Funds provide bursaries and scholarships to build brighter futures for
    First Nations, Inuit and Métis students

    TORONTO, March 6 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX;NYSE) today announced a $100,000
donation to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation's education program
of annual bursaries and scholarships that are provided to more than 600 First
Nations, Inuit and Métis students enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies
in a broad range of fields. This donation brings CIBC's total support of this
program to $800,000.
    Applicants for NAAF bursaries and scholarships are assessed by juries of
First Nations, Inuit or Métis professionals using criteria such as financial
need, academic performance, connection to the Aboriginal community, and the
student's commitment to the field of study. NAAF scholarships are allocated to
students of health sciences programs, such as medicine, nursing, dentistry,
biology, chemistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, clinical psychology, laboratory
research and technology, and any other health field in which a study of the
hard sciences is a pre-requisite.
    "We are very grateful to CIBC for their continuing support of our
education program. These bursaries and scholarships make a very real and
meaningful difference in the lives of the students who receive this support,"
said Ms. Roberta Jamieson, NAAF's President and Chief Executive Officer. "It
assists them in attaining the knowledge and skills needed to realize their
career aspirations. This in turn makes a positive difference with their active
participation in the Canadian economy."
    "At CIBC, our community investment strategy is focused on youth and
education, and on making a difference in the communities where our employees
and clients live and do business," said Gerry McCaughey, CIBC's President and
Chief Executive Officer. "We are especially proud to fund this program to help
Aboriginal students pursue their educational goals and to reach their full
potential."

    The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) is a nationally
registered non-profit organization devoted to excellence and to providing the
tools necessary for Aboriginal youth to achieve brighter futures. NAAF
encourages and empowers Aboriginal young people by providing important career
planning information, by connecting youth with industry and by providing
financial support for post-secondary studies in all disciplines. NAAF also
celebrates Aboriginal success with the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards,
showing all of Canada the accomplishments of Aboriginal peoples and
demonstrating to youth that anything is possible for them to achieve.

    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 CIBC Run for the Cure, the United Way and
the CIBC World Markets Children's Miracle 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