Summer Consultations - Market Views Sought on Issues Relating to the Design and Operation of Government Debt Programs over 2002/03 and Beyond

A consultation document on issues relating to the design and operation of the government debt programs for fiscal year 2002/03 and beyond, prepared jointly by the Department of Finance and the Bank of Canada as its fiscal agent, is being made public today.

The government is seeking views on how to continue to achieve its strategic objectives of prudent debt management and maintenance of a well-functioning market for Government of Canada securities. As part of its ongoing commitment to debt strategy consultations with market participants, the government is seeking at this time opinions on the functioning and design of bond issuance and buyback programs, and on other potential initiatives that could enhance the functioning of the market for Government of Canada securities.

Comments on the specific questions raised in the Summer Consultations discussion paper are invited from interested parties. These comments must be received by 5 July 2002 and can be sent to: