TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2011 /CNW/ - Scotiabank is proud to have been recognized by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) as Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Gold Level. Scotiabank is one of only four companies awarded with the distinction of PAR Gold by CCAB this year. The recognition took place at CCAB's 9th Annual Gala Celebration in Vancouver.

"We are tremendously proud to have received this honour from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business," said Anatol von Hahn, Group Head of Canadian Banking for Scotiabank. "Canada is a country of tremendous diversity and Scotiabank has long believed in reflecting that diversity in our workforce and business practices. We are committed to including the interests of Aboriginal businesses, communities and individuals in all of our operations."

PAR Gold is Canada's only recognition of performance and success in building positive relations with Aboriginal businesses, people and communities. PAR Companies have demonstrated the ability to establish effective programs and policies to maximize involvement with the Canadian Aboriginal community. Through the PAR, organizations are able to conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of their performance. The results and findings are externally verified and rated by a PAR jury for designation of PAR certification at the Bronze, Silver or Gold Level. Gold certified companies exhibit long-standing leadership and sustainability in Aboriginal relations.

"Scotiabank has clearly demonstrated a commitment to fostering partnerships with Aboriginal businesses and communities," said Angela Bishop, Director of Program Development for the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. "The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business congratulates Scotiabank as a PAR Gold Level company for their continued dedication to Aboriginal initiatives."

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

About CCAB
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) was founded in 1984 by a small group of visionary business and community leaders. CCAB is committed to the full participation of Aboriginal people in Canada's economy. A national non-profit organization, CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to both mainstream and Aboriginal owned companies that foster economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and businesses across Canada.