Speech will call for leadership on national energy infrastructure initiatives

VANCOUVER, June 20, 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 a keynote speaker at a conference hosted by the Business Council of British Columbia on June 21.

In his remarks, Mr. Prentice will discuss the need for leadership in developing an infrastructure plan for new pipeline access to the west coast.

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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