EDMONTON, AB, May 9, 2008

In celebration of the grand opening of the new Hampton Market Branch in West Edmonton, BMO Bank of Montreal invites customers, friends and neighbours to a fun-filled, family day on Saturday, May 10, featuring special appearances by Tony Michael and the Foggy Minded Mountain Boys and BMO the Bear. The Bank will also present a cheque for $100,000 to the Grant MacEwan College to establish the BMO Financial Group Leadership Scholarship Endowment, a fund that, each year, will enable deserving individuals to receive an education they might not otherwise be able to access.

“We’re thrilled with our new location in The Grange, a fast growing community with a diverse population,” said Lynda Taylor, Vice President, Edmonton District, BMO Bank of Montreal. “Collectively, BMO staff are fluent in seven languages and are eager to offer knowledgeable and professional financial advice and solutions to existing and new BMO customers,” added Taylor.

“Our gift to Grant MacEwan College demonstrates BMO’s commitment to the community and to one of our most valued areas of giving – life-long learning and higher education,” said Ted McCarron, Senior Vice President, Prairies Division, BMO Bank of Montreal.

What customers can expect at the new BMO Bank of Montreal Hampton Market branch:

• Friendly staff in large, state-of-the-art premises built at a cost of $1.6 million.
• Full service branch open six days a week from Monday to Saturday.
• 17 employees who provide a full range of financial services in English, French, Ukrainian, Italian, Turkish, Hindi and Arabic.
• Free parking for customers, access for physically challenged individuals and two Instabank automated banking machines, including a drive-through ABM.

“Also to the AIR MILES collectors in Edmonton, we have another reason for you to bank with BMO. Now our customers can collect AIR MILES reward miles whenever and wherever they make purchases using their BMO Bank of Montreal debit card,” said Lynda Taylor. “No other bank can help you collect faster and redeem quicker and we are the only major financial institution that rewards debit, credit and online purchases with access to a comprehensive choice of more than 800 reward and travel options,” added Taylor.

BMO Bank of Montreal recently re-launched its Mosaik Gold AIR MILES Reward Option, providing cardholders an exclusive 20 per cent discount on all AIR MILES flight redemptions on any of the AIR MILES Reward Program’s extensive roster of eleven airline reward partners.

BMO Bank of Montreal serves customers through 29 branches in the Edmonton area. BMO is a proud contributor to charitable, cultural and educational programs in the Edmonton region.

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WATERLOO, ON, May 9, 2008

Former Toronto Maple Leaf captain, Darryl Sittler, will be in Waterloo this Saturday to help BMO Bank of Montreal celebrate the Grand Opening of its new branch at 664 Erb St. W. BMO will also use the occasion to present nearly $40,000 to three local community groups – The Grand River Conservation Authority; Clair Hills Community Association and Junior Achievement of Waterloo.

“We at BMO would like to recognize the important contributions that these groups make to the well-being of our community. On behalf of our employees and customers we extend a very sincere thank you to these organizations and hope that our donations can help them continue to do the good work that they do every day,” said Susan Brown, Senior Vice President, Ontario Regional Division, BMO Bank of Montreal.

“Our grand opening presents a wonderful opportunity for BMO to celebrate the bank’s continuing growth and commitment to the community of Waterloo,” said Lee Kors, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We’re excited about serving our customers from such a well-appointed and conveniently located new branch and invite all of our friends and neighbours to come down to join us in the festivities.”

“Also to the AIR MILES collectors in Waterloo, we have another reason for you to bank with BMO. Now our customers can collect AIR MILES reward miles whenever and wherever they make purchases using their BMO Bank of Montreal debit card,” said Susan Brown. “No other bank can help you collect faster and redeem quicker and we are the only major financial institution that rewards debit, credit and online purchases with access to a comprehensive choice of more than 800 reward and travel options,” added Ms. Brown.

BMO Bank of Montreal recently re-launched its Mosaik Gold AIR MILES Reward Option, providing cardholders an exclusive 20 per cent discount on all AIR MILES flight redemptions on any of the AIR MILES Reward Program’s extensive roster of eleven airline reward partners.

BMO Bank of Montreal serves customers through five branches in the Waterloo area. BMO is a proud contributor to charitable, cultural and educational programs in the Kitchener/Waterloo region.

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The fourth annual BMO contest that will reward one lucky winner with a riding lesson from Canadian sports legend Ian Millar kicked off this week. Sponsored by BMO Financial Group, the winning prize includes a trip for two to the Spruce Meadows “Masters” tournament to be held September 3 to 7, 2008, in Calgary, AB, highlighted by the BMO Nations' Cup on Saturday, September 6, 2008.

Show jumping fans can look forward to the prestigious BMO Nations’ Cup, which brings together the best show jumping countries in the world to compete for the most lucrative prize in team show jumping.

“Having the opportunity to give a riding lesson to a true show jumping fan is always a pleasure, and I am looking forward to meeting the winner of this year’s BMO contest,” said Ian Millar, who already has eight Olympic appearances on his resume and is on track to his ninth at this summer’s Olympic Games.

The prize is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any horse lover. In addition to the private riding lesson with Millar, the winner will receive two round-trip airfares to Calgary and three nights accommodation at Homeplace Ranch, including meals and a daily trail ride. Two seats in the BMO Skybox for the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup have also been reserved for the winner.

Millar will visit the BMO Skybox before the start of the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup on Saturday, September 6, 2008, and will review the challenges of the course. Guests of BMO, including the contest winner and his or her guest, will then be invited into the International Ring to evaluate the obstacles for themselves, providing a true “behind-the-scenes” look at the high calibre of competition at Spruce Meadows.

“As a founding sponsor of Spruce Meadows we are very proud of our long history of support for equestrian sport in Canada,” said Ted McCarron, Senior Vice President, Prairies Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. Since 1977, BMO has sponsored the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows, attracting the top international show jumping teams to compete in Canada.

To enter and view full contest rules, please visit www.horse-canada.com. Entries close August 14, 2008, with a random draw held August 17, 2008.

BMO Financial Group employs more than 2,300 people in Alberta providing personal, commercial and corporate customers with expertise in many areas, including agriculture, oil and gas, corporate banking, international finance and wealth management. BMO Bank of Montreal serves customers through 27 branches in the Calgary District.

BMO is an active supporter of community initiatives in Alberta, donating to the new Alberta Children's Hospital, and through a variety of scholarship programs is a champion of post-secondary education. BMO and its employees are also proud of the 100 year plus legacy built with the Calgary Stampede.

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TORONTO, May 9, 2008	For News Media Inquiries Please Contact: (416) 867-3996
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BMO Investments Inc., the manager of BMO Short-Term Income Class, announced today that it will not proceed with changes to the investment objectives of the fund. Shareholders of BMO Short-Term Income Class previously approved changes to the investment objectives of the fund on April 26, 2007, although shareholders also gave the manager the right not to proceed with the proposed changes in its sole and absolute discretion. The proposed changes, including a name change from ‘BMO Short-Term Income Class’ to ‘BMO Capital Yield Class’, will not be implemented as BMO Investments Inc. is not in a position to proceed with the changes in a manner that is cost-effective and compliant with applicable regulatory requirements, and in the best interests of shareholders of BMO Short-Term Income Class.

The investment objectives of BMO Short-Term Income Class are to provide the opportunity to invest in a fixed-income fund for the short term, as an alternative or in addition to the equity funds included in the BMO Global Tax Advantage Funds and to provide current income while preserving capital and maintaining liquidity. As part of its current investment objectives, this fund invests primarily in high quality securities like Canadian treasury bills, other Canadian short-term fixed-income securities and highly rated commercial paper with terms to maturity of less than three years. BMO Short-Term Income Class is a class of shares of BMO Global Tax Advantage Funds 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 and term investments of $283 billion as at January 31, 2008.

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TORONTO, May 8, 2008

Canadian business owners are undecided about a planned exit strategy with the vast majority unsure how, when or to whom they will relinquish their business.

According to a recent Harris/Decima study commissioned by BMO Bank of Montreal, over half (56%) of businesses polled are in the later stages of their enterprise and yet only 21 per cent of these business owners have named a successor. Of those businesses who do not have a succession plan in place, 40 per cent believe it is too early to do so. Yet, in stark contrast to this claim, more recent business owners see the value in putting a formal succession plan into place earlier in the business lifecycle.

Only 19 per cent of business owners have identified a successor, yet just under one third of those have a transition plan in place, with training times varying greatly.

“Our research and experience advising business owners across Canada shows many are unprepared for the inevitable” said Sean Foran, Vice President of Succession Planning at BMO Harris Private Banking. ”Whether they intend to sell their business or hand it down to a family member, it’s important they begin planning as early as possible to ensure they get the most out of the many years of work they have put into the business.”

Other Survey Highlights:

• Almost 40 per cent of respondents say their ideal succession plan would involve selling their business to an outside party.
• Only 17 per cent said they would sell the business to a family member.
• One quarter of respondents say they have no interested family members and 17 per cent say they have no family members who could take it over.
• 85 per cent of business owners say they are the first or second generation of the family that started the business.

“These findings reflect the mindset of a typical entrepreneur,” said Gail Cocker, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal. “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 one of our commercial bankers. They can provide guidance and direction on how to put a succession plan in place. “

Business owners are overwhelmingly intent on using the proceeds from the sale of their business as investment dollars. In fact, two-thirds of business owners surveyed say they will invest their business sale dollars — nearly the same number who intend to fund their retirement through RRSPs or other investments. However, 61 per cent intend to rely in part on the Canada Pension Plan to get them through their retirement years.

“Clearly some entrepreneurs are concerned the sale of their business will not sufficiently subsidize their retirement lifestyle,” said Foran. “That’s why it’s important they maximize the proceeds of the sale of their business by investing that money wisely with the aid of a professional advisor.”

Almost three-quarters of those surveyed are more than five years away from selling their business, providing ample opportunity for a carefully planned exit strategy.

The new found data comes on the heels of the recently released book, Succession Stories from the Front Line: Insights and Advice for Canadian Business Owners, a compilation of real-life succession planning stories by Sarah Kruger and Sean Foran that analyzes the complexities of handing over a mature business. More information about the book and dates of a national seminar series can be found at www.bmo.com/succession. In addition, business owners can listen to Sean discuss the importance of succession planning with PROFIT Magazine’s Ian Portsmouth by downloading for free episode four of the Business Coach Podcast series found on www.bmo.com/podcast.

The online Harris/Decima poll was conducted from February 5^th – 14^th, 2008 and based on a sample of 400 Canadian business owners from across the country.

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BMO Financial Group and BMO Employee Charitable Foundation today announced a joint contribution of $30,000 to help the Canadian Red Cross in its relief efforts for flood victims in New Brunswick. In addition, BMO launched a Flood Relief Program for its customers who have suffered damage or loss of income resulting from the floods.

“We want to assist our customers and residents of the communities that were impacted by the Saint John River flooding, and we hope that these initiatives will help alleviate the difficulties being faced by flood victims and the affected communities,” said Carolyn Booth, Vice-President, New Brunswick & PEI, BMO Bank of Montreal.

“We’ve always stood behind our customers, through good times and bad, and we are ready to assist qualifying BMO customers by deferring payments on their loans, mortgages or lines of credit,” added Mrs. Booth.

The BMO Bank of Montreal Flood Relief Program includes:

• Personal loan payments deferrals – various options.
• Mortgages – waiver of the principal and interest payments for a period of two months.
• Lines of credit payment deferrals for up to two months.
• Pre-approved mortgage rate guarantee period extended from 90 days to 150 days.
• Special accommodations for commercial and agricultural clients affected by the flooding are being developed on a case by case basis.

BMO Bank of Montreal customers are invited to visit their local branch and to speak to a financial services manager about their particular financial needs resulting from the floods.

“All BMO branches across the country are also accepting donations from Canadians wanting to support the Red Cross Flood Appeal,” noted Mrs. Booth.

BMO Financial Group is providing a $25,000 contribution to the Canadian Red Cross to assist with its relief effort and the BMO Employee Charitable Foundation is contributing an additional $5,000 amount.

Since 1817, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility to the communities it serves. BMO contributed more than $5 million in community investment, through donations and sponsorships, in Atlantic Canada in 2007.

BMO Employee Charitable Foundation improves the lives of those in need by supporting thousands of registered charities in Canada through the generous support of the employees, pensioned employees, customers and friends of BMO Financial Group. During its 2007 national fundraising campaign, the BMO Employee Charitable Foundation raised more than $8 million across Canada, and the Foundation is able to disburse one hundred per cent of the monies raised to local charities across the country, as BMO Financial Group covers all administrative costs.

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Dr. Penny Ballem, former Deputy Minister of the BC Ministry of Health and Dr. Howard Bergman, the Dr. Joseph Kaufmann Professor and Director of Geriatric Medicine at McGill University, will be featured speakers at an inaugural BMO enCircle Lecture Series on trends and issues related to health care for the aging boomer population on May 15.

BMO Financial Group is launching the series in Vancouver, with additional enCircle lectures planned for Calgary and Toronto later this year. This coincides with the recent establishment of the BMO Retirement Institute that will provide Canadian boomers with crucial research on trends that will have a direct impact on their retirement.

Dr. Bergman will provide a trends update; Dr. Ballem, the keynote speaker, will speak on “Meeting the Needs of Aging Canadians: The Challenge facing the Canadian Healthcare System.” She will discuss the challenges the aging population faces and how our healthcare system can best meet these challenges.

The event is hosted by Jean Blacklock, Vice President, Wealth Services, BMO Harris Private Banking and Chief Operating Officer, BMO Trust Company; and Diana Reid, Regional Vice President, British Columbia, BMO Harris Private Banking.

The lecture, which is open to the public, will educate people on:

• How the Canadian health care system will respond to the challenges of the aging population
• Caring for the aging
• Advocacy and support for the aging

For general public to register for this event please email:
corporateevents.department@bmo.com or call: 1-866-730-6167

WHEN: Thursday, May 15, 2008, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Wosk Centre for Dialogue, 580 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

The BMO Retirement Institute will focus on issues impacting boomers approaching retirement; distill the best of publicly available, world-class research; and articulate concepts for retirement living and retirement planning, which boomers can put into action. As an example, the Institute will analyze issues such as care-giving, managing health, and the challenges of living retirement as a single person.

The Institute was developed under the guidance of BMO’s Advisory Council on Retirement, a panel of distinguished Canadians representing various fields of relevant expertise and experience.

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Media are invited to attend the lecture or interview the speakers in advance.

BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO), announced today that interest in global treasury services from North American clients remains high despite turbulent markets and a struggling U.S. economy.

“Corporate treasurers are telling us that they still see opportunities amid the global turmoil, and they’re approaching us for support as a trusted advisor,” says Marnie Kinsley, Executive Managing Director, Global Treasury Management, BMO Capital Markets.

BMO Capital Markets launched a suite of treasury services for clients with global ambitions in September 2007, and is currently signing up clients who do business in North America and Europe. In fact, BMO has identified 170 corporate clients who conduct trade with Europe who will be introduced to the service over the coming months.

“A growing number of businesses intend to expand beyond their borders over the next couple of years, and we anticipate that demand for these services will only increase over time,” said Susan Witteveen, Executive Managing Director of BMO’s Global Treasury Management Group in Canada. “This is a great opportunity to support their ambitions as they look beyond traditional borders for new business.”

Industry statistics reveal that over the next several years, payments by North American companies for work and supplies procured in Europe are expected to grow at a rate of 10 per cent per year. BMO Capital Markets has seen a 12 per cent year-over-year increase in transactions originating from foreign currency accounts, signaling that BMO clients are looking overseas for growth opportunities.

“With the U.S. economy now struggling, these trends will likely garner some momentum,” said Michael Gregory, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets. “Although Canada’s trade relationship with America deepened during the decade after the original Free Trade Agreement, the new millennium marked a new trend. Canadian businesses are increasingly looking east and west to find new markets to buy from and sell to,” he added.

BMO Capital Markets is the first in Canada to offer global treasury services through a single relationship manager. What sets these services apart is that clients will be able to manage cash flow and their Canadian dollar, U.S. dollar and Euro payments and receivables through a single BMO Capital Markets Relationship Manager, eliminating the need to deal with separate financial institutions in each country where they do business.

“Our clients tell us that they have to be nimble in order to seize the best opportunities out there. These services help our clients do that, by eliminating the need for them to find multiple banking partners, or work through unfamiliar local requirements on their own,” said Ms. Kinsley. “We take care of these complexities so that clients are free to concentrate on growing their business.”

BMO Capital Markets is offering the global treasury management services through an arrangement with Deutsche Bank AG, the world’s number-one Euro clearer. Under this relationship, Deutsche Bank provides and maintains European back-office treasury management support for BMO. For BMO clients, this provides access to Deutsche Bank’s European network and services. BMO Capital Markets also offers its North American clients access to seamless cross-border cash management services through its U.S. subsidiary Harris.

While current services focus on Canada, the U.S. and Europe, BMO Capital Markets’ long-term plan is to offer the same capabilities in Asia, including China and India.

BMO’s new global treasury management services include key disbursement and concentration services such as:

• Wire payments
• Chequing services
• Small value, recurring electronic payments such as Automated Clearing House payments (ACH) and Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs)
• Lockbox services (includes the collection of paper cheques from suppliers and invoice management)

About BMO Capital Markets
BMO Capital Markets is a leading full-service North American financial services provider, with over 2,000 employees operating in 14 North American offices and 26 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 total assets of CAD$377 billion and more than 36,000 employees as at January 31, 2008. For more information, visit www.bmocm.com.

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BMO Investments Inc. today announced that, at shareholders meetings held earlier today, it received approval to proceed with the merger of the BMO U.S. Equity Class Fund into the BMO Global Dividend Class Fund.

“As a result of this merger, shareholders of BMO U.S. Equity Class will now have the potential to achieve greater geographic and portfolio diversification by investing in dividend-paying equity securities of global issuers,” said Linda Knight, President and COO, BMO Investments Inc. “Investors are increasingly looking outside of North America for opportunities to participate in the stability and growth potential of large-cap blue chip firms,” said Knight. The investment objective of BMO Global Dividend Class is to achieve a high level of total return, including dividend income and capital gains, by investing in dividend-yielding common and preferred shares from around the world.

The merger will be effective on or about May 9, 2008.

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 and term investments of $283 billion as at January 31, 2008.

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The Government of Canada is making home ownership a reality for more First Nations people living on reserve. Today, Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians announced the official opening of the First Nations Market Housing Fund.

The plan for the $300 million Fund was first announced in Budget 2007. It is a new and innovative way to give First Nations members the opportunity to own their own homes on reserve or on settlement lands, where appropriate. It is anticipated that up to 25,000 new homes over 10 years will be provided through this Fund.

“Our Government understands how important home ownership is in Canada, which is why we wanted to give this opportunity to First Nations people living on-reserve,” said Minister Solberg. “By creating this First Nations Market Housing Fund, more First Nations families and individuals living on-reserve will be able to own their own homes – homes suited to their personal housing needs, financial situations and choice. We expect that in 10 years, this Fund will help to build 25,000 new homes.”

“Our Government has created this important new opportunity for First Nations families to obtain loans from financial institutions and build, buy or renovate a house on-reserve. First Nations members will now have the same housing opportunities and responsibilities as other Canadians, and a new ability to meet housing demands,” said Minister Strahl. “I would like to recognize the leadership and innovative thinking of our partners who have worked with our Government to achieve this, including the Assembly of First Nations and Canada’s financial community.”

“The Assembly of First Nations have had an active role in creating the Trust Fund parameters and must now consider the more important role of how First Nation communities can use this new optional tool available to them in the near future,” noted Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Rick Simon.

"We're hopeful that the success of the First Nations Market Housing Fund will demonstrate the value of investing in an on-reserve housing market and promote home ownership. Our emerging middle class needs to have access to the same quality of life that other Canadians take for granted." said Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, Chair of the First Nations Market Housing Fund. "Good housing for a First Nation family isn't just built on a foundation - it is a foundation that contributes to the health and self-sufficiency of our community members."

BMO Bank of Montreal National Director of Aboriginal Banking Stephen Fay says this new initiative with the federal government enables BMO to enhance its existing housing on-reserve loan program and respond to the specific needs of First Nation communities.

“BMO Bank of Montreal is pleased to participate in the Government of Canada’s Market Based Housing Fund initiative,” said Mr. Fay. “For more than a decade, BMO has been working with First Nations to help provide affordable housing, with the bank’s On-Reserve Housing Loan Program available to qualified members of 35 First Nations across Canada."

The Government of Canada also acknowledged the new Fund’s Board of Trustees – with its Chair John Beaucage and Vice-Chair Ruth Williams.

CMHC will support the day-to-day activities of the Fund in the initial years, under the direction of the Board of Trustees. For further information on the trustees, please see the attached biographies.

For further information on the First Nations Market Housing Fund, please call 1-866-582-2808.

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BMO Bank of Montreal will celebrate the grand re-opening of its Milton Mall branch, located at 55 Ontario St. South, this coming Saturday. Toronto FC players Joey Melo and Kevin Harmse will be on hand signing autographs and taking photos. Customers, fans and neighbours will join in the festivities which include a complimentary BBQ, face painting and a chance to win Toronto FC memorabilia.

"We are excited about the opportunity to showcase all of our new and convenient features to our customers, friends and neighbours,” said BMO Bank of Montreal branch manager, Jamie Draper. “The improvements include new private offices where our customers can meet with our experts one-on-one."

ABOUT THE MILTON BRANCH:

• Opened: 1976
• Located at: 55 Ontario St. S., Milton, Ontario
• Represents an investment of $850,000 in renovations and upgrades
• Size: 3,297 sq. ft.
• Staff: 15
• Services: Everyday Banking, Commercial Banking, Loans/Mortgages, Investments, and Financial Planning, and in partnership with our Thompson & Maple branch, Commercial Lending, Cash Management, Mortgage Specialist, and BMO Nesbitt Burns
• Hours of operation:
  Monday to Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Thursday and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

"Also to the AIR MILES collectors in Milton, we have another reason for you to bank with BMO. Now our customers can collect AIR MILES reward miles whenever and wherever they make purchases using their BMO Bank of Montreal debit card," said Alex Dousmanis-Curtis, SVP Greater Toronto Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. "No other bank can help you collect faster and redeem quicker and we are the only major financial institution that rewards debit, credit and online purchases with access to a comprehensive choice of more than 800 reward and travel options," added Ms. Dousmanis-Curtis.

BMO Bank of Montreal recently re-launched its Mosaik Gold AIR MILES Reward Option, providing cardholders an exclusive 20 per cent discount on all AIR MILES flight redemptions on any of the AIR MILES Reward Program’s extensive roster of eleven airline reward partners.

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BMO Financial Group received international recognition this week for its impressive achievements in energy reductions at its Scarborough Computing Centre (SCC), when it was awarded the Uptime Institute 2008 Green Enterprise IT Award for IT Hardware Asset Utilization.

The third annual Uptime Institute Symposium, held in Orlando, Florida, was focused on tackling strategic and operational hurdles and on developing industry benchmarks for improving energy efficiency in data centres. This year’s awards serve as a tribute to organizations dedicated to energy-efficiency improvements in their data centre operations. BMO was among several companies that earned recognition at the event, including AOL, UPS and Nationwide Mutual Insurance.

The award BMO received recognizes the success of a cross-business team from the bank’s Technology and Operations division in reducing power consumption and improving energy efficiency in the data centre. Specifically, the team managed to save a total of 526 kilowatts of power through the elimination of 409 servers, 40 peripheral devices and two storage subsystems.

These impressive reductions were achieved one year after BMO implemented organizational restructuring in its Corporate Real Estate and Enterprise Infrastructure roles and responsibilities to remedy large energy consumption in its core data centres that surfaced in 2004. Initially, it was hoped that the reductions would be accomplished within a three year period.

“I am delighted that our teams were able to collaborate so effectively and so quickly to reduce energy consumption and our environmental footprint,” says Michael Thornburrow, Senior Vice President, Corporate Real Estate and Procurement & Strategic Sourcing, BMO Financial Group. “Quite frankly, the energy reduction is tremendous – the net impact of these reductions is equivalent to the amount of power it takes to run about 430 average sized homes for one year. I look forward to us building on the SCC success story and cutting our energy consumption in other data centres and in other businesses across the company."

About Uptime Institute
The Uptime Institute (uptimeinstitute.org) is an independent services provider that supplies owners and operators of enterprise data centres with leading independent research, corporate advisories, knowledge exchanges, and education and professional services. Its primary area of expertise is the ‘uptime’ availability, reliability, and resiliency of enterprise computing within formal critical computing environments.

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You don’t have to be a runner to join in the fun on Sunday, May 4, 2008 during the BMO Bank of Montreal Vancouver Marathon. Spectators of all ages are encouraged to line the marathon course route to cheer on the 13,000 walkers and runners in the Full, Half, Team Relay and XLR 8K marathon events.

Not to be forgotten is the Kids MaraFun which starts and finishes at BC Place Stadium. These kids have run a total of 25.2 miles during the weeks leading up to race day and will run the final mile to complete their “marathon.” The fastest kids are expected to arrive at the line in just under six minutes!

Joining the local BMO Team this year, lead by Richard Rudderham, Senior Vice President, BC & Yukon Division, is Frank Techar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Personal and Commercial Banking at BMO Bank of Montreal.

“This is the third year of our title sponsorship of the BMO Bank of Montreal Marathon and the enthusiastic support of BMO employees both as runners and as volunteers has been phenomenal,” said Mr. Techar. “I felt compelled to join the BMO Team this year, and rain or shine, I’m looking forward to witnessing the warm reception of Vancouverites as they cheer on participants along the Half Marathon route,” he added.

The marathon course starts at 7:00 a.m. for the Half Marathon and at 7:30 a.m. for the Full Marathon from BC Place Stadium. The course winds through some of Vancouver’s most scenic neighbourhoods, providing great vantage points for spectators.

Music lovers will want to search out some of the 26 on-course entertainment stations. This year’s musicians include a flamenco guitarist and a 25-piece military band.

Excellent viewpoints in Stanley Park include Coal Harbour at the Westin Bayshore, English Bay, and along Beach Avenue. The Burrard Street Bridge is a great location for cheering spectators, as Full Marathoners will cross the bridge twice.

Runners continue along Cornwall Avenue in Point Grey and turn around near 4^th Avenue and Alma Street, location of the BMO Candy Corner.

Triumphant BMO Vancouver Marathon participants can be welcomed across the finish line at BC Place Stadium.

Spectators can check out this year’s best race viewing spots as well as obtain road closure information by visiting the website, www.bmovanmarathon.ca. They may have to use alternate access routes or park and walk to their destination. All areas of the city remain open for business as usual via major traffic arteries during the marathon.

The 2008 BMO Vancouver Marathon has had unparalleled support from the community for 37 years and is organized by the Vancouver International Marathon Society, a non-profit organization. The Society’s mission is to create a world class marathon offering a fast and scenic marathon course, attracting both elite and recreational runners and walkers and engaging the local community in a thrilling recreational and sporting event.

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BMO Financial Group today announced the establishment of a unique national study institute to provide Canadian Boomers with crucial research on trends that will have a direct impact on their retirement.

The BMO Retirement Institute (The Institute) will focus on issues impacting boomers approaching retirement; distilling the best of publicly available, world-class research; and will articulate concepts for retirement living and retirement planning, which boomers can put into action. As an example, the Institute will analyze issues such as care-giving, managing health, and the challenges of living retirement as a single person.

The Institute was developed under the guidance of BMO’s Advisory Council on Retirement, a panel of distinguished Canadians representing various fields of relevant expertise and experience. The council was convened in 2006 to bring a new perspective to retirement and find new avenues of communication with baby boomers.

“BMO has made it a priority to convey to Canadians that the nature of retirement has changed,” said Mel Cappe, Chairman of the BMO Advisory Council on Retirement. “New information about planning for and living in retirement regularly emerges from Canada’s academic centres, much of it extremely relevant for how retirees and pre-retirees plan for this phase of their life. Providing access to this research will encourage boomers to think more broadly about how they prepare for retirement.”

As part of its mandate, The Institute is launching a series of brief reports called Connecting Insights that will help Canadians become more familiar with some of the more complex issues associated with retirement. The Institute’s first report, “Assuming More Responsibility for Retirement,” provides an introduction to the changing nature of retirement, highlighting recent shifts in pension plan trends and the importance of ensuring retirees have enough money to last them through what has become a lengthier life stage. The report also examines the prospect of future retirees having to shoulder more of the financial responsibility for their retirement than previous generations. It also explores the important retirement decisions boomers will face and offers information on the efficacy of some of today’s financial planning products.

“As boomers head closer to retirement, it’s important for them to develop a concrete plan to manage their savings and investments carefully during retirement," says Kris Vikmanis, Head of Retirement Market, BMO Financial Group. “Accumulation and saving is the first part of the retirement planning equation -- it’s equally important to understand your expenses in retirement, in order to structure your resources to generate the appropriate cash flow.”

For more information about the BMO Retirement Institute: Connecting Insights, consumers can visit www.bmo.com/retirementyourway.

Members of the academic community interested in learning more about the BMO Retirement Institute: Connecting Insights can contact: Julie A. Sullivan at juliea.sullivan@bmo.com.

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Guardian Group of Funds Ltd. (GGOF) today announced that GGOF 2008-I Mining Flow-Through Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”) has completed the final closing of its initial public offering of limited partnership units. The Partnership has now issued a total of 408,798 limited partnership units at a price of $25.00 each, for gross proceeds of $10,219,950.

The Partnership’s investment objective is to provide holders of units with a tax-assisted investment in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of mining issuers with a view to earning income and achieving capital appreciation for limited partners.

In order to achieve its investment objective, the Partnership will invest in flow-through shares of mining issuers that may incur Canadian exploration expense and that: (i) have experienced management; (ii) have a strong exploration program in place; (iii) may require time to mature; and (iv) offer the potential for future growth. The Partnership’s Portfolio Manager expects to invest the portfolio primarily in mining issuers listed on Canadian stock exchanges.

GGOF is the manager of the Partnership and has retained Jones Heward Investment Counsel Inc. to provide all of the investment counselling and portfolio management services to the Partnership. Bill Belovay, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of Jones Heward Investment Counsel Inc., will be responsible primarily for the management of the portfolio.

GGOF provides investors with a full product line of 35 mutual funds, diversified by asset class, geographic region and capitalization. GGOF, with $5.51 billion of mutual fund assets under management at March 31, 2008, offers its funds exclusively through financial intermediaries.

GGOF is a member of 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 and term investments of $283 billion as at January 31, 2008.

This offering was made by a syndicate of securities dealers co-led by BMO Capital Markets and CIBC World Markets Inc., and includes National Bank Financial Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., TD Securities Inc., Canaccord Adams, Dundee Securities Corporation, HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc., Richardson Partners Financial Limited, Blackmont Capital Inc., Raymond James Ltd., Berkshire Securities Inc. and Genuity Capital Markets.

This press release is not for distribution in the United States.   

Further expanding its Canadian customer base in both the public and private sectors, BMO ePurchasing Solutions, a leading North American provider of advanced commercial card solutions, today announced four new card partnerships in British Columbia.

BMO recently reached card-issuing agreements with Abbotsford School District, BC Investment Management Corporation (BCIMC), Parkgate Community Services, and the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (TSX:GC).

BMO is continually growing its commercial card business by partnering with large and mid-market corporations and public agencies in a range of industries throughout North America to provide customized commercial card solutions.

“We find that public sector organizations and corporations often have needs that intersect,” said Terry Wellesley, managing director of BMO Harris ePurchasing Solutions. “They want to work with a card partner that can help them streamline purchasing and accounts payable functions, and apply spend controls that can be easily tracked.”

The four new partners, announced today, are:

• Abbotsford School District has 49 schools, including 36 elementary schools, five middle schools and eight secondary schools with more than 19,500 enrolled students, and 2,000 teaching and support staff.
• BC Investment Management Corporation (BCIMC) provides fund management services for public bodies and publicly administered trust funds. As one of the largest institutional investors in the country, BCIMC offers its public sector trust clients a wide range of investment services.
• Parkgate Community Services in North Vancouver offers recreational, social, and cultural services and events for area residents.
• Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (TSX:GC), headquartered in British Columbia with locations in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Washington State in the U.S., operates gaming and entertainment venues, including 10 casinos.

About BMO ePurchasing Solutions
BMO ePurchasing Solutions, a division of BMO Financial Group, is a leading source of corporate payment solutions that provides customized end-to-end procurement management programs for public and private sector organizations. BMO’s client-centric approach utilizes leading proprietary technology to customize solutions that directly contribute to an organization's bottom line. One of the top 10 commercial card issuers in North America, BMO provides over 87,000 companies a single-source option for their commercial card programs.

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BMO Bank of Montreal is pleased to announce the winners of the Year of the Rat contest. Brian LePage from Scraborough, Ontario and Josephine Chow from Vancouver, British Columbia, have been awarded 8,888 AIR MILES Reward Miles for a round trip flight to the 2008 Olympic host Beijing, or Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taipei or many other destinations.

“I am thrilled to have won this contest,” said Brian LePage of Scarborough, Ontario. “The BMO staff at the Ellesmere and McCowan branch were very helpful and I can’t believe I have won this incredible trip by simply filling out a ballot,” added Mr. LePage who plans to share the AIR MILES with his family.

Josephine Chow of Vancouver, British Columbia, has been banking with BMO for more than 10 years and found out about the contest after she opened up a savings account to purchase RRSPs. “I'm extremely excited! The Year of the Rat must be my lucky year!” said Ms. Chow. She plans to use the AIR MILES to visit Asia in the near future.

A select number of BMO branches in the Greater Toronto and Greater Vancouver areas that support Canada’s growing Asian community offered this chance to win 8,888 AIR MILES Reward Miles for a round trip flight to China in celebration of the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rat. The contest was open to new and existing BMO Bank of Montreal customers and ran between February 7 and March 7, 2008.

“BMO has a long history of supporting Canada’s Chinese community, which represents over one million people across the country,” said Srini Iyengar, Director, Asian Markets, BMO Bank of Montreal. “This contest was another way for us to reward our customers for their business and is an exciting way to celebrate the Year of the Rat – a time of hard work, activity and renewal,” added Mr. Iyengar.

“If you’re one of the 9 million AIR MILES collectors in Canada, we have another reason for you to bank with BMO. Now our customers can collect AIR MILES reward miles whenever and wherever they make purchases using their BMO Bank of Montreal debit card,” said Mr. Iyengar. “No other bank can help you collect faster and redeem quicker and we are the only major financial institution that rewards debit purchases giving you access to AIR MILES’ comprehensive choice of more than 800 reward and travel options.”

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Dana Cameron from BMO Bank of Montreal (Left) presents contest winner Josephine Chow of Vancouver (Right) with a cheque for 8,888 AIR MILES for travel in Asia.

BMO Bank of Montreal's Srini Lyengar, Bill Crook, Betty Wu, AnneMarie Neadles and Adrian Cheung present winner, Brian LePage (Centre) of Toronto, with a cheque for 8,888 AIR MILES for travel in Asia.

The BMO Employee Charitable Foundation hosted a Celebration of Giving this evening, to distribute more than $1 million to 51 Greater Toronto Area charitable organizations.

BMO Financial Group employees and representatives from the supported charitable groups gathered at First Canadian Place in Toronto tonight to celebrate the culmination of a year of employee-driven fundraising efforts by the Foundation. The 2007 national fundraising campaign raised more than $8 million across the country, of which more than $4.5 million was raised in Ontario. This amount is over and above the $42.6 million that BMO Financial Group contributed in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in Canada last year.

The Foundation is able to disburse 100 per cent of the money raised to local charities across Canada, as BMO Financial Group covers all administrative costs.

“Nothing provides a better perspective of BMO and what it stands for than this evening’s Celebration of Giving,” said Bill Downe, President and CEO, BMO Financial Group. “Nearly everyone in the company participates in the BMO Employee Charitable Foundation in one way or another, whether in the private gesture of pledging money to the fund, or more publicly in one of the many fundraisers our employees organize to raise money. This event is a great opportunity to recognize the many BMO employees who support the Foundation, and honour these charities’ efforts.”

“Once again, BMO employees have come together to support the Foundation’s fundraising campaign,” said Heather Baird, Chair, Ontario Board of Directors, BMO Employee Charitable Foundation. “We’re thrilled with what we achieved last year, and we’re committed to having an even better 2008.”

“Habitat for Humanity Toronto very much appreciates the donation from the BMO Employee Charitable Foundation,” said Angela Solomos, Director, Corporate Partnerships, Habitat for Humanity Toronto. “It is only through the support of our community that we can continue to build homes and hope for deserving Toronto families. BMO's leadership and generosity will go a long way to ensure that we can continue this important work.”

“Covenant House is grateful for the generosity and care that BMO employees have shown our kids over the past 22 years,” said Pamela Quirk, Associate Director, Planned & Major Gifts, Covenant House Toronto. “It is only with continued support like theirs that we are able to open doors of opportunity and hope to thousands of homeless youth.”

Listed below are the recipient organizations of this donation:

AIDS Committee of Toronto
Alzheimer Society - Ontario Division
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society – Ontario
Armagh - A Program of Supportive Housing - Mississauga
Arthritis Society - Ontario Division
Autism Society of Ontario
Bloorview Kids Rehab Foundation
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Chapter
Canadian Cancer Society - Ontario Division
Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Ontario
Canadian Diabetes Association - Ontario Division
Canadian Feed the Children
Canadian Foundation for the Prevention of Family Violence – PACT
Canadian Liver Foundation - National Office
Canadian Red Cross – Ontario Division
Children's Aid Foundation
Children's Wish Foundation - Ontario Chapter
CNIB - Ontario Division
Covenant House – Toronto
Credit Valley Hospital Foundation
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada - Ontario Division
Daily Bread Food Bank – Toronto
Durham Regional Cancer Centre - Oshawa
Geneva Centre for Autism – Toronto
Gerrard Resource Centre
Grandview Children's Centre - Durham
Habitat for Humanity Toronto
Heart and Stroke Foundation - Ontario Division
Hospital for Sick Children Foundation - Toronto
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - Ontario
Kidney Foundation of Canada - Central Ontario Branch
Kids Help Foundation - Ontario
Make a Wish Foundation- Toronto & Central Ontario
Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation of Toronto
Multiple Sclerosis Society - Ontario Division
Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital Foundation
Ontario SPCA
Parkinson Society Canada
Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
Red Door Shelter
Salvation Army - Development Department - Ontario Central Division
ShareLife – Toronto
St. Michael's Hospital Foundation – Toronto
Stephen Lewis Foundation
Sunnybrook Foundation – Toronto
Trillium Health Centre Foundation - Mississauga
United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto
United Way of Greater Toronto
Women's College Hospital Foundation
World Wildlife Fund - Toronto
Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation - Scarborough

BMO Employee Charitable Foundation improves the lives of those in need by supporting thousands of registered charities in Canada through the generous support of the employees, pensioned employees, customers and friends of BMO Financial Group. Since 1999, the Foundation has raised nearly $50 million for more than 3,000 charities across the country through the efforts and generosity of BMO Financial Group employees and customers.

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BMO President and CEO Bill Downe welcomes Angela Solomos (L), Habitat for Humanity Toronto and Pamela Quirk (R), Covenant House Toronto to the BMO Employee Charitable Foundation's 'Celebration of Giving'. The Foundation distributed more than $1 million at the event to GTA charities.

What:
Join Canadian and U.S. Chief Investment Officers from BMO Harris Private Banking and Harris Private Bank to hear their economic and capital markets forecasts for the second quarter of 2008.

CIOs Paul Taylor and Jack Ablin say the probability of further declines in the Canadian and U.S. equity markets will increase in accordance with the likelihood of a U.S. recession.

During the call, the CIOs will discuss four different economic and capital market forecast scenarios, including an outright U.S. consumer-led recession; prolonged housing softness; slow recovery of the U.S. housing market; and, a housing market rebound and stabilization of consumer spending.

Risks common to most of the forecasted market scenarios include:

• U.S. housing weakness
• Financial crisis
• Re-emergence of inflation
• Emerging market volatility increases

Investing in a challenging marketplace
The events of the first quarter of 2008 have created a difficult environment to generate returns. This environment may continue over the next quarter or longer.

If prolonged housing softness continues or an outright U.S.-led recession occurs, the CIOs predict cash and bonds will outperform equities.

Equity market returns are expected to become attractive again once stability has returned, as evidenced by some improvement in the U.S. housing market.

For more commentary and analysis on the Canadian and U.S. markets and what this means for investors, media are invited to call in for an interactive briefing at 1:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 24, 2008.

Media conference call details:

Who:
Host: Graham Parsons, Executive Vice President, Global Private Banking, BMO Harris Private Banking

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

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

When:
Thursday, April 24, 2008
1:00 p.m. EDT

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

Participant passcode:
3259321#

The call will be archived at www.bmoharrisprivatebanking.com for seven days and a print transcript of the conference call will be available upon request.

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BMO Bank of Montreal today announced that it is decreasing its CDN$ prime lending rate from 5.25 per cent to 4.75 per cent, effective April 23, 2008.

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BMO Bank of Montreal today announced it is changing its variable mortgage rates effective April 23, 2008. The new rates are:  

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BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO), announced a definitive agreement today to acquire Chicago-based Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson Inc. (GKST). The acquisition will make BMO Capital Markets the sixth-largest bank qualified municipal bond dealer in the United States and the largest in Illinois, greatly accelerating BMO’s national presence in the municipal bond market.

GKST is an independent, full-service registered investment dealer specializing in debt securities, including municipal bonds, U.S. Treasury debt, agencies and mortgage-backed securities. The company employs more than 100 people and caters to institutional and individual investors as well as U.S. government agencies, schools and non-profit issuers. Services include fixed income trading, underwriting, portfolio analysis and research.

“This acquisition allows us to grow our U.S. fixed income business by broadening our scope and more than doubling the size of our municipal bond business,” said Tom Milroy, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Capital Markets.

“We have been in the municipal banking business for more than 125 years in Illinois. GKST’s national presence in municipal banking along with a strong and well diversified investor base positions us very well for the future as more U.S. municipalities seek to finance their infrastructure needs. Municipal bonds are a client-driven business that fit well with our overall strategy and we believe the outlook for this business is favorable going forward,” Mr. Milroy added.

“GKST will bolster BMO Capital Markets’ reach into markets that we are already focused on such as the Healthcare, Education and Financial Institutions sectors. Likewise, the acquisition creates an opportunity for us to pursue new markets such as the growing infrastructure market and to offer additional services such as fixed income portfolio analysis and asset liability systems for banks,” said Charlie Piermarini, Executive Managing Director and Head of Debt Products & Securitization, BMO Capital Markets.

“We see this partnership as a natural fit,” said David Thompson, President and founding Principal of GKST. “BMO Capital Markets provides a strong platform to combine our operations. They have the longstanding presence and dedication to the Midwest marketplace as well as the shared knowledge and technical expertise necessary to meet the goals of our clients.”

GKST has offices in Chicago, Monticello, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin and serves clients in 47 states and Puerto Rico.

BMO Capital Markets is one of the largest investment banking employers in Chicago. Over the last two years, BMO Capital Markets and affiliate Harris have been steadily adding professionals to strengthen its ability to serve customers and clients across the Midwest and nationally. In February, BMO Capital Markets hired five municipal bond sales and trading professionals in Chicago. The group was formerly with LaSalle Financial Services.

The acquisition is anticipated to close in June 2008, subject to approvals from U.S. and Canadian regulators. The terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

About Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson, Inc.
The founding principals of GKST trace their securities industry experience back to the mid-1960s and formed GKST, one of the nation's leading regional bond dealers, in 1980. Throughout its corporate history, GKST has earned an enviable reputation among both issuers and investors for professional expertise and uncompromised business standards. GKST has focused its expertise exclusively on the fixed-income marketplace and is dedicated to providing clients an uncommon depth of knowledge about, and a broad array of products from, both taxable and tax-free markets.

About BMO Capital Markets
BMO Capital Markets is a leading full-service North American financial services provider, with over 2,000 employees operating in 14 North American offices and 26 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 total assets of US$375 billion and more than 36,000 employees as at January 31, 2008.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Bank of Montreal’s public communications often include written or oral forward-looking statements. Statements of this type are included in this document, and may be included in other filings with Canadian securities regulators or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or in other communications. All such statements are made pursuant to the ‘safe harbor’ provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and any applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements may involve, but are not limited to, comments with respect to our objectives and priorities for 2008 and beyond, our strategies or future actions, our targets, expectations for our financial condition or share price, and the results of or outlook for our operations or for the Canadian and U.S. economies.

By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is significant risk that predictions, forecasts, conclusions or projections will not prove to be accurate, that our assumptions may not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such predictions, forecasts, conclusions or projections. We caution readers of this document not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as a number of factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed in the forward-looking statements.

The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: general economic and market conditions in the countries in which we operate; interest rate and currency value fluctuations; changes in monetary policy; the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which we operate; changes in laws; judicial or regulatory proceedings; the accuracy and completeness of the information we obtain with respect to our customers and counterparties; our ability to execute our strategic plans and to complete and integrate acquisitions; critical accounting estimates; operational and infrastructure risks; general political conditions; global capital market activities; the possible effects on our business of war or terrorist activities; disease or illness that impacts on local, national or international economies; disruptions to public infrastructure, such as transportation, communications, power or water supply; and technological changes.

We caution that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all possible factors. Other factors could adversely affect our results. For more information, please see the discussion on pages 28 and 29 of BMO’s 2007 Annual Report, which outlines in detail certain key factors that may affect BMO’s future results. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Bank of Montreal, investors and others should carefully consider these factors, as well as other uncertainties and potential events, and the inherent uncertainty of forward-looking statements. 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. The forward-looking information contained in this document is presented for the purpose of assisting our shareholders in understanding our financial position as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented and our strategic priorities and objectives, and may not be appropriate for other purposes.

BMO Capital Markets becomes one of the largest municipal bond dealers in the Midwest with its agreement today to acquire Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson, Inc. of Chicago. From left to right: Charlie Piermarini, BMO's Head of Debt Products and David Thompson, President and founding Principal of GKST.

An army of more than 600 BMO Financial Group employees from 43 BMO branches across the GTA will join Mayor Miller’s 20 Minute Makeover initiative to give public spaces in their local neighbourhoods and communities a thorough spring cleaning on Friday, April 18, 2008.

Last year, the 20-Minute Makeover attracted more than 200,000 registered participants. This year, BMO employees will take up brooms, shovels, rags and mops to spruce up everything from parks to parking lots in Oakville, Mississauga, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Pickering and Ajax.

“We are thrilled to have such a large contingent of BMO employees demonstrating their civic pride in such a meaningful way,” said Alex Dousmanis-Curtis, SVP Greater Toronto Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “Participating in the GTA makeover is a small effort that we hope will make a big difference to the appearance of our communities and the enjoyment of our neighbourhoods.”

“Our employees are such a large part of BMO’s commitment to a cleaner and greener environment,” said Jim Johnston, Director of Environmental Sustainability, BMO Financial Group. “We are building awareness around what we can do better with regards to the environment and giving our employees the proper support to make that happen. It’s very gratifying to see them take this commitment to heart in so many ways, including their enthusiastic support for the twenty-minute makeover.”

BMO has been very active in efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. It is part of the bank’s environmental policy to encourage a green workplace through programs that promote energy efficiency, recycling and waste minimization. In 2007, the bank recycled 3,282 metric tonnes of recyclable materials from branches and offices across the country and has implemented a very successful technology disposal program that safeguards the privacy and confidentiality of customers and employees while minimizing the environmental impact from the disposal of unwanted equipment. In 2007 alone, 241 metric tonnes of technology equipment were donated or disposed of in an environmentally friendly fashion.

BMO was also one of the first financial institutions to finance the development of wind power generation in Canada. In 2007, BMO partnered with Bullfrog Power in order to create sustainable development with the purchase of green electricity. By the end of 2008, up to 53 BMO Bank of Montreal branches will be bullfrogpowered, which will ultimately reduce BMO’s overall carbon emissions by more than 3,000 tonnes per year, making BMO a leading financial institution on the bullfrogpowered Green Index.

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BMO sweeps through GTA – More than 600 BMO employees hit the streets of Metro Toronto during Mayor Miller’s 20 minute makeover today. Andrea Hazell, manager of BMO Bank of Montreal’s East YorkTown Centre branch leads her team in a spring cleanup on the Overlea Blvd. median near the branch.

BMO Financial Group welcomed Toronto FC back to its home at BMO Field today, as the team prepares for its home opener Saturday. In the offseason, BMO acquired the title sponsor rights to all 30 Toronto FC Major League Soccer TV broadcasts during the 2008 season, on CBC, Rogers Sportsnet and The Score.

The one-year agreement marks the first broadcast sponsorship for Toronto FC, and a further extension of BMO’s relationship with Canada’s Major League Soccer team. BMO already holds the naming rights to BMO Field, home of Toronto FC, and is the sponsor of the team’s jerseys.

At the same time, BMO has also extended its agreement to be the official bank of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Marlies, Air Canada Centre and Ricoh Coliseum, through to June 2011. As part of this sponsorship, BMO remains the season title sponsor for all the teams. It will also maintain sponsorship programs such as the BMO Community Hero of the Game, which recognizes someone at each and every Leafs and Raptors game for the good work they do in their community. BMO will also continue to sponsor the BMO FanZone, the interactive entertainment are located in Air Canada Centre’s Galleria.

“BMO continues to be a terrific partner for all of our sports teams, and we’re excited about the opportunity to deepen our relationship with them,” said Tom Anselmi, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “BMO is a strong, recognizable Canadian brand that resonates with its loyal customers. We’re excited to further our relationship with BMO as they extend their reach with our fans and television audiences.”

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Toronto FC back to BMO Field,” said Lily Capriotti, District Vice-President, GTA Central, BMO Bank of Montreal. “With great new signings like Laurent Robert, Amado Guevara and Rohan Ricketts, and the arrival of new coach John Carver, this promises to be an exciting season. Toronto has the best fans in Major League Soccer, and we expect Toronto FC to be an even hotter ticket this year. There is no better place in North America to watch a soccer game than BMO Field.

“With Toronto FC back home for its home opener at BMO Field tomorrow, and the Raptors and Marlies in the thick of their playoffs, it’s an exciting time for fans in Toronto and across the country,” said Capriotti. “We wish them all the best of luck.”

"BMO's commitment to Leafs, Raptors, Marlies and Toronto FC makes them a tremendous supporter of sports in our community," said Dave Hopkinson, Vice-President, Corporate and Community Partnerships, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "We're proud to work with BMO and look forward to continued success in our relationship."

“These sponsorships are a terrific fit, and give us the opportunity for us to strengthen our relationships with customers and communities in Toronto and indeed right across Canada,” said Sandy Bourne, Vice-President, Corporate Sponsorships, BMO Financial Group. “MLSE is a terrific partner, and we are pleased to expand our partnership with MLSE and its teams. We look forward to many years of success.”

Toronto FC hosts Real Salt Lake at BMO Field Saturday, April 19 in their home opener of the 2008 Major League Soccer season. Game time is 12:30 p.m. EDT.

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Lily Capriotti, VP, BMO Bank of Montreal, welcomes Toronto FC back to BMO Field.  L-R, captain Jim Brennan, new head coach John Carver, and new midfielder Laurent Robert.

BMO Financial Group has made a generous $400,000 investment in the It’s Our Time Campaign to support the delivery of “close-to-home” health-care services in the Niagara Region. The announcement was made today to NHS staff, health professionals, and It’s Our Time Campaign fundraising volunteers gathered at the Ontario Street Site (OSS) of the NHS this morning.

Funds raised through the It’s Our Time Campaign will enable new regional health-care services for the treatment of cancer, heart disease, and mental health for all Niagara residents, as well as an expanded kidney disease treatment program. Funds will also support the new acute care local community hospital for residents of St. Catharines, Thorold, Niagara-on-the-Lake and immediate area, replacing the existing St. Catharines General and Ontario Street Sites.

“At BMO Financial Group, we recognize the importance of healthcare in the Niagara Falls region,” said George Heisz, Hamilton District Vice President of BMO Financial Group. “Helping bring healthcare close to home means briging excellent care to patients and building a stronger and healthier community.”

“BMO Financial Group’s generous donation not only supports patients who deserve close-to-home care, it will provide state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for the skilled and dedicated doctors, nurses and health professionals who currently provide excellent care at our NHS sites, who are making the most efficient use of the resources available in our region,” said Dr. William Shragge, NHS Chief of Staff.

“We are delighted to accept this generous donation from BMO Financial Group to the It’s Our Time Campaign. In recognition of BMO’s support in bringing new regional services to Niagara, the Maternal Waiting Area in the new health-care complex will be named in honour of BMO Financial Group,” said Mark Sherk, North Niagara Campaign Co-chair.

The submissions proposing how the hospital could be designed, built, financed and maintained will be received from the three pre-qualified bidding teams later this spring. The NHS, along with Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will evaluate the bids based on a variety of criteria.

“The project is continually gaining momentum. Following the selection of the preferred bidder this fall, we will negotiate a final contract and will be breaking ground on the First Street and Fourth Avenue property by the end of this year,” explained Gloria Kain, NHS Chief Planning and Development Officer.

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L-R:  John Beyer, Co-Chair Niagara Falls Campaign Team; Boyd Hamblin, Personal Banking Area Manager BMO Bank of Montreal; Betty-Lou Souter, Chair NHS Board of Trustees; Dr. Bill Shragge, NHS Chief of Staff; George Heisz, Hamilton District Vice President BMO Bank of Montreal; Mario Ferrara, President Niagara-on-the-Lake Hospital Foundation; Debbie Sevenpifer NHS President & CEO; John Veeneman, Director SCGH Foundation; Mark Sherk, Co-Chair North Niagara Campaign Team; Ron Hogan, Vice President BMO Nesbitt Burns; Sandra Wilkes, Campaign Director North Niagara Campaign Team and Executive Director SCGH Foundation; Marco Marrone, Chair, NHS Foundation.