TORONTO, Dec. 18 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced that its 2009 Annual Report is now available online in PDF format at www.scotiabank.com.

Scotiabank's strategic focus - and the theme of the annual report - is built around five key priorities that will guide the Bank's actions over the next several years: sustainable revenue growth, capital management, leadership, prudent risk management and appetite, and efficiency and expense management.

"These concepts are not new to Scotiabank's culture and, in fact, we consider them traditional key strengths," said Rick Waugh, Scotiabank President and Chief Executive Officer. "They have played a critical role in our success and, given the ongoing market uncertainty, they deserve a prominent place in our strategic framework."

In addition to the PDF version, an easy-to-navigate interactive version of the Bank's annual report will also be available in the new year. Hard copies will be sent to shareholders in February 2010 and a limited number of additional hard copies will be available by calling (416) 866-3925.

Please visit the Investor Relations area at www.scotiabank.com and click the annual report menu to access the documents. The report has also been filed on SEDAR and EDGAR.

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With close to 68,000 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 $496 billion in assets (as at October 31, 2009), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.