MISSISSAUGA, ON - May 21, 2014 /CNW/ - The Centre for Education & Training (TCET), a not-for-profit organization that assists immigrants with their transition to Canada, today announced a sponsorship from Scotiabank for $250,000 that will enhance TCET's Newcomer Information Centres (NIC). The NICs are visited by thousands of immigrants per year and provide free, financial, education and social information to newcomers.

This collaborative sponsorship between the private and not-for-profit sectors will enable TCET to expand its service offerings to provide newcomers in the community with a wider range of programs. Programs include financial literacy workshops facilitated by Scotiabank employees, career information, and personal and small business advice relevant to newcomers arriving to Canada.

"Our experience in serving the needs of newcomers and the diversity of our workforce gives us a strong understanding of the challenges of getting started and settled in a new country," said Tracy Gomes, Vice President, Multicultural Banking at Scotiabank. "Through this sponsorship, we can help newcomers succeed by providing them with the right information and advice, through programs such as the Scotiabank StartRight^® Program." The Program, created specifically for newcomers, offers a rich package of products, special offers and resources to help newcomers manage their day-to-day banking, build credit history and plan for their future in Canada.

"The alliance with Scotiabank came at a great time. We already have 125,000 newcomer visits a year and we are expecting that number to increase," says Moya MacKinnon, Director, Newcomer Services at TCET. "The NICs offer so many programs and referral services to newcomers; they are usually the first stop for most immigrants on their path to residency. But the demand can sometimes exceed our resources or the programs we want to provide. This new sponsorship was a timely answer and speaks to Scotiabank's efforts in supporting this important business sector."

Funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to assist newcomers settling in Canada, NICs are a free walk-in service providing contacts and workshops for newcomers. "We host workshops like Banking in Canada for Newcomers, Small Business Centres, Know Your Rights at Work," MacKinnon continues. "We have already begun to align our NICs with new immigration programs and we are planning for our client visits to rise as new programs gain popularity."

About the Scotiabank StartRight Program for Newcomers

Launched in 2008, the Scotiabank StartRight Program provides the right advice and financial solutions to help newcomers (0-3 years in Canada) plan their future in Canada. For more details on the Scotiabank StartRight Program, please visitwww.scotiabank.com/startright.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through our team of more than 83,000 employees, Scotiabank and its affiliates offer a broad range of products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management, corporate and investment banking to over 21 million customers. With assets of $783 billion (as at January 31, 2014), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (TSX: BNS) and New York Exchanges (NYSE: BNS). Scotiabank distributes the Bank's media releases using CNW. For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

About The Centre for Education and Training and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)

The Centre for Education & Training (TCET) is a not-for-profit educational organization based in Mississauga. TCET provides career resources and training programs, for youth and information and referral services to newcomers to Canada. The Centre for Education & Training serves the Greater Toronto area.

In 2013-2014 Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) contributed more than $10 million in settlement funding to TCET for programs and services that address newcomers' needs, supporting their establishment and integration into Canadian society. CIC's priority is direct service delivery to immigrants. CIC provides funding for language training, career counseling, help establishing professional and community networks and contacts, and other general information and referrals.

Media Contacts:

Moya MacKinnon
The Centre for Education & Training
T: (905) 457-4747 x 3250
C: (416) 209-2302
mmackinnon@tcet.com

Gordon Smith
Scotiabank
T: (416) 933-3056
gordon.smith2@scotiabank.com