TORONTO, Jan. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Scotiabank proudly congratulates CEO Rick Waugh on his recent appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada. The appointment is one of 91 awarded by the Right Honourable David Johnston, Canada's Governor General.

"On behalf of Scotiabank's Board of Directors and more than 81,000 employees around the world, I congratulate Rick on this very well-deserved honour," said John Mayberry, Scotiabank's Chairman of the Board. "In everything he has accomplished, Rick has remained a proud Canadian, and a vocal advocate of this country's world leading banking system, its many strengths and, most importantly, its unique civil society based on the Canadian values of hard work, prudence, equality and compassion. Abroad, as at home, Rick is a trusted partner and advisor, and his relationships with government leaders have helped strengthen ties between Canada and its partners in the Americas, in both the public and private sector."

Mr. Waugh was nominated by Dr. Indira Samarasekera, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Alberta and member of Scotiabank's Board of Directors.

"While he has achieved enormous success in his career, Rick has kept grounded in the solid personal values instilled in him by his family and the Winnipeg community where he grew up," said Dr. Samarasekera. "He leads in an ethical way, with a deep sense of responsibility for the greater good and is a vocal proponent of the belief that success of businesses, governments and local communities are interlinked, and that conducting business in a responsible way, for the right reasons, is the only way to achieve success that benefits everyone."

The Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honours, was established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Since that time, this honour has been bestowed on more than 5 000 people from all sectors of Canadian society. For more information on the Order of Canada, please visit the website of the Governor General of Canada.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 81,000 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. In December 2012, Scotiabank became the first Canadian bank to be named Global Bank of the Year and Bank of the Year in the Americas by The Banker magazine, a Financial Times publication. With assets of $668 billion (as at October 31, 2012), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE: Scotiabank