Dr. Samarasekera, age 56, is President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Alberta and former Vice-President, Research at the University of British Columbia (2000-2005). She holds a B.Sc. (in mechanical engineering) from the University of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), a M.Sc. (in mechanical engineering) from the University of California, as a Hayes Fulbright Scholar, and a Ph.D. (in metallurgical engineering) from University of British Columbia.

Dr. Samarasekera sits on the boards of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, the Conference Board of Canada, the Public Policy Forum and the Canadian International Council. She also serves on the Prime Minister's Advisory Committee on Public Service, the Advisory Board for the Canadian Space Agency and a President's Visiting Committee at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Samarasekera did not serve as a director of any other publicly-traded companies during the period from 2004 to 2008.

Scotiabank Board Details:

• Director since May 26, 2008
• Member of: Audit and Conduct Review Committee and Human Resources Committee
• Has until fiscal 2013 to meet Share Ownership Guidelines
• Independent
• Latest Retirement Date: ineligible for re-election in April 2023