TORONTO, March 25 /CNW/ - For the fourth year in a row Scotiabank will participate in the global climate change awareness initiative Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is an international lights out event taking place from 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 26^th.  The goal is to get as many individuals and businesses as possible to turn off their lights for one hour in a worldwide effort that helps raise awareness about climate change.

"Earth Hour presents an important reminder of the positive influence we can have on our environment when we all work together," said Kaz Flinn, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Scotiabank.  "In addition to turning out non-essential lighting at select locations across the country, we are also proud to welcome some of our international colleagues who will do the same.  Scotiabank is committed to improving its environmental footprint and encourages its employees and customers to do the same."

Scotiabank will be participating in Earth Hour across Canada in the following locations by switching off lights and shutting down all non essential services and equipment:

Hollis Street, Halifax
Tour Scotia, Montreal
Sparks Street, Ottawa
Scotia Plaza, Toronto
200 Portage, Winnipeg
Scotia Centre, Saskatoon
Scotia Centre, Calgary
Scotia Place, Edmonton
650 West Georgia, Vancouver

Colleagues in Peru, Mexico and Chile will also be participating.

A leader in Corporate Social Responsibility, Scotiabank has signed the UN Global Compact and the Equator Principles and is recognized on the 2010 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI North America).

About Scotiabank:
Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 70,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve some 18.6 million customers in more than 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets above $541 billion (as at January 31, 2011), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.