Speech will highlight the national importance of infrastructure initiatives to protecting and growing the Canadian economy

EDMONTON, Nov. 18, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX) (CM: NYSE) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, P.C., Q.C., Senior Executive Vice-President and Vice Chairman of CIBC, will be the keynote speaker at a November 21 luncheon hosted by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

In his remarks, Mr. Prentice will discuss the key role that energy infrastructure megaprojects such as the NorthWest Upgrader, 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 prior to this event.

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