CIBC has entered into a three-year Canadian partnership with Cirque du Soleil to present the world-renowned troupe’s first cross-Canada tour.

The agreement is the Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil’s first multi-year Canadian deal with a Canadian company as a presenting sponsor and will help the cirque in bringing its full contingent for the series of Canadian shows.

In 2003, the first year of the agreement, CIBC will be sponsoring three shows that Cirque du Soleil has scheduled for Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. Toronto and Quebec City are scheduled for 2004-2005.

“We are delighted to be the presenting sponsor of Cirque du Soleil’s Canadian tours,” Stephen Graham, CIBC’s executive vice president personal banking and chief marketing officer, said in a statement. “CIBC and Cirque du Soleil share similar corporate values in pursuit of excellence and in striving to give back to the community. “