BMO Financial Group Invests in Goodman School of Mines

March 4, 2013 – BMO Financial Group today announced a donation of $250,000 in Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines.  The gift was presented at BMO’s offices at First Canadian Place, at a gathering held during the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada International Convention and Trade Show.

“We are delighted to count BMO Financial Group among the significant private sector supporters of our Goodman School of Mines,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dominic Giroux.  “I believe that we share a sincere conviction that both graduate education and life-long learning for mid-career professionals will enrich and strengthen the mining industry in Canada and abroad.”

“At BMO Financial Group we believe in personal growth and achievement through continuous learning and access to education.  We’re impressed with the vision of the Goodman School of Mines at Laurentian University, and with its focus on training the next generation of mining professionals in Canada,” said Jason Neal, Managing Director & Global Co-Head, Global Metals & Mining, BMO Capital Markets.

The BMO Financial Group investment will be used to support the Goodman School of Mines in its objectives, which include:

• Enhancing the skills of future professionals in mineral exploration and mining, in areas such as occupational health and safety, Indigenous relations, mining management and finance;
• Driving the creation of executive programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, in modular, short-course or distance education formats, and other delivery mechanisms as opportunities may arise;
• Formalizing new provincial, national and international alliances with other post-secondary institutions, including an International Network of Schools of Mines with Laurentian serving as a major hub;
• Doubling enrolment in mining related programs by 2020; and
• Improving the university experience for students in Earth Sciences and Engineering.

“This investment by one of the largest financial service organizations in the country is a welcome indication of support from the investment community,” said The Next 50 Campaign Chair Terry MacGibbon. “We are taking the ‘long view’ in mining education, and we are gratified by the support of partners like BMO Financial Group in this ambitious venture.”

Media Contacts

For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Joanne Musico                                                                                     

Manager, Communications                                                                    

Tel: 705-675-1151 ext. 3445 or 1.800.263.4188 ext.3445                          

jmusico@laurentian.ca                                                                          

Sherry Drysdale

Communications

Tel:705-675-1151 ext. 3412

sdrysdale@laurentian.ca