Operational Enhancements to Government of Canada Debt Programs

The government conducts regular consultations with market participants to support its strategic objectives of raising stable, low-cost funding and maintaining a well-functioning market for Government of Canada securities.

In June 2002, officials from the Department of Finance and the Bank of Canada gathered opinions from government securities distributors and institutional investors on issues related to the design and operation of the government debt programs for fiscal year 2002-03 and beyond. A summary of the comments received from market participants is being made public today.

Based on feedback received during the consultation process, the following operational enhancements to Government of Canada debt programs are planned. The initiatives are consistent with the Debt Management Strategy announced in March 2002 and do not involve any material change to the bond or the treasury bill programs.

For further information, contact:

Rob Stewart
Department of Finance
613 992-4468

Philippe Muller
Bank of Canada
613 782-8778