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HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - July 16, 2010) - BMO Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO) today announced the appointment of Laura Charlton as Vice-President, Nova Scotia District.

Ms. Charlton will assume leadership of a team of over 285 professionals who serve customers through BMO's network of more than 25 branches in Nova Scotia.

Ms. Charlton is a Nova Scotia native, and holds an honours degree from Acadia University. She has five years experience with BMO Bank of Montreal, including the past two years as Director, Corporate Finance, Atlantic Division.

"Throughout her career, Laura has demonstrated a commitment and passion to customer service and business development while leading her teams to superior performance," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice-President, Atlantic Provinces Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. "I am confident that Laura will ensure that our employees offer clients an exceptional banking experience and personalized financial solutions during each branch visit or conversation."

"My commercial colleagues and I look forward to helping local entrepreneurs achieve their business objectives while contributing to the economic growth of Nova Scotia," said Ms. Charlton.

BMO has been very successful at growing market share in small business lending and is now the second leading lender in Atlantic Canada, with a market share of more than 26 per cent. "We understand the businesses of our clients and can provide value-added advice and expertise, while continuing to innovate with programs such as BMO SmartSteps for Business," added Ms. Charlton. "We're open for business."

BMO Bank of Montreal is focused on helping its personal banking customers make sense of financial matters by providing clarity surrounding financial choices and decisions. "We can help you save money through initiatives such as BMO SmartSteps and our new five-year low-rate fixed closed mortgage at 3.99 per cent, with a maximum 25-year amortization," said Ms. Charlton.

Ms. Charlton is very active in the community, supporting local charities. With BMO, she helped raise more than $40,000 dollars for BUST a Move for Breast Health. Ms Charlton also chairs on the F.C. Manning School of Business Advisory Board at Acadia University.

BMO Bank of Montreal opened its first branch in Nova Scotia in 1867 and now operates more than 25 branches in the province, while providing financial support to leading education, health-care, cultural and not-for-profit institutions.