Speech will highlight the national importance of energy infrastructure initiatives and expanded trade markets to protect and grow the Canadian economy

VANCOUVER, Feb. 21, 2012 /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 February 23 luncheon hosted by the Vancouver Board of Trade.

In his remarks, Mr. Prentice will discuss the overall importance of strengthening economic ties with the Asia-Pacific marketplace as well as the opportunities and challenges in developing major new infrastructure projects to support energy trade opportunities.

Mr. Prentice joined CIBC in January 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. He served variously as the Minister of Industry, the Minister of the Environment, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and was the Minister responsible for major pipeline projects. He was also the Co-Chair of the Indian Claims Commission of Canada from 1993 until 2000. 

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

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