CIBC, Premier Kathleen Wynne and Brian Burke join together to end homophobia

TORONTO, June 26, 2014 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX:CM) (NYSE:CM) is proud to announce its sponsorship of the PrideHouseTO Pavilion at The 519 Church Street Community Centre for WorldPride 2014 and the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.

The PrideHouseTO Pavilion is part of a comprehensive province-wide initiative, leading up to and during the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, to set a new standard for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer (LGBTQ) inclusion in major multi-sport games and promote LGBTQ human rights to participants from all Pan American countries.

"CIBC is honoured to support the PrideHouseTO Pavilion," says Richard Nesbitt, Chief Operating Officer, CIBC. "Embracing and celebrating diversity and inclusion is not just something we talk about at CIBC - it is a fundamental part of our business. With visitors from all over the globe here for WorldPride festivities, and many thousands more expected to attend next year's Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, there is no better time to promote diversity and encourage inclusiveness in sport and our communities."

CIBC, the Lead Partner of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, was the first bank in Canada to establish an internal employee network for their LGBTQ employees. For four years running, CIBC has also been recognized as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers.

"I congratulate CIBC for taking a leadership role in celebrating diversity and inclusiveness not only in the workplace but also in sports, as we prepare to host 40 participating countries of the Americas and Caribbean at the TORONTO 2015 Games," says Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. "The Ontario government is proud to be part of PrideHouseTO to engage LGBTQ people in sport, para-sport and recreation. Too often, homophobia and transphobia prevent members of our LGBTQ community from living active, healthy lives in our communities, province and across the Pan-American region."

"CIBC's strong support of the LGBTQ community and the PrideHouseTO Pavilion means a lot to me and my family," says Brian Burke, President of Hockey Operations for the National Hockey League's Calgary Flames. "It's so important for private-sector companies, like CIBC, to take the lead and help eradicate homophobia in sports, especially in amateur sports, where bullying and bigotry still exist. All that should matter is talent, work ethic and character."

CIBC invites the public to join in WorldPride festivities at the PrideHouseTO Pavilion at 519 Church Street this weekend, where the bank is proud to present an exhibit highlighting the history of LGBTQ inclusion in sport, live-streaming of CBC's coverage of the Round 16 matches from FIFA World Cup™ on Saturday and Sunday and other fun activities.

Recognizing that sport has the power to unite us all, CIBC hopes to build lasting legacies that promote inclusiveness, while inspiring Canada's youth to stay fit and healthy through organized sports and by providing Canada's aspiring athletic stars with funding and mentorship through its one-of-a-kind CIBC Team Next program.

About CIBC

CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. Through our three major business units - Retail and Business Banking, Wealth Management and Wholesale Banking - CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada with offices in the United States and around the world. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Media Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.

About CIBC's Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Sponsorship

As the Lead Partner of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, CIBC is committed to enriching Canadian communities through the power of sport. We support causes that matter to our clients, our employees and our communities and aim to make a difference in communities through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of employees. To learn more visit www.cibc.com/ca/features/panamgames.html.

SOURCE Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce