REPEAT-Canada Day: BMO Takes a Look at What a Difference 145 Years Makes

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 07/01/12 -- In advance of Canada's 145th birthday, BMO Financial Group takes a look at how the country, and the bank, have changed since Confederation.

"Canada is clearly a much-transformed country since its birth 145 years ago, and BMO has grown along with it," said Paul Taylor, Chief Investment Officer, BMO Harris Private Banking and BMO Global Asset Management. "Our country's modern strengths are clear - we can all be proud of Canada's economic leadership and strong fiscal position, and look forward to increasing economic vigour in the years ahead."

Then and now. A comparative look back:

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Item                                       Confederation         Present Day
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Canadian population                            3,463,000          34,837,000
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Canadian GDP/capita             $3,100 (1870, current $)             $56,000
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Value of Canadian exports           $50.3 million (1866)     $44,780 million
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Cost of a barrel of oil                          US$2.41            US$79.44
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Cost of an ounce of gold                        US$18.93            US$1,579
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BMO Assets                                 $19.8 million      $525.5 billion
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BMO Deposits                               $11.2 million      $317.3 billion
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BMO Branches                                          25               1,599
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BMO Employees                                 112 (1856)              46,566
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