HALIFAX, May 19 /CNW/ - In a joint initiative sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and Scotiabank, Halifax graduate student, Vanessa LeBlanc, has been chosen for the inaugural CFIB and Scotiabank Internship in Public Policy and Entrepreneurship. The internship provides placement and funding for six interns, one each from Regina, Calgary, Halifax, and Ottawa, and two from Toronto, for a four-month internship.

"In celebrating our 40^th anniversary and the federally designated Year of the Entrepreneur CFIB is very happy to join forces with Scotiabank to present this new internship for Canadian students," said CFIB's Amelia DeMarco, Senior Policy Analyst, Nova Scotia. "We intend for Ms. LeBlanc to be able to apply what she has learned in school to a hands-on and intensive work experience."

A native of Moncton, Ms. LeBlanc will be spending the next four months at the Halifax office of the CFIB, which represents 5,000 members from small and medium-sized businesses in Nova Scotia. Ms. LeBlanc will gain on-the-job, specialized and applied experience in public policy development, complete a major research report on a public policy issue, be exposed to special training sessions conducted by CFIB and work with other interns and staff across Canada.

"As both a former business student and the daughter of a small business owner, I have always had an interest in small business issues. I look forward to the valuable knowledge and experience this internship will provide and know it will help me in my future career in business law," said Ms. LeBlanc.

Ms. LeBlanc, who was selected from more than 250 applicants across Canada, is working towards a joint Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Laws degree at Dalhousie University, and would like to pursue a career in business law. She and her five counterparts come from diverse backgrounds, including undergraduate or graduate work in political science, economics, law, business, commerce, and public administration.

"Scotiabank is pleased to present this new Internship in Public Policy and Entrepreneurship with CFIB," said David Wilton, Director, Small Business, Scotiabank. "Scotiabank has always had a strong commitment to education, and is proud to support young people in pursuing their academic goals. We hope this work experience contributes to Ms. LeBlanc's academic career and beyond."

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.

About the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
As Canada's largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses, CFIB is Powered by Entrepreneurs™. Established in 1971, CFIB takes direction from more than 108,000 members in every sector nationwide, giving independent business a strong and influential voice at all levels of government and helping to grow the economy. www.cfib-fcei.ca.