TORONTO, Sept. 11 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced the Bank has joined
a group of 11 blue-chip Canadian companies recognized on the 2009 Dow Jones
Sustainability World Index (DJSI World).
    "Scotiabank is working diligently to continue to integrate environmental,
social and governance principles into all our operations," said Rick Waugh,
President and Chief Executive Officer, Scotiabank. "We believe that paying
close attention to sustainability issues provides us with a competitive edge."
    The 317 global enterprises acknowledged on the DJSI World comprise the
top 10 per cent of the largest 2,500 companies listed on the Dow Jones Global
Total Stock Market Index. The annual initiative reviews economic,
environmental and social performance such as corporate governance, risk
management, climate change mitigation, supply chain standards and labor
practices.
    "We are thrilled to join this elite group of DJSI World companies," said
Kaz Flinn, Vice-President, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). "Our social
and governance programs have traditionally been very strong, but now we have a
more balanced approach to CSR, as the Bank's environmental initiatives have
really taken off in the last three years. The DJSI World acknowledgement is
especially gratifying during these challenging times."Among the considerations for Scotiabank's inclusion on the DJSI World:

    -   The Bank was recognized as a Carbon Disclosure Leader among Canadian
        companies committed to providing investor transparency on climate
        change risks, opportunities and strategies by the
        Carbon Disclosure Project Canada;
    -   Scotiabank continues to build its support to micro-entrepreneurs in
        emerging markets, with the acquisitions of microfinance operations in
        Peru, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, building on our
        experience in Chile, Peru and Jamaica;
    -   Grupo Scotiabank Mexico was honored with the 2008 Socially
        Responsible Business Award by the Mexican Centre for Philanthropy;
    -   Scotiabank introduced new environmental and social responsibilities
        to the Bank's global Guidelines for Business Conduct; and
    -   A new dedicated Multicultural Banking group has launched an array of
        products, services and resources to help new Canadians make the right
        financial start.For more information on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and the
changes resulting from this year's review please visit
www.sustainability-indexes.com.

    Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and
Canada's most international bank. With close to 69,000 employees, Scotiabank
Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12.8 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 more than $485 billion in assets (as at July 31, 2009), Scotiabank trades
on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please
visit www.scotiabank.com.