QUEBEC CITY, Oct. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - TD Bank Financial Group and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec are pleased to announce they have entered into a three-year partnership which will support the museum's cultural program and strengthen TD's commitment to the arts community. As part of this collaboration, a selection of artwork from the TD collection will be presented in February 2010 with the theme: From Pellan to Ferron. A selection of works by Quebec artists from the TD Collection.The 12 works that will be exhibited have been selected from TD's extensive collection of more than 5,000 paintings, prints and sculptures.

"Culture has always been important to us at TD Bank Financial Group. As we prepare to celebrate our 150th anniversary in Quebec in 2010, we are delighted to be able to share these pieces with the general public and to put the spotlight on some of our homegrown talent," said Bernard Dorval, Group Head Insurance and Global Development, TDBFG. "We are planning many TD initiatives in Quebec City in 2010, including our annual general meeting which will take place in March."

The TD Bank Financial Group collection: An important symbol for employees, clients and partners

Started in 1962 by Allen Thomas Lambert, then chairman of the Bank, the collection was originally intended to decorate the Bank's head office. Some five years later, on Mr. Lambert's initiative, the Bank acquired approximately a thousand pieces of Inuit artwork, which at the time was the most complete collection of its kind in existence. Since then, TD Bank Financial Group's collection has continued to grow with a constant regard for quality. With a collection that today brings together works from artists from around the country, TDBFG is pleased to contribute to the preservation of Canada's and Quebec's artistic heritage.

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec: cultural richness

"TD Bank Financial Group is extremely proud to team up with the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. A true custodian of Quebec's cultural spirit, the museum has been instrumental in raising the international profile of Quebec culture. Being from the beautiful city of Quebec myself, I can attest to the cultural richness that the museum represents for all Quebecers," said Mr. Dorval.

"We are very proud to be able to count on TD's support. Their important contribution will allow us to continue with our primary mission, which is to showcase and promote the creativity of Quebec artists," said Esther Trépanier, Executive Director of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

About the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec

The Musée promotes and showcases Quebec art of all periods. Its strong commitment to Quebec art is demonstrated in its many exhibitions and acquisitions, including the exhibition From Pellan to Ferron. A selection of works by Quebec artists from the TD Collection. Accessibility is a top priority for the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Through its publications and the educational and cultural activities offered to a growing clientele, the Musée opens the doors to the vast universe of art. The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is the living memory of Quebec art and artists.

About TD Bank Financial Group

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Financial Group. TD Bank Financial Group is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves approximately 17 million customers in four key sectors operating in several financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Insurance; Wealth Management, including TD Waterhouse and an investment in TD Ameritrade; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking through TD Banknorth and TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD Bank Financial Group also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 5.5 million online customers. TD Bank Financial Group had CDN$545 billion in assets on July 31, 2009. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.

For further information: Tara Sirinyan, TD Bank Financial Group, (514) 385-2244, tara.sirinyan@tdassurance.com; Amély Tremblay, Morin Relations Publiques, (514) 289-8688, extension 226, 1-877-289-7007, amely@morinrp.com; Marie-Hélène Raymond, Media Relations Officer, Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, (418) 644-6460, extension 5520, marie-helene.raymond@mnba.qc.ca