Summer 2003 Consultations Views Sought on Issues Relating to the Design and Operation of The Real Return Bond Program

A consultation document on issues relating to the design and operation of the Real Return Bond program, prepared jointly by the Department of Finance and the Bank of Canada, is being published today.

The government had announced a review of the Real Return Bond (RRB) program in the 2003/04 Debt Management Strategy Document, in light of the evolution of the macroeconomic environment, the new debt structure target, and the objectives of the program. The summer 2003 consultations will focus on the RRB program. Views of market participants will be taken into consideration as part of the review.

A subsequent round of consultations, planned for late fall/early winter, will focus on the broader range of borrowing programs, including treasury bills, nominal bonds, buyback programs, cash management bills, etc.

Comments on the specific questions raised in the Summer 2003 Consultation document can be emailed before 26 September 2003 to:

See: Real Return Bond Funding Review

For further information, please contact:

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

Marc Pellerin
Principal
Debt Management & Settlement Systems
Bank of Canada
613 782-8429