Canadian Citizenship ceremony launches a year of joint initiatives to help ignite Canadian pride

TORONTO, Jan. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) co-hosted a Canadian Citizenship ceremony today in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), serving as the launch pad for a year-long collaboration between the two organizations. Today's citizenship ceremony was one of several that CIBC will co-host with IRCC in 2017 across Canada.

With the ceremony taking place in CIBC's historic banking hall at 25 King Street West in Toronto, CIBC President and CEO Victor Dodig, alongside The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship welcomed 21 people as new Canadian citizens.

"I know from my own personal experience that citizenship ceremonies are a significant milestone and the final step along the path of becoming a Canadian citizen," says Minister Hussen. "This is a proud moment for new Canadian citizens, who have worked so hard to reach this point. IRCC is happy to partner with CIBC to host these special ceremonies across the country as we celebrate Canada 150. Throughout this commemorative year and beyond, I encourage all Canadians to celebrate their citizenship and reflect on what it means to be Canadian."

"We are very proud of our shared 150-year history with Canada, and what better way to build a prosperous future than with the help of our newest Canadians," says Victor Dodig, President and CEO, CIBC. "My family chose Canada as our home a generation ago and I'm honoured to live in this great country that embraces and celebrates all aspects of diversity and inclusion which helps shape our strong communities."

The location of today's ceremony was symbolic for CIBC. Known today as Commerce Court North, the building opened in 1931, and its 34 stories remained the tallest building in the British Commonwealth until 1962. Its construction during the Great Depression represented a statement of confidence in the stability of the bank and long-term growth in Canada.

Founded in 1867, CIBC shares a longstanding history with Canada. As a proud Canadian company, it has contributed to shaping our nation into one of the best in the world, helping people prosper and businesses grow, as it builds the bank of the future.  

In celebration of 150, CIBC is asking Canadians how they #StandForCanada by joining the conversation on Twitter @CIBC, Facebook (www.facebook.com/CIBC) and Instagram @CIBCNow. To learn more about CIBC's proud history, download the CIBC150 App and discover new stories every week.

About CIBC

CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 11 million personal banking and business clients. Through our three major business units - Retail and Business Banking, Wealth Management and Capital Markets - 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. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre/ or by following on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/cibc), Twitter @CIBC, Facebook (www.facebook.com/CIBC) and Instagram @CIBCNow.

SOURCE CIBC

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