REGINA, May 19 /CNW/ - In a joint initiative sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and Scotiabank, a young Regina man, Jason Penner, 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.

"CFIB is proud to partner with Scotiabank to enhance the experience of young Canadian students, especially during our 40^th anniversary and the federally designated Year of the Entrepreneur," said CFIB's Virginia Labbie, Senior Policy Analyst, Saskatchewan and Agri-business. "We look forward to having Mr. Penner on our team and we hope to give him an experience he otherwise would not have."

Mr. Penner will be spending the next four months at the Regina office of the CFIB, which represents 5,250 members from small and medium-sized businesses in Saskatchewan. Mr. Penner 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 happy to be part of such a remarkable team and feel that the CFIB and Scotiabank have provided me with an invaluable experience. I am looking forward to a great summer and hope to make a positive difference for small business," said Mr. Penner.

Mr. Penner, who was selected from more than 250 applicants across Canada, is in his fourth year of study at the University of Regina and is working towards a Combined Economics and Geography undergraduate degree through the Co-operative Education Program. Mr. Penner was born and raised in Regina. 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 pleased to partner with CFIB in offering this internship to aspiring young professionals," said David Wilton, Director, Small Business, Scotiabank. "Our mutual commitment to education is reflected in this unique opportunity for students to gain an advanced perspective on public policy and entrepreneurship in Canada."

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.