Speech will highlight the economic benefits of nation building infrastructure initiatives, the challenges of a strong dollar and how the nation can navigate forward

TORONTO, Feb. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, P.C., Q.C., Senior Executive Vice-President and Vice Chairman of CIBC, will be the keynote speaker at a March 1 luncheon hosted by the Toronto Board of Trade.

In his remarks, Mr. Prentice will discuss the economic benefits of nation building infrastructure investment across Canada; the challenges to Canadian manufacturing of a high Canadian dollar; and how the nation can navigate a way forward.

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.

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