(March 29 – 17:40 ET) – Maureen Kempston Darkes, president and GM of General Motors of Canada, has been appointed as 2001 National Campaign Chair for the New Canada Savings Bonds Payroll Program, effective April 1.

Kempston Darkes becomes the fourth National Campaign Chair and follows Eric Newell, chairman and CEO of Syncrude Canada Ltd., whose term ends March 31.

Kempston Darkes will work with Jacqueline Orange, president and CEO of Canada Investment and Savings, the agency responsible for New Canada Savings Bonds and the Payroll Savings Program, to increase awareness among Canadian business leaders about the importance of saving. She will also help to develop new relationships with employers across Canada to provide more Canadians with the opportunity to put money aside on a regular basis.

“I welcome the support and commitment of one of Canada’s industry leaders in shaping the Payroll Savings Program,” said Finance Minister Paul Martin. “Ms. Kempston Darkes will no doubt build on the impressive results of recent campaigns.”

“As employers, we have an obligation to empower our employees to prepare for their financial futures,” said Kempston Darkes. “At General Motors of Canada we believe employees should have access to a number of investment choices, including the opportunity to buy Canada Savings Bonds through the Payroll Savings Program. I encourage my colleagues from across Canada to join me in supporting this convenient savings program.”