TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Scotiabank has once again been recognized by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) for its positive relationship with Canada's Aboriginal community.

Scotiabank received The Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Gold standing, the highest rating which recognizes companies that have demonstrated effective programs and policies to maximize involvement with the Canadian Aboriginal community. 

"Scotiabank is proud that its work to build a constructive relationship with Canada's Aboriginal people is being recognized," said Brian Porter, Scotiabank's President and CEO. "This recognition acknowledges our commitment to Aboriginal communities and encourages us to continue to strengthen our involvement across the country."

This is the third time that Scotiabank has been recognized by CCAB at the PAR Gold Level. Scotiabank is one of only six companies in Canada that have been awarded with the distinction in 2017.

PAR provides companies with the ability to conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of their performance in four categories: employment, community investment, business development and community engagement. The results and findings are externally verified and rated by a jury. Gold certified companies exhibit long-standing leadership and sustainability in Aboriginal relations.

"The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) congratulates Scotiabank on their Gold Level PAR re-certification," said JP Gladu, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.  "As participants in the PAR program since 2001 Scotiabank continues to lead by example through their outstanding long term commitment to Aboriginal communities and prosperity.  We look forward to building and strengthening our business relationships as opportunity continues to drive growth."

Scotiabank was the first bank to open an on-reserve branch in Canada in 1971 and currently has a network of Aboriginal Banking Centres across the country, offering financing, business accounts and investment services. 

The awards were announced at the CCAB's 15th Annual Gala Celebration in Vancouver on September 28th, 2017.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America, and Asia-Pacific. We are dedicated to helping our 24 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 88,000 employees and assets of over $906 billion (as at July 31, 2017), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (TSX: BNS) and New York Exchanges (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit http://www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.

SOURCE Scotiabank