Recognized for innovative programs that help create opportunities for New Canadians

TORONTO, March 13, 2013 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) - CIBC has been named for the sixth consecutive year, as one of the best places in the country for new Canadians to work.

"From a talent and client perspective, New Canadians play an important role in the future of our country, and our workforce needs to continue to mirror the diversity we see within our communities," said John Silverthorn, Senior Vice President, Talent Management, CIBC. "CIBC is proud to play a role in helping newcomers to Canada establish a strong new start."

CIBC was selected for the award by Mediacorp Canada Inc, the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers. The award recognizes companies that offer innovative programs that assist individuals with making the transition to a new workplace and a new life in Canada.

CIBC is proud to offer initiatives and programs to attract new Canadians including:

• A broad range of information on cibc.com to help new Canadians find employment at CIBC or within the financial services industry in Canada.
• The launch of a new International Professionals Network, a program which focuses on workplace integration initiatives to support our new Canadian employees with integrating into CIBC's workplace culture.
• Mentoring and internship programs provided to skilled immigrants through various community partners, such as the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council's Mentoring Partnership program; ACCES Employment's unique speed mentoring program, where mentors from across the bank meet one-on-one with new Canadians looking for employment opportunities; and Career Bridge, which provides career-track internships to help skilled newcomers gain valuable work experience leading to employment.
• CIBC also helps to remove barriers to employment for newcomers by partnering with World Education Services (WES), a not-for-profit credential evaluation service. WES works to integrate internationally trained professionals by determining the Canadian equivalency of their credentials.

In addition to being recognized as one of Canada's Best Employers for New Canadians, CIBC was selected as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2013, has been named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2013, and was chosen as a 2012 Partners in Diversity Award Recipient by the Canadian Centre for Diversity.

To learn more about diversity at CIBC please visit http://cibc.com/ca/inside-cibc/careers/equity-and-diversity.html.

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada, and has offices in the United States and around the world. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.

SOURCE: CIBC