BMO Capital Markets Will Donate All Institutional Equity Trading Commissions Earned May 2nd to Support Education

    TORONTO and NEW YORK, April 26 /CNW/ - BMO Capital Markets, the
investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO),
is proud to announce its third Equity Through Education charitable trading day
program.
    On May 2nd, all institutional equity trading commissions earned by BMO
Capital Markets across North America will go directly to seven important
organizations, whose missions include improving access to education and
training for bright, deserving individuals who might not otherwise have the
opportunity.
    "Many people have the capability, but may lack the support and the means
to pursue ambitions achieved through education. At BMO Capital Markets, we
want to help. We are honoured to assist the selected agencies in their
collective efforts to improve lives, strengthen neighbourhoods and provide a
foundation for individuals to achieve personal fulfillment through education,"
said Eric Tripp, Co-President, BMO Capital Markets and Campaign Chair of the
special trading day.
    Since the launch of the program in 2005, Equity Through Education has
raised more than CDN$3.2 Million/US$2.6 Million to support Education and
Diversity. More than 1,300 individuals have benefited from the program through
scholarships, bursaries, mentoring programs and job search strategy forums.
    BMO Capital Markets, through its parent, BMO Financial Group, has a proud
tradition of supporting community reinvestment and corporate and social
responsibility to the communities it serves. BMO Financial Group contributed
more than $40 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in 2006,
supporting thousands of communities, charities and not-for-profit
organizations in Canada and the United States.About the charities that Equity Through Education supports:

    Canadian Organizations

    -   Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY)

        FAAY is a scholarship and bursary program dedicated to developing the
        next generation of aboriginal leaders. By encouraging youth to stay
        in school, FAAY bridges the gap between the reality aboriginal youth
        face in their communities and the opportunities available to those
        with higher education. All funds contributed by Equity Through
        Education will be applied directly to bursaries and scholarships for
        Aboriginal students.
        www.ccab.com

    -   Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation (CMSF)

        Canada's largest independent scholarship organization for
        undergraduate study identifies and supports talented students, in
        this case women, who display leadership potential and a strong
        commitment of service in the community. Specifically, the proceeds
        from Equity Through Education will be used to fund scholarships.
        www.cmsf.ca

    -   Pathways Canada

        A unique program first created and implemented in Toronto's Regent
        Park. Pathways Canada supports "at-risk" economically disadvantaged
        youth through high school and inspires them to move on to post-
        secondary programs. It operates in Ontario, Quebec and British
        Columbia. All funds donated by Equity Through Education will be used
        towards the four supports that compromise the trademark Pathways
        model: tutoring, mentoring, student and parent advocacy.
        www.pathwaystoeducation.ca

    -   The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)

        NEADS is a national organization that works to achieve full access to
        education for post-secondary students with disabilities across
        Canada. NEADS also supports the transition from school to the
        employment market for college and university graduates with
        disabilities. The proceeds from Equity Through Education will be used
        to develop training programs for students with disabilities as they
        prepare to enter the job market.
        www.neads.ca


    U.S. Organizations

    -   The Jackie Robinson Foundation

        The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides education and leadership
        development opportunities for students of color with strong
        capabilities, but limited financial resources. Serving as an advocate
        for young people with the greatest need, the Foundation assists
        increasing numbers of minority youths through the granting of
        scholarships for higher education. The proceeds from Equity Through
        Education will be used to fund the foundation's support for
        academically gifted students of color with financial needs.
        www.jackierobinson.org

    -   YAI National Institute for People with Disabilities Network

        For 50 years, the YAI/NIPD Network has provided a place of hope for
        people with developmental and learning disabilities. Comprising seven
        not-for-profit, independent health and human service agencies, the
        YAI/NIPD Network serves 20,000 individuals of all ages, and their
        families in more than 450 community-based programs.
        www.yai.org

    -   The Financial Women's Association

        The Financial Women's Association (FWA) is a leading executive
        organization of 1,100 members committed to shaping leaders in
        business and finance with a special emphasis on the role and
        development of women. The FWA serves its members through educational
        programs and networking opportunities, and serves the community
        through its nationally acclaimed scholarship, mentoring and training
        programs. The proceeds from Equity Through Education will be used to
        endow BMO Capital Markets' College Scholarships for undergraduate
        students with financial need and academic promise at Baruch College.
        www.fwa.orgAbout BMO Capital Markets

    BMO Capital Markets is a leading North American financial services
provider offering investment and corporate banking, advisory services,
treasury and market risk management, institutional investing, and research.
BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), which
has total assets of CAD$356 billion/ US$306 billion as at January 31, 2007,
and more than 35,000 employees. For more information, please visit
www.bmocm.com.

For further information: Kim Hanson, Toronto, [e-mail], (416)
867-3996; Lucie Gosselin, Montreal, [e-mail], [phone];
Laurie Grant, Vancouver, [e-mail], [phone]; Kevin Windorf,
New York, [e-mail], [phone]; Patrick O'Herlihy, Chicago,
patrick.o'[e-mail], [phone]