Scotiabank and U of S partner on Aboriginal graduate program to address future labour needs

Posted February 22, 2006


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 22, 2006 2006-02-05-OTHER
Scotiabank and U of S partner on Aboriginal graduate program to address
future labour needs

Saskatoon, SK - The new Scotiabank Master of Business Administration
Bridging Program is designed to encourage the next generation of Aboriginal
business leaders to consider upgrading their skills with an MBA from the
University of Saskatchewan. The program is possible, thanks to a $250,000
gift by Scotiabank to the College of Commerce through the University's
Thinking the World of our Future campaign.

The week long in-house program will introduce 15 potential students to the
University's 12-month MBA program, the U of S campus and the city of
Saskatoon.

"Scotiabank's funding allows us to really showcase the U of S MBA program to
Aboriginal professionals who are considering doing an MBA, demonstrate how
the MBA program can contribute to their career development and walk them
through the steps they need to take to get into the MBA program," says Dean
of Commerce, Lynne Pearson.

"We are confident this innovative program will help ensure that more First
Nations and Aboriginal students graduate with highly respected MBAs from the
U of S's College of Commerce," says Scotiabank's Senior Vice-President,
Prairie Region, George Marlatte. "We are also confident that when these MBA
graduates enter the business world they will be well equipped to face the
challenges - and seize the opportunities - that lie ahead."

The University of Saskatchewan is the only Canadian university to offer an
MBA with a specialization in Indigenous Management. However, students who
take part in the Scotiabank MBA Bridging Program would be eligible to take
any of the areas of specialization within the MBA program.

"Census data shows us there is a large group of young Aboriginal people
entering post-secondary education and the labour force," says Warren Weir,
Chair of the Indigenous Management Specialization, MBA Program. "This
bridging program will provide encouragement and support so they can realize
their career options and opportunities. This is an important step in the
development of Western Canada's future labour force."

In addition, Scotiabank's contribution will be used to create a $10,000
scholarship for an Aboriginal graduate student in the University of
Saskatchewan's MBA program.

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which its employees
and customers live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a
leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable
donations and philanthropic activities, in 2005 the Bank provided more than
$40 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and
initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education and social
services. Scotiabank is on the World Wide Web at www.scotiabank.com.

The University of Saskatchewan's Thinking the World of our Future
fundraising campaign priorities include enhancing the student experience,
increasing financial support for students and improving facilities to
provide better opportunities for learning and research.

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For more information, please contact:

Deborah Spence
Scotiabank Public Affairs
Cell (403) 612-3317 or (403) 254-6830

Lynne Pearson
Dean, College of Commerce
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4786