TORONTO, May 30, 2013 /CNW/ - The Archives Association of Ontario has recognized Scotiabank's Archives, Corporate Records and Fine Art Department with the 2013 Corporate Award for excellence in archives. The award was presented at a gala ceremony in Ottawa on May 30, 2013.

"Scotiabank is honoured to be recognized today by the Archives Association of Ontario with this prestigious award," said Jane Nokes, Scotiabank Director of Corporate Archives & Fine Art. "We are committed to archival professionalism and have long believed that arts, culture and heritage deeply enrich our communities and should be accessible to everyone."

The Award recognizes excellence in Ontario archives, awarding organizations, corporations or agencies that have helped support and promote the archival community across the province.

Scotiabank's Archives, Corporate Records and Fine Art Department is the only Canadian bank archives open to the public and that offers public programming. It was also the first to allow external researchers to consult its holdings, which continues to be a rare practice among corporate archives. The collections contain Scotiabank's historic records, but also document major developments in Canada's history, including the advent of the country's transportation infrastructure. Its online exhibits, which are also open to the public, celebrate and pay tribute to Canada's heritage and the history of Scotiabank and communities where the bank operates.

"Each year, we sponsor four awards to recognize individual, institutional and corporate achievement in archives," said Brian Masschaele, Archives Association of Ontario incoming Awards Committee Chair. "The awards are meant to remember those who make archives the living and thriving community that preserves our documentary heritage and makes it available to the public."

About the Archives Association of Ontario
The Archives Association of Ontario is a network of about 300 members and represents archival institutions, those working in archives, as well as users and supporters of archives. Its mandate is to provide programs, education, advocacy and shared knowledge across the province.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is a leading multinational financial services provider and Canada's most international bank. With more than 82,000 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 $736 billion (as at January 31, 2013), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE: Scotiabank