Concurrently launches a comprehensive, global HIV/AIDS employee policy

TORONTO, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today received the 'My Hero' award from AID FOR AIDS International, an organization committed to improving the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS in Latin America and the Caribbean. The 'My Hero' award recognizes Scotiabank's efforts in fighting HIV/AIDS across its global network. Concurrently, Scotiabank announced a comprehensive employee policy on HIV/AIDS in the workplace. Employee health and safety, as well as zero-tolerance for stigma and discrimination are included in the global policy.

"The creation of this employee policy is the direct result of Scotiabank's longstanding commitment to enacting best practices around HIV/AIDS in the communities in which we live and work," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communications. "I am also thrilled to accept the award from AID FOR AIDS International on behalf of the thousands of Scotiabank employees across the globe who volunteer their time, raise funds, make donations, and organize campaigns to help raise awareness and defeat HIV/AIDS."

Each year, AID FOR AIDS International recognizes one corporation for its contributions to the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

"Scotiabank has proven itself to be a leader in corporate responsibility, showing unprecedented commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS in both its native Canada and internationally," said Jesus Aguais, Founder and Executive Director, AID FOR AIDS International. "Scotiabank has shown an admirable commitment to fighting the pandemic worthy of both recognition and emulation. We are proud to honour them with the 2009 My Hero award."

Since 1998, Scotiabank has made the fight against HIV/AIDS an all-Bank priority. The adoption of a best-practice employee policy ensures a consistent and equitable approach to the prevention of HIV/AIDS is taken throughout the Bank. Also included in the policy is an approach to managing the consequences of illness, including care and support for employees and their families living with HIV/AIDS.

Internationally, Scotiabank supports programs across North, South and Central America that raise awareness among citizens and raise funds for HIV/AIDS agencies across the regions:

-   In Canada, The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life event is hosted by
        various cities and communities across Canada. Funds raised by the
        walk support programs and services for people infected by HIV/AIDS.
        As title sponsor of the event, Scotiabank donated $200,000 to the
        Canadian AIDS Society in 2008.
    -   In El Salvador, Scotiabank partnered with FUNDASIDA to visit 79
        schools to raise awareness of and teach non discrimination against
        persons infected with HIV/AIDS.
    -   The Stronger Together Red Ribbon Campaign in St. Maarten raised over
        CDN $59,600 in 2008. The 2009 campaign will end on December 1st,
        World AIDS Day, and the Bank hopes to exceed last year's total.
    -   In Jamaica, Scotiabank launched the second year of the Speak Up!
        Speak Out! Education Programme, which included a youth debating
        competition among 190 public and private primary schools to promote
        open discourse on HIV/AIDS among youth.
    -   In 2009, for a second consecutive year, Scotiabank Guyana received
        the Award for Business Excellence on HIV/AIDS in the Workplace from
        the Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS.

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 further information please visit www.scotiabank.com.