/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - BMO Deputy Chief Economist to Present
Economic Update in Kitchener, Stratford/

Douglas Porter to provide outlook for United States, Canada and local region

KITCHENER and STRATFORD, ON, Feb. 17 /CNW/ - Members of the media are invited to attend one of two presentations by Douglas Porter, Deputy Chief Economist, BMO Capital Markets as he discusses the economic and financial outlook for Canada, the United States, and the mid-western Ontario region.

"Signs of improvement in the economy have appeared in the U.S. and Canada, and around the world," notes Mr. Porter. "Most major economies are emerging from the deep recession, although the recovery is expected to be moderate owing to a weak U.S. consumer. Policymakers have begun to step away from emergency measures taken during the credit crisis, but most are in no rush to tighten interest rates yet. Even after a robust turnaround last year, financial markets and investors remain generally cautious."

Douglas Porter has analyzed and written about trends in the Canadian and global economies and financial markets for more than 25 years. He helps formulate the bank's macroeconomic, interest rate and currency projections. He is co-author of BMO Capital Markets' weekly Focus publication, and contributes to the department's various publications. Mr. Porter gives numerous economic presentations to institutional clients and private investors. In addition, he is a regular media commentator on economic and financial trends.

Michael Klopchic, District Vice-President, Mid-Western Ontario, BMO Bank of Montreal, will also be available to discuss opportunities and the outlook for small business in the region, before and after each event. "Entrepreneurs in a post-recession environment should be looking for every opportunity to build productivity in order to boost their bottom line," according to Mr. Klopchic.

    
    Details:

    Who:   BMO Deputy Chief Economist Douglas Porter
           BMO District Vice President Michael Klopchic

    What:  Economic outlook for Canada, Ontario and the Western Ontario
           region

    When:  Thursday, February 18, 2010

    Where: Arden Park Hotel
           552 Ontario St., Stratford, ON
           8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

           Westmount Golf & Country Club
           50 Inverness Dr., Kitchener, ON
           11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    

Media interested in attending either presentation can register by contacting Peter Scott at 416-867-3996 or [email protected].

For further information: BMO Financial Group: Peter Scott, Toronto, [email protected], [phone], Internet: www.bmo.com