released today by BMO’s Economics Department.

The report, Canada’s Small Business Juggernaut, by BMO Chief Economist, Dr. Sherry Cooper, assesses the strength of small business formations in communities across Canada; it identifies the small business Hotbeds among the country’s 33 largest cities and measures small business intensity in those centres and the nation’s 111 small cities. Dr. Cooper’s report, a post-recession perspective of this vital segment of Canada’s economy, offers an optimistic prognosis for Canadian entrepreneurs.

“Today, business understands the importance of maintaining sufficient capital to ride the cyclical bumps,” said Dr. Cooper. “There is a new appreciation for the dangers of building up too much overhead or overinvesting in every new technological system. Companies that survived the recession will have learned to be flexible, to be low-cost/high-value businesses.”

“This report’s findings bear out what we are seeing from our business clients across Canada,” said Gail Cocker, Senior Vice-President, Commercial Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal. “For many there is still a cautious ‘wait-and-see’ attitude, but there are signs that confidence is re-emerging.”

Although a moderate economic recovery is underway, Dr. Cooper cautioned small businesses against settling into a comfort zone. “‘Business as usual’ is a concept of the past, as economic forces are subject to intense volatility and change. Whether it’s expanding into unknown markets, refocusing customer bases, or jettisoning non-core businesses, successful enterprises should not be afraid to forego the familiar and embrace the risks that can lead to higher rewards. But prudent analysis of the risks and opportunities is essential.”

“BMO is working hard to be there for our business customers, to ensure they have the banking solutions and advice they need to take their companies into the future,” said Ms. Cocker.

BMO Economics examined the latest data to assess the intensity of small business activity in communities across Canada, by ranking the number of small business enterprises per one thousand population. This was done for large centres by looking at each of the 33 Canadian census metropolitan areas (CMAs), and for small centres by examining each of the 111 Canadian census agglomerations (CAs).

The study reviews the five-year growth figures for small businesses in the 33 CMAs. The report identified Hotbed growth areas in three regions: Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe region (Toronto, Guelph, Oshawa, and Barrie); Alberta’s Calgary-Edmonton corridor; and, British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island (Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Victoria).

TOP 10 CMA SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH, 2004-2009 (% change in number)

1. Toronto, ON (15.1)
2. Guelph, ON (13.8)
3. Abbotsford, BC (10.2)
4. Vancouver, BC (9.3)
5. Oshawa, ON (9.1)
6. Kelowna, BC (8.4)
7. Calgary, AB (7.4)
8. Barrie, ON (6.6)
9. Ottawa-Gatineau, ON/QC (6.3)
10. Victoria, BC (6.1)

Looking at the intensity of small business activity, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan centres dominate the Top Ten lists for larger and smaller urban communities. Other centres in the Top Ten list include: St. John’s, NL, Moncton, NB, and Toronto, ON.

TOP 10 CMA SMALL BUSINESS HOTBEDS (# small businesses/1,000 pop)

1. Kelowna, BC (39.7)
2. Calgary, AB (38.9)
3. Vancouver, BC (37.2)
4. Edmonton, AB (36.6)
5. Victoria, BC (35.0)
6. St. John’s, NL (32.9)
7. Moncton, NB (32.4)
8. Abbotsford, BC (32.2)
9. Saskatoon, SK (31.9)
10. Toronto, ON (30.0)

TOP 10 CA SMALL BUSINESS HOTBEDS (# small businesses/1,000 pop)

1. Fort St. John, BC (71.2)
2. Lloydminster, AB/SK (69.0)
3. Canmore, AB (57.9)
4. Camrose, AB (54.9)
5. Okotoks, AB (54.1)
6. Grande Prairie, AB (53.8)
7. Brooks, AB (51.0)
8. Swift Current, SK (51.0)
9. Salmon Arm, BC (50.4)
10. Estevan, SK (50.2)

The complete report can be found at www.bmocm.com/economics.

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Vancouver (604) 665-7596
Toronto (416) 867-3996

Vancouver, October 14, 2009 – British Columbia’s large and small urban communities are national “hotbeds” for small business growth and activity according to a report released today by BMO Financial Group.

From 2004 to 2009, British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island communities were national leaders in small business growth.

British Columbia also boasts two first place “Hotbed” finishes as Kelowna and Fort St. John lead Canada-wide rankings for the intensity of small business activity in larger and small urban centres. Vancouver, Victoria, Abbotsford and Salmon Arm also claimed Top 10 spots in the report.

The province has long been among those with the highest number of small businesses per capita, because of an economic makeup that includes tourism, resources, construction and professional service firms. British Columbia also has the advantages of the preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and strength in transportation services to facilitate growing trade with Asia.

These findings are part of a study, entitled Canada’s Small Business Juggernaut, by BMO Financial Group’s Chief Economist Dr. Sherry Cooper. The report, a post-recession perspective of this vital segment of Canada’s economy offers an optimistic prognosis for Canadian entrepreneurs. Among the report’s conclusions: not only will the great majority of Canada’s small businesses survive the recession, but also, as the recovery continues, many will become stronger than ever.

“Today, business understands the importance of maintaining sufficient capital to ride the cyclical bumps,” said Dr. Sherry Cooper, Chief Economist, BMO Capital Markets. “There is a new appreciation for the dangers of building up too much overhead or overinvesting in every new technological system. Companies that survived the recession will have learned to be flexible, to be low-cost/high-value businesses.

“This report confirms what we’re seeing. This has been a challenging year, but we see surprising resilience and emerging confidence from our small business customers,” said Derral Moriyama, Senior Vice-President, Commercial Banking, Greater Vancouver Area, BMO Bank of Montreal.

Although a moderate economic recovery is underway, Dr. Cooper cautioned small businesses against settling into a comfort zone. “’Business as usual’ is a concept of the past, as economic forces are subject to intense volatility and change. Whether it’s expanding into unknown markets, refocusing customer bases, or jettisoning non-core businesses, successful enterprises should not be afraid to forego the familiar and embrace the risks that can lead to higher rewards. But prudent analysis of the risks and opportunities is essential.”

“BMO is working hard to be there for our business customers, to ensure they have the banking solutions and advice they need to take their companies into the future,” said Mr. Moriyama.

BMO Economics examined the latest data to assess the intensity of small business activity in communities across Canada, by ranking the number of small business enterprises per one thousand population. This was done for large centres by looking at each of the 33 Canadian census metropolitan areas (CMAs), and for small centres by examining each of the 111 Canadian census agglomerations (CAs).

Looking at the 33 CMAs, growth leaders are located in three regions: Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe region (Toronto, Guelph, Oshawa, and Barrie); Alberta’s Calgary-Edmonton corridor; and British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island (Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Victoria).

TOP 10 CMA SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH, 2004-2009 (% change in number)

1. Toronto, ON (15.1)
2. Guelph, ON (13.8)
3. Abbotsford, BC (10.2)
4. Vancouver, BC (9.3)
5. Oshawa, ON (9.1)
6. Kelowna, BC (8.4)
7. Calgary, AB (7.4)
8. Barrie, ON (6.6)
9. Ottawa-Gatineau, ON/QC (6.3)
10. Victoria, BC (6.1)

Canada’s Small Business “Hotbeds” communities with the greatest intensity of small business activity are dominated by British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan centres. Other centres include: St. John’s, NL, Moncton, NB, and Toronto, ON.

TOP 10 CMA SMALL BUSINESS HOTBEDS (# small businesses/1,000 pop)

1. Kelowna, BC (39.7)
2. Calgary, AB (38.9)
3. Vancouver, BC (37.2)
4. Edmonton, AB (36.6)
5. Victoria, BC (35.0)
6. St. John’s, NL (32.9)
7. Moncton, NB (32.4)
8. Abbotsford, BC (32.2)
9. Saskatoon, SK (31.9)
10. Toronto, ON (30.0)

TOP 10 CA SMALL BUSINESS HOTBEDS (# small businesses/1,000 pop)

1. Fort St. John, BC (71.2)
2. Lloydminster, AB/SK (69.0)
3. Canmore, AB (57.9)
4. Camrose, AB (54.9)
5. Okotoks, AB (54.1)
6. Grande Prairie, AB (53.8)
7. Brooks, AB (51.0)
8. Swift Current, SK (51.0)
9. Salmon Arm, BC (50.4)
10. Estevan, SK (50.2)

The complete report can be found at www.bmocm.com/economics.

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