(April 5 – 13:40 ET) – Ontario Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced today that the 2001 Ontario Savings Bonds campaign will run from June 1 to 21.

“Ontario Savings Bonds are appealing to people across the province because they can see their money working for them, right here where they live and work,” Flaherty said.

Ontario residents can purchase their bonds directly by telephone or by down-loading an application from the Internet (www.ofina.on.ca/osb). The savings bonds will also be available at banks, trust companies, credit unions, caisses populaires, Province of Ontario Savings Offices and through investment dealers.

Ontario Savings Bonds are sold in amounts from $100 to $500,000. The 2001 OSB interest rates and details about the different types of bonds offered will be announced on June 1. Rates for 1996-2000 Variable-Rate OSBs will also be announced at that time.

On June 21, 1996 Step-Up, 1996 Variable-Rate and 1998 Fixed-Rate Ontario Savings Bonds reach maturity.