Name: Baljit Virk

Country of origin: India

Year of arrival in Canada: 1983

How I became a Scotiabanker: Baljit Virk arrived in Canada in 1983, as a teenager. After finishing a banking and financial services course, Baljit joined Scotiabank as a part-time teller in 1988. As a Personal Banking Officer and Mortgage Advisor, Baljit rose quickly through the ranks in sales, advisory and supervisory roles, before being promoted to Branch Manager several years ago. Recognizing that starting out in a new country can be overwhelming, Baljit is excited that she and her Scotiabank staff can offer the Scotiabank StartRight® Program1 for Newcomers, which includes a free day-to-day bank account for one year, a wide range of credit card options and a number of other customized services and benefits. “I take the time to listen to individual needs and provide tailor-made solutions for those needs. I take pride in taking my clients from A to Z as they settle and grow in Canada.”

Baljit’s’ advice for newcomers: At her branch, Baljit takes a personal interest in newcomers; meeting them personally. “I feel even for those fluent in English there’s a comfort factor in meeting someone who speaks your language. We speak many different languages at this branch! The first year can be challenging,

• Baljit Virk, Branch Manager, Hwy 10 & Eglinton Branch, Mississauga, Ontario. 905-568-3445, ext. 4000