TORONTO, ON - March 31, 2015 /CNW/ - Scotiabank was recognized for its inclusive culture as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers at a ceremony today in Toronto.

"Diversity is essential to creating an innovative and dynamic workplace," said Barbara Mason, Scotiabank's Chief Human Resources Officer. "As Canada's international bank, we appreciate how important it is to have employees throughout our organization, starting with the leadership team, that have a broad range of skills, talents and perspectives. The diversity in our bank reflects that of our customers, helping us understand them and serve them better."

Now entering its ninth year, the Canada's Best Diversity Employers competition recognizes the leading organizations when it comes to creating inclusive workplaces for employees from five diverse groups: women; visible minorities; persons with disabilities; Aboriginal peoples; and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) peoples. Employers are selected by the editors at Mediacorp based on submissions to the annual Canada's Top 100 Employers, now in its 16^th year.

For more information about the award, visit www.canadastop100.com/diversity.

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 parts of Asia. We are dedicated to helping our 21 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. With a team of more than 86,000 employees and assets of $852 billion (as at January 31, 2015), 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 and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankNews.