TORONTO and CHICAGO, March 7, 2018 /CNW/ - To mark International Women's Day (IWD) 2018, BMO Financial Group will be taking part in a variety of initiatives to show their continued support and commitment to gender equality and female representation and inclusion in the workplace.
"Right now, women represent 40 per cent of BMO's senior leaders across Canada and the United States, and more than 40 per cent of the bank's independent Directors. The level of diversity we have today is the result of setting goals, measuring impact and holding ourselves accountable for change," said Darryl White, CEO, BMO Financial Group. "And there's more to do. Increasing diversity contributes to the growth of our business, which is why we continue to advance new practices that empower women, whether they are BMO employees, customers or community partners. It is also why we cultivate a culture where careers can flourish without interference."
Panel on Women Entrepreneurs & Innovation
BMO is hosting a panel discussion with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to discuss the topic of women entrepreneurs as well as initiatives outlined in the federal budget. Notable attendees include the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Honourable Harinder Malhi, Ontario Minister of the Status of Women, Rocco Rossi, President & CEO of the OCC and leaders from BMO, Google and Futurpreneur. The panel follows the recent launch of a report Everywhere, Everyday Innovating – Women Entrepreneurs and Innovation in partnership with Carleton University and The Beacon Agency.
"Through our Budget, the Government of Canada is making important investments to ensure greater equality of opportunity for all Canadians," said Hon. Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism. "We know that women face specific challenges to becoming entrepreneurs, and through our new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy we are investing in a nationally coordinated and regionally delivered plan to help them overcome these barriers. Investments are only part of the solution. We also need better awareness. And thanks to conversations like the one tomorrow morning, with partners like BMO, we are helping to raise that awareness. Only by working together will we ensure that women are able to excel."
To tune into the livestream of the event tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. EST, or access a post-event recording, please visit https://bmoforwomen.bmo.com/international-womens-day-live-panel/.
Career Advice from BMO female leaders in Canada and U.S.
Additionally, to provide direct cross-border insights from BMO female executives on their career experiences, a Q&A of social videos will be rolled out beginning tomorrow. More than 40 per cent of BMO's senior leadership is comprised of females, and the bank regularly supports the advancement of women through longstanding relationships with likeminded organizations and the development of women-supportive programs and services.
Follow @BMO on Twitter to watch the videos in real time, and join the conversation using #BMOforWomen.
Catalyst Skyline Takeover
BMO is proud to be taking part in Catalyst's Skyline Takeover this evening, which brings together dozens of leading global companies for a visual display in support of accelerating workplace inclusion for women. BMO is a founding partner in Catalyst and one of only 9 organizations to ever win a Catalyst Award twice, recognizing industry-leading accomplishments for diversity & inclusion and supporting the advancement of women.
To learn more about the takeover, please visit catalyst.org/skylinetakeover.
About BMO Financial Group
Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider – the 8thlargest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $728 billion as of January 31, 2018, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial 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, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.
SOURCE BMO Financial Group
Media Contacts: Michelle Agnelo, [email protected], (416) 867-3996; Matthew Duffin, [email protected], (416) 867-3996; Web: www.bmo.com; Twitter: @BMOmedia
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