RE: Question re CIBC bank policyYou obviously got information from a inexperienced officer of the bank. The 48 hour rule relates to the return of cheques drawn on an account unpaid for one reason or another; usually Non Sufficient Funds. It does not relate to cheques drawn on your account fradulently. If you have a current account you have 30 days after receipt of your statement to bring any irregularities to the attention of the bank for correction. However, in your case the cheques were fradulent and not signed by you therefore I believe that the onus is on the bank to rectify the situation provided it was brought to their attention within a reasonable time frame.
They cannot simply say "well it's your responsibility". They have to be sure the signature on the cheques presented are yours and that they personally know and/or have property identified the presentor. Obviously they failed to do this.
Your will have to execute a bond of indemnity indicating that the cheques are fradulent and once they have that the bank should refund the monies to you.
I suggest that you first contact the Bank manager to dicuss the matter and ask him/her to have the Banks criminal/fradulent investigation officer attend the meeting. I also suggest you contact the local police and get them involved and if you do not get satisfaction from the bank turn the matter over to your lawyer.