OTTAWA, May 19 /CNW/ - In a joint initiative sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and Scotiabank, a young Ottawa man, Shaaz Nasir, 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 Year of the Entrepreneur, the collaboration between CFIB and Scotiabank represents another positive evolution in our relationship," said CFIB's Louis-Martin Parent, Policy Analyst. "We hope to expose Mr. Nasir to as many experiences as possible throughout the duration of the internship and we certainly look forward to working with him."

Mr. Nasir will be spending the next four months at the Ottawa office of the CFIB, which represents some of the 42,000 members from small and medium-sized businesses in Ontario. Mr. Nasir 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.

"I am very excited to be part of this program, as both CFIB and Scotiabank clearly understand the true potential of young professionals in Canada. It was clear from day one that CFIB is truly powered by entrepreneurs and is committed to investing in Canadian business leaders of tomorrow," said Mr. Nasir.

Mr. Nasir, who was selected from more than 250 applicants across Canada, has just completed a four year Honours program in International Economics and Development at the University of Ottawa, a new hybrid applied economics-management program. He and his five counterparts come from diverse backgrounds, including undergraduate or graduate work in political science, economics, law, business, commerce, and public administration.

"Scotiabank is proud to be partnering with CFIB to provide this exciting opportunity for young Canadians," said David Wilton, Director, Small Business, Scotiabank. "At Scotiabank, we support educational causes because we believe in helping youth in Canada and around the world gain the skills and confidence to build successful, satisfying lives. Mr. Nasir can look forward to a great work experience at CFIB, where he will gain invaluable insight into the day-to-day operation of small businesses and entrepreneurs."

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.