TORONTO, November 20, 2009 – BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO), has been named the Best Bank for the Canadian Dollar by FX Week Magazine.

This is the first time BMO Capital Markets has received this honour, which is determined by votes from foreign exchange market professionals around the world. The FX Week Best Bank Awards are presented annually in London, U.K. during November.

“As the benchmark for the performance in the global FX industry, the FX Week Best Bank Awards are the most accurate indicator of who is leading the forex marketplace,” said Stephen Couling, Publisher, FX Week. “And there is no question BMO Capital Markets has earned the No. 1 ranking in the Canadian dollar as judged by some of the largest and most influential FX participants.”

In this year’s survey, nearly 7,000 respondents from banks, corporate treasurers and investors, including fund managers, institutional investors and hedge funds, nominated their preferred banks, brokers and vendors in 39 categories. Each institution was awarded three points for a first-place nomination, two for second-place and one for third-place. In the Canadian dollar category, BMO Capital Markets was ranked first by banks and investors and second by corporations – which resulted in a first-place finish overall.

This recognition is one of several awards that BMO Capital Markets has recently won for its overall excellence in foreign exchange. In September, BMO Capital Markets was named the best foreign exchange bank in Canada by European CEO Magazine. Earlier this year, BMO Capital Markets was voted best FX market-maker in a survey by the China Foreign Exchange Trade System (CFETS) and the Interbank Funding Centre. Global Finance Magazine also named BMO Capital Markets the Best Investment Bank in Canada in a 2008 survey.

“We are honoured to be recognized by FX Week as the No. 1 dealer for the Canadian dollar globally,” said Jamie Thorsen, Global Head of Foreign Exchange Products, BMO Capital Markets. “Our goal is to continue to build long-term sustainable client relationships and provide a unique perspective that offers a differentiated depth of expertise in the Canadian dollar. We are all about helping our clients turn currency risk into reward.”

BMO Capital Markets’ Foreign Exchange Group is a team of nearly 100 professionals around the world from Beijing to Chicago. BMO has FX offices in eight cities globally, including a foreign exchange sales and trading desk in London, U.K., which opened in 2007.

The FX group holds a dominant position in the Canadian-dollar foreign exchange market and is top-ranked by large hedge funds and pension funds for institutional liquidity and pricing capacity. BMO’s Foreign Exchange Group trades in all major and other exotic currencies – close to 50 tradable currencies and exotics and over 100 currency pairs. The group offers clients a wide range of capabilities, including:

• Canadian-dollar market making
• North American hedging
• Chinese transactions
• 24 hour trading
• Structured risk-management solutions including derivatives, swaps and options, and real-time order monitoring and quotes through its leading web-based platforms DirectLine® and eFXpedite
  For more information, visit: www.bmocm.com/products/marketrisk/fx/

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 (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.

About FX Week Magazine
Published since 1990, FX Week is the industry's exclusive publication for foreign exchange and money market professionals working within banks, brokerages, institutions and corporate treasuries. FX Week's expert editorial team operates out of London, the heart of the foreign exchange market, with support from editorial offices in New York and Hong Kong, ensuring that subscribers are provided with the information on the powerful forces that are making the markets tick and the events that are shaping the FX industry world-wide. For more information, visit, http://www.fxweek.com

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

Internet: www.bmocm.com

 
Firas Askari, Head of Foreign Exchange Trading for BMO Capital Markets, with the award

TORONTO, November 19, 2009 – Bank of Montreal (TSX, NYSE: BMO) today announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI) have approved BMO’s normal course issuer bid to purchase for cancellation up to 15 million of its common shares commencing December 2, 2009, and ending December 1, 2010, through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

The common shares that may be repurchased represent approximately 2.7 per cent of BMO’s public float of common shares. BMO will determine the actual number of common shares that may be purchased and the timing of any such purchases. The price paid for the share purchases will be the market price of the shares at the time of acquisition. The Bank will only initiate purchases under the program after consulting with OSFI.

No common shares were repurchased under the Bank’s recently expired normal course issuer bid. There were 551,914,804 Bank of Montreal common shares issued and outstanding as at November 16, 2009, and the public float was 551,321,713 common shares. The average daily trading volume for the 6 months ended October 31, 2009, and the daily maximum number of shares available for purchase, calculated pursuant to the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange for the purposes of the bid, was 2,174,537 and 543,634 shares, respectively.

BMO Financial Group’s Tier 1 capital 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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For Media Relations Enquiries:
Ralph Marranca, Toronto, 416-867-3996
Ronald Monet, Montreal, 514-877-1873

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

TORONTO, November 18, 2009 – BMO Bank of Montreal announced today it is decreasing its residential mortgage rates, effective November 19, 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)

4.29%

-0.19%

Media Contacts:
Kim Hanson, 416- 867-3996
Holly Holt, 212-885-4153
Kevin Windorf, 212-885-4111

Internet: www.bmocm.com

NEW YORK, November 17, 2009 – BMO Capital Markets Consumer Research Analysts will host a round table discussion (open to media only), this Wednesday, November 18, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. The conference call will focus on holiday sales and key companies, providing an outlook on the holiday spending season as retailers/consumers approach Black Friday, November 27.

Media Briefing Details

Contact Kevin Windorf or Holly Holt to register/receive dial-in information.

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.

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Media Contacts:
Kim Hanson, BMO Financial Group, (416) 867-3996 or (647) 241-7944
Caitlin Stidwill, United Way Toronto, (416) 777-1444 x 396

TORONTO, November 17, 2009 – Get ‘em while they’re hot – pancakes served by well-known Canadian athletes, chefs and media personalities, that is.

BMO Financial Group is pleased to welcome to its main headquarters at First Canadian Place:

• CP24 Breakfast’s Matte Babel
• Toronto FC Players Jim Brennan and Dwayne De Rosario
• BNN-TV broadcaster Pat Bolland
• National Post’s Shinan Govani
• Global TV’s Susan Hay
• CBC’s Amanda Lang and Kevin O’Leary, co-hosts of newly launched The Lang and O’Leary Exchange
• Toronto Star’s Rita Trichur
• The Globe and Mail’s Andrew Willis

All will be on hand tomorrow morning to help kick off BMO’s 19th annual United Way Campaign.

BMO is also very excited to welcome Jamie Kennedy, one of Toronto’s most celebrated chefs, who will be cooking up some of his own personal batch of pancakes for lucky winners of a BMO employee contest.

Host of the event is Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMO Financial Group, who is also Chair of the City of Toronto’s 2009 United Way campaign.

Mr. Downe will be flipping pancakes tomorrow alongside Frances Lankin, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way Toronto.

In past years, the popular BMO event has been instrumental in setting the stage for raising millions of dollars for United Way.

Come for breakfast, support United Way and see the market in action!

* A photo of the event will be available today on the Canada Newswire network.

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BMO executives Bill Butt, Eric Tripp and CEO Bill Downe joined by Global TV’s Susan Hay to help flip and serve more than 12,000 pancakes to kick off the bank’s United Way employee campaign held today in Toronto.

BMO CEO Bill Downe joined by BNN-TV’s Pat Bolland and CBC’s Kevin O’Leary to help flip and serve more than 12,000 pancakes to kick off the bank’s United Way employee campaign held today in Toronto.

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TORONTO, November 16, 2009 – BMO Capital Markets has launched a new YouTube Channel, with videos of key events and commentary from BMO Capital Markets experts.

Initially, the Channel is offering “The Week Ahead” from BMO Capital Markets Economics. Posted every Monday, one of BMO’s economists presents an overview of recent economic news, upcoming data announcements and predictions for the coming week. A wide range of potential topics is covered, which could include:

• What’s affecting the Canadian dollar
• Housing – the latest numbers and trends
• Employment – what’s next after the recession
• Interest Rates – how long will they be low?

The YouTube Channel can be found at http://www.youtube.com/bmocapitalmarkets.

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BMO Capital Markets Investor Relations Contacts:
Viki Lazaris, Toronto, (416) 867-6656
Steve Bonin, Toronto, (416) 867-5452

Paloma Funds News Media Contact:
Jonathan Gasthalter
Sard Verbinnen & Co.
(212) 687-8080

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NEW YORK and TORONTO, November 16, 2009 – BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), today announced a definitive agreement with Greenwich, Connecticut-based Paloma Securities, L.L.C. to hire its global securities lending team and acquire assets used in its securities lending business.

Paloma Securities conducts a leading securities lending business, enjoying deep, established relationships with lenders, custodians, inter-dealer participants and end borrowers worldwide. Paloma Securities has offices in Greenwich, New York, Seattle, London and Melbourne, Australia. Paloma Securities is a subsidiary of the Paloma Funds.

“Expanding our securities lending operation fits with our strategy of disciplined growth that focuses on our core clients,” said Tom Milroy, CEO, BMO Capital Markets. “The addition of this lending team from Paloma Securities complements our existing capability in North America and provides us with a platform to build on for future opportunities in the United States and internationally.”

S. Donald Sussman, founder of the Paloma Funds, said: “For nearly three decades Paloma has been an innovator in the asset management business. We were the first hedge fund to develop a securities lending capability. Over the past 15 years, Paloma Securities has grown to be a market leader with a global presence. We believe BMO Capital Markets, with its excellent platform and strong balance sheet, is well positioned to expand this valuable business.”

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in mid-December. The terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (and are made pursuant to the ‘safe harbor’ provisions of such Act) and applicable Canadian securities legislation. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expected closing of the proposed transaction involving Paloma Securities, L.L.C., plans for the business and the financial impact of the transaction and are typically identified by words such as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “will”, “should”, “may”, “could” and other similar expressions.

By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make various assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution readers of this press release not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as the assumptions underlying such statements may not turn out to be correct and a number of factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from the expectations, estimates or intentions expressed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close when expected or at all because required regulatory or other approvals and other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all; that the terms of the proposed transaction may need to be modified to satisfy such approvals or conditions; that the anticipated benefits from the proposed transaction are not realized in the time frame anticipated or at all as a result of the loss of key customers, changes in general economic and market conditions, interest and exchange rates, monetary policy, laws and regulations and their enforcement, and the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which the business operates; judicial or regulatory proceedings; our ability to complete and integrate the proposed transaction; and other factors discussed on pages 30 and 31 of Bank of Montreal’s 2008 Annual Report.

Bank of Montreal does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made, from time to time, by the organization or on its behalf, except as required by law.

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.

About Paloma Partners
Paloma Partners invests over $1.7bn in a unique multi-strategy investment approach and are considered one of the pioneers and leaders of the hedge fund industry. Paloma Partners has a twenty-seven-year track record and is among the longest-running funds in the industry. Paloma was advised in this transaction by Blackstone Advisory Partners L.P.

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Media Contacts:
Kim Hanson, BMO Financial Group, (416) 867-3996 or (647) 241-7944
Caitlin Stidwill, United Way Toronto, (416) 777-1444 x 396

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TORONTO, November 16, 2009 – Get ‘em while they’re hot – pancakes served by well-known Canadian athletes, chefs and media personalities, that is.

BMO Financial Group is pleased to welcome to its main headquarters at First Canadian Place:

• CP24 Breakfast’s Matte Babel
• Toronto FC Players Jim Brennan and Dwayne De Rosario
• BNN-TV broadcaster Pat Bolland
• National Post’s Shinan Govani
• Global TV’s Susan Hay
• CBC’s Amanda Lang and Kevin O’Leary, co-hosts of newly launched The Lang and O’Leary Exchange
• Toronto Star’s Rita Trichur
• The Globe and Mail’s Andrew Willis

All will be on hand tomorrow morning to help kick off BMO’s 19th annual United Way Campaign.

BMO is also very excited to welcome Jamie Kennedy, one of Toronto’s most celebrated chefs, who will be cooking up some of his own personal batch of pancakes for lucky winners of a BMO employee contest.

Host of the event is Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMO Financial Group, who is also Chair of the City of Toronto’s 2009 United Way campaign.

Mr. Downe will be flipping pancakes tomorrow alongside Frances Lankin, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way Toronto.

In past years, the popular BMO event has been instrumental in setting the stage for raising millions of dollars for United Way.

Come for breakfast, support United Way and see the market in action!

* A photo of the event will be available tomorrow on the Canada Newswire network.

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Toronto, (416) 867-6543

Montreal,  (514) 877-1101

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TORONTO, November 16, 2009 – BMO Investments Inc. has received securityholder and regulatory approval to proceed with the proposed changes announced September 25, 2009 to its BMO Guardian Funds and BMO Mutual Funds line-ups. 

The following changes have been approved and are expected to be effective as of the merger dates listed in the following table:

* New BMO Guardian Advisor Series
± A class of BMO Global Tax Advantage Funds Inc.

As set out in the announcement made on September 25, 2009, on the effective date of each merger, securityholders of each class of each Terminating Fund will receive securities of the equivalent series or class of the applicable Continuing Fund, determined on a dollar-for-dollar basis and, as soon as possible following the mergers, each Terminating Fund will be wound up. 

BMO Investments Inc. has also received securityholder and regulatory approval to change the investment objective of BMO American Equity Class to be substantially similar to the current investment objective of BMO Guardian American Equity Fund Ltd.  Corresponding changes will be made to the investment strategies for this fund.

In addition, as a result of the merger involving its current underlying fund, the underlying fund of BMO Emerging Markets Class will become BMO Emerging Markets Fund.  The investment objective of BMO Emerging Markets Class is to provide long-term capital appreciation. Currently, BMO Emerging Markets Class 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, BMO Emerging Markets Class will seek a similar return to BMO Emerging Markets Fund by investing primarily in units of that fund.

About 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 offered by BMO Investments Inc.

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.

TORONTO, November 16, 2009 – According to a Statistics Canada report released today, donations surpassed $8.1 billion in 2008, down 5.3 per cent from 2007. However, a BMO report suggests that despite this decline, majority of Canadian boomers plan to increase or maintain their level of charitable giving in the next five years.

Those who build charity into their budget or financial plan are more likely to maintain their level of giving during an economic downturn. Similarly Canadians who plan their donations around family values tend to support the same organizations repeatedly over time.

WHAT:

• Discuss recent BMO Retirement Institute Report
• Nearly half give on impulse without a plan or budget; how to build philanthropy into your budget?
• How to ensure you are contributing during an economic turndown
• What are the trends and attitudes taking shape among boomers in terms of giving?

WHO:

• Tina Di Vito, Director, Retirement Strategies, BMO Financial Group
• Marvi Ricker, VP and Managing Director, Philanthropic Services, BMO Harris Private Banking

Backgrounder:

BMO RETIREMENT INSTITUTE REPORT ON GIVING: Canadian Boomers Gave Less In the Recession - But Plan to Make Up for it in the Next Five Years

Key findings of a new BMO Retirement Institute report entitled The Evolution of Giving: From charity to philanthropy:

• Survey shows Canadian boomers want to be smart with their giving, however, nearly half donate on impulse, without a plan or budget
• More than four out of five boomers cite charitable giving as a rewarding and educational family experience, but only 15 per cent involve their children in the decision making process
• Only 1 per cent involve a financial advisor in planning for charitable giving
• While most Canadian boomers – 82 per cent – plan to increase or maintain their level of charitable giving in the next five years, with the majority saying they would do so regardless of the economic climate, half are only ‘somewhat satisfied’ with their current way of giving
• Boomers today want to be involved and want to have a level of control over how their contributions are utilized. Unlike their parents, who have tended to bequeath their donations, boomers are giving during their lifetimes, so that they can see what impact their donations are making
• The number one reason for donating for 68 per cent of respondents is “To make a difference in a cause I believe in”
• Majority of respondents, 94 per cent, indicated it is important for them to give to charities that serve local causes
• Almost one in three who donated money to charity within the last 12 months also raised money or volunteered for a charity.

Visit www.bmo.com/RetirementInstitute for a copy of the report.

BMO’s podcast features Tina Di Vito and Marvi Ricker discussing findings from the Institute report, along with examples of how some Canadian families approach charitable giving:
http://www4.bmo.com/vgn/images/podcasts/en/?RYW20

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Paul Deegan, Toronto, (416) 867-3996

Kim Hanson, Toronto, 416-867-3996

Internet:  www.bmocm.com

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 View report

MUMBAI, INDIA and TORONTO, November 15, 2009 – India’s economy is well positioned for post-recession growth and stands to rank amongst the best in the world, with a GDP forecast of 7.5% next year, according to a new report by BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO).

Citing the report, Michael Rayfield, Vice Chair, BMO Capital Markets, said, “Positive signs that the Indian economy is turning a corner continue to emerge, most notably including a surge in industrial production growth.” 

“BMO is committed to India and we recognize this country as an area of emerging global growth. We'll continue to build on our strong relationships here,” said Mr. Rayfield who is participating in an Investment Roundtable with the Canadian Prime Minister in Mumbai tomorrow. “BMO expanded into India one year ago at the height of the economic crisis and today, we look back knowing our timing couldn’t have been better as we continue to focus on serving Indian clients over the long-term,” added Mr. Rayfield.

Mr. Rayfield’s trip to Mumbai follows a visit made earlier this month by Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group, to mark the anniversary of BMO's entry into India.

BMO Capital Markets, through its Indian subsidiary, opened its corporate and transaction advisory services office in Mumbai last fall. The move was to assist Indian companies interested in growing their presence – mainly in North America and Europe – in sectors that include global mining and metals, oil and gas, information technology services, education, auto and industrials, healthcare and food and agri-businesses.

“Our mission is to help Indian companies successfully execute M&A cross-border opportunities primarily between India and North America,” said Ashutosh Sharma, Managing Director of BMO Capital Markets’ Indian subsidiary. “Indian companies, as part of their global strategy, should capitalize on the attractive valuations that currently exist in the North American market,” said Mr. Sharma

   “We also continue to explore with our North American client base on opportunities for investment into India,” added Mr. Sharma, who works with a BMO team of more than 250 leading professionals that can advise North American companies looking to expand into India across a range of sectors.

BMO’s economic report indicates India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth stands to rank amongst the best in the world, with a GDP forecast of 7.5% for fiscal 2010/11, largely backed by fiscal and monetary stimulus and an improving external environment. This compares favourably to India’s pre-recession performance when it was considered one of the world’s high-flyers with average growth of almost 9% in fiscal 2007/08. 

“While global growth is slowly strengthening, India is ideally positioned to take advantage of its strong credit rating to pursue international opportunities,” said Mr. Rayfield. “We believe the central government is poised to take bold measures in infrastructure development, one of the driving factors to future economic growth,” he added.

The report notes growth this year could still be impeded by weak monsoons and rising inflation. Fiscal challenges also continue to mount and, even with a strengthened government in place, political resolve will be critical to meet budget deficit targets, said the report.

Other highlights of the report include:

·          Wholesale price inflation has rebounded and is set to rise rapidly

·          Rebounding capital inflows are bolstering the balance of payments

·          Lower oil prices and improving exports should reduce the current account deficit this year to around 1% of GDP before an improving domestic economy and a commodity price revival leads to a modestly wider deficit in 2010 and 2011

BMO Financial Group is highly committed to the South East Asian population in Canada. “We recognize that Canada and India have strong cultural ties – and our relationship with India, the world’s largest democracy, continues to grow,” said Mr. Rayfield. “We applaud the visit to India this week by Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper, which reflects Canada’s interest in widening relations with India.”

For a copy of the BMO Capital Markets India Economic report, visit, http://www.bmocm.com/aboutus/news/india/

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.

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TORONTO, November 12, 2009 – While most Canadian boomers – 82 per cent – plan to increase or maintain their level of charitable giving in the next five years, with the majority saying they would do so regardless of the economic climate, half are only ‘somewhat satisfied’ with their current way of giving, according to a new report released today by the BMO Retirement Institute entitled The Evolution of Giving: From charity to philanthropy.

Boomers today want to be involved and want to have a level of control over how their contributions are utilized. Unlike their parents, who have tended to bequeath their donations, boomers are giving during their lifetimes, so that they can see what impact their donations are making. But only 1 per cent of respondents said they involve a financial advisor in charitable giving planning.

“To make the impact boomers crave, giving requires as much planning as does saving,” said Tina Di Vito, Director, Retirement Strategies, BMO Financial Group. “A financial advisor can assist in making informed charitable decisions and to ensure that those dreams are realized – during their lifetime and in perpetuity. BMO offers a variety of solutions to support all aspects of philanthropic giving.”

“Boomers are telling us they want more transparency in their philanthropic giving,” said Marvi Ricker, VP and Managing Director, Philanthropic Services, BMO Harris Private Banking. “They told us they would be more satisfied if they knew the impact of their contributions, and that the money was spent wisely and effectively. They have become more involved on a personal level and want to see results.”

This is a definite shift in attitude, according to Di Vito. “Boomers – who represent nearly one in three Canadians – could be the generation who lead the way to social change: spearheading the transition from a nation of charitable givers - that is, from just writing cheques to worthy causes - to a nation of engaged and long-term philanthropists.”

The report revealed a number of other key findings:

• The number one reason for donating for 68 per cent of respondents is “To make a difference in a cause I believe in”
• Majority of respondents, 94 per cent, indicated it is important for them to give to charities that serve local causes
• Almost one in three who donated money to charity within the last 12 months also raised money or volunteered for a charity.

BMO’s podcast features Tina Di Vito and Marvi Ricker discussing findings from the Institute report, along with examples of how some Canadian families approach charitable giving:
http://www4.bmo.com/vgn/images/podcasts/en/?RYW20

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 survey was conducted in late August 2009, among respondents who are over 45 years old, have household assets worth more than $50,000, and have donated money to charity in the last 12 months.

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For Investor Relations Enquiries:
Viki Lazaris, Toronto, (416) 867-6656
Steven Bonin, Toronto, (416) 867-5452
Andrew Chin, Toronto, (416) 867-7019

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TORONTO, November 10, 2009 – BMO Financial Group will announce its fourth quarter and fiscal 2009 financial results and hold its investor community conference call on Tuesday, November 24, 2009.

Investor Community Conference Call

• Time: 2:00 p.m. EST
• The conference call will be available in a listen-only mode:
  o via telephone at: 1 (888) 789-0089 or (416) 695-9753 (Toronto area)
  o via the Internet at: www.bmo.com/investorrelations

Presentation material referenced during the conference call will be available at www.bmo.com/investorrelations

Conference Call Rebroadcast

A rebroadcast of the investor community presentations will be available until midnight EST, Monday, March 1, 2010, by calling 1 (800) 408-3053 or (416) 695-5800 and entering passcode No. 3278113.

The webcast will be available at www.bmo.com/investorrelations until Monday, March 1, 2010.

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For news media inquiries, please contact:
Laurie Grant, BMO Financial Group, 604-665-7596
Sandra Pysklywyc, Northlands, 780-471-7136

EDMONTON, November 9, 2009 – BMO Bank of Montreal, the official bank of Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR), continues to create great family experiences as part of its sponsorship of the 2009 CFR in Edmonton.

Highlights of BMO’s Support of the 2009 Canadian Finals Rodeo:

• By going online to ticketmaster.ca/bmo and entering the special offer code “BMO”, customers can receive 20 per cent off CFR tickets as part of the BMO Power of Blue Program.
• Rodeo fans can saddle up for some great family fun and entertainment on Saturday, November 14, at BMO Family Day.
• And the BMO Fan Centre is where fans can meet rodeo athletes, obtain autographs and enter the BMO Saddle up in Style contest to win a $300 gift certificate from Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack. The contest runs from Friday through Sunday at the BMO Fan Centre.
• BMO Power of Blue Program – wave your BMO debit or credit card for a chance to be upgraded to the best seats in the house!

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Media Contacts:
Holly Holt, New York, (212) 885-4153
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 Demonstration 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 a mix of 30-minute presentations and six-person panel discussions by senior executives from 24 public and 21 private companies.

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

* 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: http://www.bmocm.com/conferences/digitalentertainment2009/default.aspx

* 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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