Funding Pediatric Innovation for Cree and Inuit Communities

Today, our bank announced a $3 million donation to Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, in support of Minnie’s Hope Social Pediatric Centre, an exciting and innovative healthcare partnership between the Children’s Hospital and two Northern Quebec Indigenous communities. BMO’s gift, along with a $2 million donation from the Hewitt Foundation, will fund the next bold phase of growth at Minnie’s Hope.

When identifying a funding opportunity, we look for partnerships that enable us to work closely with our partners on shared goals that deliver outcomes and accelerate change in the communities we serve. In this case, the chance to support the development and delivery of an inclusive healthcare solution that is both state-of-the-art and made possible through collaboration and dialogue with community elders aligned perfectly with our philosophy towards community giving.

Minnie’s Hope Social Pediatric Centre was initiated and developed, and is managed, by the Cree community of Whapmagoostui and the Inuit community of Kuujjuaraapik, located on the southern shore of Hudson Bay. Through its partnership with Montreal Children’s Hospital, a world-class institution renowned for pediatric healthcare, Minnie’s Hope provides pediatric care and evaluations. It also provides therapeutic, social and educational programs — all reflecting the values and knowledge of both communities.

Only 50% of the local pediatric population is currently being served, and the needs of the families receiving service and care are changing. This unprecedented partnership will double the number of Indigenous families served and keep pace with projected birthrates for these communities.

The combined gift from BMO and Hewitt Foundation will increase the supply of medical care through measures that include expanding the expert team in developmental pediatrics, neuropsychology, audiology, speech therapy and therapeutic support. Supplementing their wisdom and knowledge, the Cree and Inuit educators and clinical assistants will also receive training and support to deliver portions of the programs.

At BMO, we’re driven to boldly grow the good in business and life. Bringing a world class institution together with local leaders and professionals who know their communities best makes this opportunity a perfect match for our purpose.

We look forward to playing our role to enable Montreal Children’s Hospital and Minnie’s Hope in their efforts to accelerate positive change for Indigenous youth, helping them to reach their full potential.