TORONTO, Nov. 7 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced a Cdn$50,000
contribution to support victims of torrential rains, flooding and mudslides in
Mexico. The donation will be made through the Canadian Red Cross Society
Mexico Flood Appeal.
    "Our hearts go out to the people of Mexico who were struck by these cruel
forces of nature," said Rick Waugh, President and Chief Executive Officer
(CEO), Scotiabank. "Our top priority is to ensure the safety and security of
all our customers and employees. We are grateful to report that all of our
employees are safe. All of our customers' accounts are intact and secure."
    Scotiabank has also opened its national branch network to Canadians who
would like to support victims of the natural disaster in Mexico. Tax receipts
are available for all donations to the Canadian Red Cross Society Mexico Flood
Appeal. In Mexico, Grupo Scotiabank has established a similar account in its
national branch network for the same purpose, in the name of "Unidos por
Ellos", number 00100911240.
    "Scotiabank's flood relief efforts continue the Bank's tradition of
supporting communities in which we do business in Canada and around the
world," said Rob Pitfield, Executive Vice-President, International Banking,
Scotiabank. "As in other difficult situations, Scotiabank is committed to
working with our customers on a one-on-one basis to find appropriate solutions
to their individual needs. We are also addressing our employees' needs on an
individual basis."
    A Scotiabank Mexico Employee-to-Employee Account was also established by
the Bank's International Banking unit to facilitate contributions from
Canadian employees who want to support their colleagues in Mexico.
    "I am encouraged by the physical and emotional strength our Scotiabank
employees have displayed under very difficult circumstances," said Nicole
Reich de Polignac, President and CEO, Scotiabank Mexico. "They have come
together to support each other and the community."

    Scotiabank has been in Mexico since 1967. Grupo Scotiabank is the
country's sixth largest commercial bank, with 7,922 employees and
1,216 automated banking machines (ABMs), plus 512 retail branches and
44 brokerage offices. Grupo Scotiabank provides more than 1.4 million
personal, commercial and corporate customers with a full range of banking
products and services, along with select capital markets capabilities.
    Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live
and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally
and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic
activities, in 2006 the Bank provided more than $42 million in sponsorships
and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas
of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Scotiabank is
on the Web at www.scotiabank.com.