New fund will focus on study and research into environment-related
    activities

    EDMONTON, March 3 /CNW/ - Scotiabank is donating $500,000 to establish
The Scotiabank Mexico Corporate Social Responsibility Fund at the University
of Alberta. Endowed awards will support and enhance the teaching and research
experience of undergraduate and graduate students - both inbound from, and
outbound to, Mexico - in the university's Faculty of Agricultural, Life &
Environmental Sciences.
    All four departments within the Faculty of ALES have an academic focus on
economic, social and environmental impacts: Agricultural, Food and Nutritional
Science; Renewable Resources; Rural Economy and Human Ecology.
    "This opportunity is a terrific fit for Scotiabank as it enables us to
provide students with greater access to learning and research opportunities at
the U of A and in Mexico while supporting Scotiabank's commitment to corporate
social responsibility," said Scotiabank President and CEO Rick Waugh.
    "As Canada's most international bank, with a significant presence in
Mexico, we recognize the profound implications of living in an increasingly
interconnected world. We have seen first hand the tremendous benefit that
comes with the exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices," added Mr.
Waugh.
    U of A President Indira Samarasekera said Scotiabank's gift aligns
perfectly with the university's international engagement strategy. "Mexico is
a country of strategic interest to Canada with many natural linkages. This
donation will contribute to the many university initiatives underway and to
those in development. On behalf of the university, I thank Scotiabank for
their foresight in establishing this important fund."

    Background

    Scotiabank

    Grupo Scotiabank is a member of the Scotiabank family. Scotiabank is one
of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most
international bank. Grupo Scotiabank is one of the leading financial groups in
Mexico with 602 branches and 1,307 ATMs throughout Mexico. It employs
approximately 8,650 people in its main subsidiaries: Scotiabank Mexico, Scotia
Fondos, Scotia Casa de Bolsa and Scotia Afore. Together these companies offer
an extensive range of financial products and services for individuals, small
businesses and multinational corporations.
    In 1997, Scotiabank provided a $1 million gift to the University of
Alberta to support scholarships and bursaries in the Faculty of Arts.
    Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities where its customers
and employees 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 2007 the Bank provided more than $43 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 World Wide Web at www.scotiabank.com.

    Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of
Alberta

    The Faculty of ALES is truly a responsive, problem-solving faculty at the
University of Alberta, with its focus on science and social science and their
applications, connected and relevant to the needs of society. The Faculty
consists of four teaching/research departments, the Devonian Botanic Garden,
and several off-campus facilities. ALES has approximately 1,400 undergraduate
students, 400 graduate students, and over 12,000 alumni. Details about the
University of Alberta, Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences
can be found on the Faculty's web site at http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/.