Two of Canada’s big banks have released their public accountability statements. The statements for BMO Financial Group and RBC Financial Group are available on the banks’ Web sites.

Canada’s financial services legislation requires the banks to publish such statements annually.

BMO’s annual Public Accountability Statement documents the many ways that BMO Financial Group delivers on its commitment to serving as a force for good in the marketplace and in the communities where it does business in Canada.

The range of the organization’s commitment is broad, covering areas that include education, health, arts and culture, community development and sports and athletics throughout Canada. A significant portion of BMO’s contribution supports programs and organizations that promote learning.

“We have a responsibility to Canadians, who grant us license to operate,” said Tony Comper, chairman and CEO, BMO Financial Group. “We repay this trust when we succeed as a business, which in turn allows us to help ensure the prosperity and well-being of our society. Throughout our history, BMO Financial Group has recognized — and lived up to — this responsibility to support our customers and communities.”

Last year alone, through its corporate donations and sponsorship programs, BMO contributed $25 million to thousands of charities and not-for- profit organizations across Canada.

RBC has also made its public accountability statement available on its Web site, along with its 2003 Corporate Responsibility Report.

“Our social vision is to build successful, thriving communities wherever we operate,” said Gordon Nixon, president and CEO, RBC Financial Group. “We know that responsibility is a journey, not a destination; so we continue to look at ways to improve our performance as a good corporate citizen while producing sound and sustainable financial results for our stakeholders.”

Last year, the Globe and Mail newspaper rated RBC tops for corporate governance, tied with TransCanada Pipelines

RBC was also singled out by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants as having the best corporate reporting in the country.