Debt Management Strategy: Market Consultations for 2003/04 - Summary of Comments

In December 2002, officials from the Department of Finance and the Bank of Canada consulted with market participants on a number of issues related to domestic debt programs. Comments received were taken into consideration in the development of the debt strategy for 2003/04. The consultations focused on recent market developments and possible initiatives geared towards enhancing liquidity and maintaining a well-functioning market for Government of Canada securities. To allow for comments from a broader range of participants, the Debt Management Strategy Consultation document was made available on the Bank of Canada's Web site. A Summary of Comments received is being made public today on the Bank's Web site in conjunction with the release of the government's Debt Management Strategy for 2003/04.

The purpose of the Summary document is to report the views of market participants on questions identified in the 2003/04 debt management strategy consultation document. Comments received from market participants on other issues may also be included if raised by a significant number of participants. The Bank of Canada and the Department of Finance would like to thank market participants for the comments they provided during the consultation process.

For further information, please contact:

Rob Stewart
Senior Chief
Financial Markets Division
Department of Finance
613 992-4468

Philippe Muller
Team-Leader
Financial Markets Department
Bank of Canada
613 782-8778