New program offers solutions to challenges of settling in new country

    TORONTO, May 5 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today launched the new Scotiabank
StartRight(TM) program, a complete financial services suite created to meet
the financial needs of recently arrived new Canadians.
    "At Scotiabank, we understand the challenges of getting started and
getting settled in a new country. We conducted extensive research to identify
the most pressing needs of new immigrants, and found that the initial banking
needs of new Canadians extend beyond just "parking" funds in a bank," said
Rania Llewellyn, Vice President of Multicultural Banking, Scotiabank. "They're
looking for a simplified process to establish their bank account, obtain a
credit card to start building their credit history, have access to foreign
exchange services and transfer money between Canada and their home country."
She added, "the Scotiabank StartRight(TM) program not only addresses these
needs, but offers financial tools to help recently arrived new Canadians build
a richer life for themselves and their families."
    "As Canada's most international bank with a presence in some 50 countries
around the world, Scotiabank is committed to the multicultural communities it
serves, both here in Canada and internationally," said Ms. Llewellyn. "With
over 200,000 immigrants arriving in Canada each year, there is an increasing
need to look at the services we provide to the multicultural communities we
serve."

    The Scotiabank StartRight(TM) program offers simple yet complete
financial solutions in one convenient package, including substantial savings
on personal banking such as:-   Establishing a free Scotiabank Day-to-Day banking account for
        one year
    -   Building credit history with a No-Fee Scotia Moneyback(R) VISA card
    -   Securing valuables with a free Safety Deposit BoxThe broad-based Scotiabank StartRight(TM) program also includes helpful
tips and advice for newcomers to Canada including ideas and resources to help
with job searches, starting a business, finding and financing a home through
the Scotia Welcome to Canada mortgage and applying for government-issued
identification.
    Scotiabank StartRight(TM) program details are available through
Scotiabank branches, online at www.StartRight.scotiabank.com or by calling
1-866-800-5159 (North America only).
    Scotiabank StartRight is the latest in a series of innovative
partnerships and initiatives launched to offer unique opportunities for
customers. Earlier this year, Scotiabank was the first Canadian-based bank to
launch a Euro-denominated savings account. In April, Scotiabank and Western
Union announced the national rollout of a partnership that enables Scotiabank
customers to use branch or online banking services to send money transfers to
more than 200 countries using the global reach of Western Union. New community
partnerships announced in 2008 include Scotiabank Caribana, a celebration of
Caribbean culture that takes place annually in Toronto, as well as sponsorship
of Cricket Canada and associated key cricket events across the country.

    Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and
Canada's most international bank. With more than 60,000 employees, Scotiabank
Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12.5 million customers in some
50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products
and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking.
With $449 billion in assets (as at January 31, 2008), Scotiabank trades on the
Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit
www.scotiabank.com.