Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our commitment to diversity unleashes an enormous potential for the customers, shareholders and employees of BMO Financial Group^®. We recognize that our different perspectives inspire innovation and contribute to our collective knowledge. Our diverse workforce mirrors the communities in which we do business and helps us understand our customers’ needs. We understand that our success is built upon the relationships we have with our customers.  We hold something extremely valuable in our hands – our customer’s best interests. 

We recognize that our success as a financial services leader is built on and driven by the unique talents, skills and experiences that each employee brings to our organization. In our view, diverse perspectives lead to robust decision-making, creative ideas and innovative solutions.  We value your perspective.

This commitment to diversity is central to the way we work together and with our customers, and is reflected in the following statement from Our Values: “We draw our strength from the diversity of our people and our businesses.”

Explore the following sections to discover how Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are lived out at BMO^® every day:

• Commitment from the Top: The CEO’s Council on the Equitable Workplace
• BMO Sponsors External Diversity Employer Award to Recognize and Encourage Best Practices
• Getting Involved: Diversity Councils, Affinity Groups and Aboriginal Networking Forum
• Creating an Inclusive Workplace: Support to Help You be Your Best

Commitment from the Top: The CEO’s Council on the Equitable Workplace

The most senior executives at BMO Financial Group are members of the CEO’s Council on the Equitable Workplace. The Council reviews on an ongoing basis the progress made towards achieving our diversity, equity and inclusion goals which are aligned to our business strategies. A key goal of the Council is to ensure BMO has a workplace where each employee can bring their full potential to being a true advocate for the customer.

Back to Top

BMO Sponsors External Diversity Employer Award to Recognize and Encourage Best Practices

In 2008 BMO Financial Group became the sponsor of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, an award that recognizes companies and organizations that lead Canada in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces and which also encourages other companies across Canada to adopt similar best practices. The award was launched by Mediacorp Canada Inc., BMO Financial Group and TWI Inc. As the funding sponsor of the project, BMO Financial Group is not eligible for consideration.

Getting Involved: Diversity Councils, Affinity Groups and Aboriginal Networking Forum

The CEO’s Council is supported by Diversity Councils (within business groups), Affinity Groups (cross-company groups which focus on a particular community), and an Aboriginal Networking Forum.  Employees from across BMO Financial Group are actively involved in increasing awareness and advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Aboriginal Networking Forum in Canada
• 25 Diversity Councils across Canada and the U.S.
• 4 Employee Forums in Canada: 
• Waves (focus on the deaf and hard of hearing community)
• envision (focus on the blind and visually impaired community)
• Step Ahead (focus on people with physical disabilities)
• BMO Pride (focus on persons who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered).
• 4 Employee Forums in the U.S: 
• AACE (Asian American Coalition of Employees)
• AALPs (African American League of Professionals)
• HNG (Hispanic Networking Group)
• Lions Pride (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trangendered Affinity Group)

Creating an Inclusive Workplace: Support to Help You be Your Best

At BMO Financial Group, we work deliberately at creating an inclusive environment which enables people to do their best.  From flexible work arrangements, to special “people care” days to address family matters, to technology accessibility support – we have policies, programs and practices designed to build a supportive, inclusive workplace.  We welcome individuals who understand the power of different perspectives – and who are eager to deliver the best ideas and financial solutions for our customers.

® Registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal.