TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 11/16/12 -- Media are invited to attend an education and awareness session for BMO's frontline leaders on working with transgender colleagues and serving transgender customers. The panel discussion will be held at BMO Bank of Montreal and hosted by the BMO Pride Employee Resource Group in downtown Toronto on November 20, 2012.

Transgender people experience the highest levels of discrimination in our society, and Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes all those who have been killed as a result of transphobia.

The panel includes three high-profile experts on transgender issues. The informal discussion will focus on understanding the challenges individuals and colleagues face when transitioning, including how transitioning affects their career. Panel members will also discuss the unique banking needs facing transgender customers.

WHAT:     Members of the media are invited to attend a panel discussion     
          being held by BMO Bank of Montreal on workplace and customer      
          service issues for transgendered people.                          
                                                                            
WHO:      Rev. Cheri DiNovo, Member of Provincial Parliament for Parkdale - 
          High Park. Rev. DiNovo successfully advocated for the inclusion of
          transgender persons in Ontario's Human Rights Legislation.        
                                                                            
          Dr. Sydney Tam, family physician, Sherbourne Health Centre and    
          Markham-Stouffville Hospital. Dr. Tam will speak about her        
          experience working with transgender patients.                     
                                                                            
          Irene Miller, president of PFLAG Toronto (Parents, Families and   
          Friends of Lesbians and Gays). Ms Miller will provide insights and
          advice on how to be inclusive and welcoming to all customers and  
          colleagues.                                                       
                                                                            
          Enza Anderson, Financial Service Co-coordinator, Church and       
          Alexander Branch, BMO Bank of Montreal, and Director of           
          Transgender Education and Awareness, BMO Pride Employee Resource  
          Group - Moderator.                                                
                                                                            
WHEN:     Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 3:00-5:00 pm ET                      
                                                                            
WHERE:    BMO Bank of Montreal                                              
          55 Bloor St W. - 3rd floor (the Quebec Room)                      
          Toronto, ON                                                       

Journalists who are interested in attending can RSVP Ralph Marranca, BMO Media Relations, at 416-867-3996 or via email ralph.marranca@bmo.com.

About BMO Financial Group

BMO is committed to being an inclusive employer, with a workforce that represents all the communities we serve, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. It is also committed to providing all its customers with an excellent and respectful customer experience.