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TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 29, 2010) - BMO Financial Group (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO) today congratulated Susan McIsaac on her appointment as CEO of United Way Toronto.

"Susan has been a driving force behind the United Way campaign for a dozen years," said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMO Financial Group and Chair of this past year's United Way Toronto campaign. "Her skills both as a tireless and highly effective fundraiser and as visionary community builder are tremendous. She and Frances have both been remarkable partners to the Campaign Cabinet."

At the same time, Mr. Downe said United Way will miss the dynamic leadership of Ms. Lankin, who is stepping down after nearly ten years as United Way head.

"Frances has been responsible for advancing the United Way agenda in so many ways," said Mr. Downe. "The community hubs that are beginning to spring up around Toronto as part of United Way's neighbourhood strategy, one of which is supported by a $1 million gift from BMO, will be a lasting legacy to her commitment to building the community."

BMO Financial Group is a major supporter of United Way Toronto, and United Way campaigns across Canada. BMO and the BMO Employee Charitable Foundation raised more than $11.4 million in 2009 for United Way campaigns and other Canadian charities. Along with corporate gifts of over $3.9 million, BMO employees and retirees donated over $7.5 million in 2009.

For more than 190 years, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. In 2009, BMO contributed $55 million in donations, sponsorships and events in Canada and the United States to groups, organizations and programs that help build and sustain resilient, vital and healthy communities.