TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – Sept. 14, 2016) – BMO Chief Executive Officer Bill Downe this evening praised the Wilson Center Canada Institute for building and strengthening the relationship between Canada and the United States – one of the most successful bilateral relationships in the world. He made the comments while accepting the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship from the Wilson Center at a dinner in Toronto.

The Wilson Center, chartered by the U.S. Congress as the official memorial to President Woodrow Wilson, is a non-partisan policy forum for tackling global issues through independent research and open dialogue to inform actionable ideas for the policy community.

“The Canada Institute is an invaluable resource for members of Congress seeking insight into the issues that shape the Canada-U.S. relationship,” said Mr. Downe. “It is also a necessary partner for Canadian political leaders in navigating all levels of government in the U.S. These bilateral conversations are not a sidebar – they are central to the dynamic social, political and economic relationship that has shaped this continent since before the Canada-U.S. border was fully defined.”

In accepting the Woodrow Wilson Award, Mr. Downe also noted the importance of organizations respecting the principles of good corporate citizenship. “The high expectations that society rightly places on us are reflected in this award. You challenge companies to promote renewed vigour in disadvantaged communities, foster deeper connections between diverse sectors of society, promote international cooperation and understanding, and improve education at all levels.”

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $692 billion as of July 31, 2016, and over 45,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

Valerie Doucet, Montreal
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