TORONTO, May 19 /CNW/ - In a joint initiative sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and Scotiabank, two young Toronto women, Ayya Sheptukhina and Madeleine Delli-Benedetti, have been chosen for the inaugural CFIB and Scotiabank Internship in Public Policy and Entrepreneurship.

"In celebrating our 40^th anniversary, CFIB is pleased to collaborate with Scotiabank to bring a relevant and timely work experience to Canadian students, which is especially important during the federally designated Year of the Entrepreneur," said CFIB's Plamen Petkov, Director of Provincial Affairs, Ontario. "We aim to give Ms. Sheptukhina and Ms. Delli-Benedetti invaluable exposure to public policy and entrepreneurship issues that will help them build on their talent and expertise."

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.

Ms. Sheptukhina and Ms. Delli-Beneditti will be spending the next four months at the Toronto office of the CFIB, which represents 42,000 members from small and medium-sized businesses in Ontario. Ms. Sheptukhina and Ms. Delli-Beneditti 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 thrilled about the wonderful opportunity that CFIB and Scotiabank have given me this summer.  I look forward to working with my new colleagues to accomplish big things for Ontario's job creating small businesses," said Ms. Sheptukhina.

"Thank you to Scotiabank and CFIB for providing me with the opportunity to be part of this Internship Program. I am very excited to work with CFIB and Canada's small businesses this summer!" said Ms. Delli-Benedetti.

The young women were selected from more than 250 applicants across Canada. Ms. Sheptukhina is a fourth year Bachelor of Commerce student at Ryerson University, specializing in Economics and Business Management. Ms. Delli-Benedetti is currently completing her Master's degree at the Glendon School of Public and International Affairs at York University. They and their four 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 offer this internship to young Canadians," said David Wilton, Director, Small Business, Scotiabank. "Scotiabank is committed to education and helping students achieve their full potential. We wish these young women all the best in their future endeavors and hope this internship fosters learning and provides them with practical work experience to prepare them for their careers."

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.