Scotiabank recognized as a Best Workplace in Canada for third consecutive year

Scotiabankers give high marks across all categories

TORONTO, April 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Scotiabank is pleased to be named one of 100 Best Workplaces in Canada by the Great Place to Work® Institute for the third consecutive year.

"We strive to provide a work environment where all employees have the opportunity to thrive in their careers," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communications for Scotiabank.  "Scotiabank has long recognized that our employees are our greatest strength and this achievement is another example of the tremendous spirit that our employees across Canada bring to our One Team One Goal work culture. We are very proud to be recognized once again as one of Canada's best places to work."

Scotiabank scored well in all categories of the study and received marks that were above the benchmark for large workplaces across three of the Institute's five Work Trust Index categories -namely Credibility, Pride and Camaraderie.

"Building strong relationships is at the heart of how we do business," said Jacqueline Bukaluk, Vice President of Global Employment Strategies for Scotiabank. "It is gratifying to learn that our employees have rated Scotiabank so highly and we are extremely honoured to be named as a Best Workplace in Canada once again."

Selection for the Best Workplaces list is based primarily on responses to a proprietary Institute employee survey about the level of trust and quality of relationships in the respective organization. Details can be found at www.greatplacetowork.ca.

Each year, the Great Place to Work® Institute produces its Best Workplace rankings in 45 countries around the world. In recent years Scotiabank has also received the Best Workplace designation in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America (including Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama and Costa Rica) and Peru.

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, 'Bright Future'.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $45 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 77,000 employees, Scotiabank and its affiliates serve some 19 million customers in more than 55 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets above $637 billion (as at January 31, 2012), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

For further information:

Deborah Clark, Scotiabank Media Communications, 416-933-0646
d.clark@scotiabank.com