TORONTO, Nov. 3 /CNW/ - Scotiabank is honoured to be named the recipient of the 2010 Partners in Diversity Award by the Canadian Centre for Diversity (CCD). The award recognizes Scotiabank's strong and ongoing commitment to the Centre.

The Partners in Diversity Award was accepted by Scotiabank's Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Sabi Marwah. He has worked closely with the Centre in championing its goal of promoting inclusivity, respect and understanding amongst Canadians from all backgrounds and communities.

"At Scotiabank, diversity has long been a part of who we are," said Mr. Marwah. "To us, diversity is not a project but a value that is built into the fabric of how we work. It's an honour to receive this award from an organization that is so highly dedicated to building a Canadian society without prejudice and discrimination."

Over the past nine years, Scotiabank has committed approximately $1 million in support of Canadian Centre for Diversity programming. The Bank's support allowed close to 100,000 students from Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia to experience the richness of Canada's ethnic mosaic through organized visits to diverse places of worship and cultural centres.

Scotiabank will take on a new role for the next four years as a National Partner of the Peer Leaders Network, a new program that offers high school students training and skill development in the areas of leadership, facilitation and conflict resolution related to diversity in schools and communities. Scotiabank will join the Federal Government of Canada and other corporate partners as principal funders of this new CCD project.

"We're very excited to continue our involvement with the Centre by supporting the Peer Leaders Network," added Mr. Marwah. "It's a tremendous opportunity to make the most of our young people's passion and abilities and assist them in their journey toward becoming leaders in a diverse society."

About Scotiabank
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Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With close to 70,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve approximately 14.6 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 $523 billion in assets (as at July 31, 2010), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.