BMO Receives Highest Honour for its Relationship with Aboriginal Peoples, Communities and Businesses

Sets the Gold Standard with 3rd Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Award

VANCOUVER - Today, at the 8th Annual Gala Dinner, BMO Financial Group was presented with a Gold Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Award by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) for its efforts to enhance partnerships with Canada’s First Peoples.



CCAB’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification program assists companies to benchmark their performance and recognizes their commitment and success in building positive relations with Aboriginal people and communities.



“There is nothing like it in the world,” said Clint Davis, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. “BMO Financial Group should be proud of its exceptional achievement as the first and only bank to achieve Gold Level certification in Canada,” added Mr. Davis.



Successful recipients of the PAR Award are assessed against four key areas – employment, business development, capacity building and community relations.



“This third PAR Gold Award is the best yet,” said Bill Downe, President and CEO, BMO Financial Group. “Since the 90s, BMO has been a leader partnering with Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples and this proves we’re not slowing down. Whether that’s creating innovative banking solutions to meet unique needs, taking the lead in procurement diversity, setting hiring goals above government requirements, providing funding for scholarships or sponsoring community events, BMO strives to be a progressive partner for Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples. Thank you to the CCAB for this important recognition, we’re already hard at work to earn our fourth PAR Gold.”



“To be seen as a leader in Aboriginal communities, you have to become a partner by sharing efforts and aspirations. It’s about understanding similarities and differences and it’s about innovation and developing customized solutions that are based on a deep experience,” said Stephen Fay, National Director, Aboriginal Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal.



About BMO Bank of Montreal Aboriginal Banking

Developing products and services to meet the needs of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples has been a priority since the founding of BMO Bank of Montreal’s Aboriginal Banking Unit in 1992. Today, BMO Bank of Montreal has 11 branches and one community banking outlet dedicated to providing Aboriginal communities with customized financial solutions designed to meet the needs of current and future generations. In addition, BMO’s On-Reserve Housing Loan Program is now offered in more than 40 communities across Canada – assisting Aboriginal peoples obtain a mortgage to finance or purchase a home.