Speech will highlight the national importance of infrastructure initiatives like the Lower Churchill Falls energy project and urge governments and regions to work together in harnessing the full benefits of such developments

HALIFAX, Sept. 26, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX) (CM: NYSE) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Senior Executive Vice-President and Vice Chairman of CIBC, will be the keynote speaker at a September 28 luncheon hosted by the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council.

In his remarks, Mr. Prentice will discuss the key role that energy infrastructure megaprojects can play in unlocking Canada's resource wealth and creating new jobs.

Mr. Prentice joined CIBC on Jan. 1, 2011, and has responsibility for expanding CIBC's relationships with corporate clients across Canada and abroad, and for providing leadership on strategic initiatives to enhance CIBC's position in the market. He joined the bank following a successful career as a lawyer, Member of Parliament and one of the most senior Ministers in the Canadian Government, serving variously as the Minister of Industry, the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. 

Mr. Prentice will be available for media interviews following this event.

What: Remarks to the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council

Who: Hon. Jim Prentice, Senior Executive Vice-President and Vice Chairman, CIBC

When: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, noon

Where: Halifax Ballroom, Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax

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