Job readiness training offers skill building for careers in financial
    services for qualified newcomers

    TORONTO, Nov. 5 /CNW/ - This week, 24 newcomers in the Greater Toronto
Area are on their way to starting a career in financial services. These
individuals are the first to undertake CIBC Connection to Employment™, a
free, unpaid six-week job readiness training program for qualified newcomers
that will enhance their opportunity to start a career in the Canadian
financial services sector. The first group of participants will graduate in
December.
    CIBC Connection to Employment is the second phase of CIBC YMCA Access to
Opportunity™, which began in the spring with a series of Facts &
Finance™ seminars designed to help give newcomers the information they need
to get started in Canada. These seminars were attended by almost 200 newcomers
who learned about banking in Canada, starting a business and teaching children
about money.
    The 24 participants in CIBC Connection to Employment will spend much of
the next six weeks learning about the business culture and banking-specific
information relevant in Canada and brushing up their interview skills.
Professionals from the YMCA and CIBC will lead the training to be held at the
YMCA of Greater Toronto's newcomer centre in downtown Toronto.
    "We have had a great response to the CIBC YMCA Access to Opportunity
program," said Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President, CIBC Retail
Markets. "It's exciting to see our first 24 newcomers in the CIBC Connection
to Employment program. The participants are highly skilled and we are looking
forward to working closely with the YMCA to help give them the skills and
information they need to land a job at CIBC or in the financial services
sector."
    "The YMCA has a strong history of connecting with newcomers and is
excited to help people find meaningful employment in their fields," says Laura
Palmer Korn, Senior Vice President, Operations, Employment and Community.
"Many newcomers to Toronto are highly skilled but face challenges in finding
jobs in their area of expertise. The YMCA welcomes this opportunity to once
again work with CIBC to deliver a program that will help newcomers get their
foot in the door of the financial services sector."
    For more information, visit www.cibcymcanewcomers.ca.

    About YMCA

    The YMCA of Greater Toronto is one of the region's most dynamic
charities, connecting with and touching the lives of nearly half a million
people in the GTA every year. With a budget of $150 million, we are the
second-largest YMCA in North America with 3,000 employees and 3,500 volunteers
in over 200 locations. The YMCA is actively engaged with some 250
corporations, organizations and community partners, and our role in the
community is far reaching. Our extensive connections with the community
include newcomer programs, youth outreach and intervention, fitness and
recreation, education and employment programs, family support and social
services, child care, and overnight and day camping.
    www.ymcagta.org

    About CIBC

    CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, our
employees and our communities. We aim to make a difference in communities
through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of
employees. With a strategic focus on youth, education and health, and employee
commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run
for the Cure, United Way and the CIBC World Markets Children's Foundation, we
are investing in the social and economic development of communities across the
country. In 2007, CIBC group of companies contributed more than $36 million
worldwide to charitable organizations and community initiatives. Of this, $27
million was invested in Canada to support national regional and local
organizations. To learn more, visit www.cibc.com/pas