MONTREAL, Jan. 26 /CNW Telbec/ - TD today announced it will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in Quebec with a number of activities for customers, clients and employees throughout 2010. Ever since its first branch opened on Montreal's St. Jacques Street in 1860, TD has been making a difference in the Quebec community.

"Today, TD plays a significant role in the Quebec financial services industry with over 4,000 employees and 125 offices and points of service," said Ed Clark, President and Chief Executive Officer, TD Bank Financial Group. "Quebec is an important market to us and we've significantly increased our presence in the province over the years. We are proud to be celebrating such an amazing milestone," said Ed Clark.

"This year we're celebrating our anniversary and our longstanding commitment to Quebec," adds Bernard Dorval, Group Head, Insurance and Global Development, TD Bank Financial Group. "I am very proud of the progress TD has made in Quebec in the last 150 years. We look forward to the future with enthusiasm and intend to strengthen our ties with Quebecers for many years to come."

2010: A year of festivities

A number of activities to celebrate this important milestone are planned. On February 4 an exhibit will open at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec featuring a selection of Quebec contemporary artwork from TD's art collection. The theme of the exhibit, which will run until March 28, 2010, is From Pellan to Ferron. A Selection of Works by Quebec Artists from the TD Collection. The 12 featured works have been selected from TD's extensive collection of more than 5,000 paintings, prints and sculptures. The exhibit represents the beginning of a three-year partnership between TD and the museum.

In addition, TD will hold its Annual General Meeting of shareholders in Quebec City in March, to highlight its landmark anniversary.

Celebrating 150 years in Quebec

TD's story in Quebec began in 1860 with the opening of the first Bank of Toronto branch in Montreal. In 1898, it was Dominion Bank's turn to open its first branch in the city. Determined to penetrate the Quebec market, Dominion Bank made its debut on the Montreal Stock Exchange in 1913. It extended its services to the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region by opening a branch in Rouyn in 1937. Dominion Bank opened its first branch in Quebec City in 1946.

In 1955, Bank of Toronto and Dominion Bank merged to form The Toronto-Dominion Bank. The new entity had 42 branches across Quebec. In 2000, TD acquired Canada Trust and its 12 branches in Quebec, and renamed its retail banking operations TD Canada Trust. This acquisition brought another leading member of Quebec's financial services industry, insurer Meloche Monnex, into TD.

150 years of making a difference in the community

Since its creation, TD has always been committed to making a difference in its community. Today, TD continues to invest heavily in various community programs and supports numerous causes with a particular focus on children's health, education and literacy, and the environment. In addition, special attention is devoted to culture in Quebec. For example, the Festival international de Jazz de Montréal, Les Journées de la culture, the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM), the Opéra de Montréal, and the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award all benefit from TD's support.

About TD Bank Financial Group

The year 2010 marks the 150th anniversary of TD Bank Financial Group in Quebec. TDBFG has built on a long tradition of quality client service and community involvement that dates back to the opening of the first branch of the Bank of Toronto in Quebec in 1860. Today, TDBFG's Quebec presence includes over 4,000 employees and 125 offices and points of service, as well as significant investments in community programs.

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 more than 18 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in key 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, including 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 6 million online customers. TD Bank Financial Group had CDN$557 billion in assets on October 31, 2009. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.

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