NEW SASKATCHEWAN SAVINGS BONDS EARN 4 PER CENT

The interest rate for Series 15 Saskatchewan Savings Bonds (SSB) has been set at 4 per cent.

The bonds are available for purchase June 10th-26th at local Credit Unions, chartered banks, trust companies, investment dealers and other authorized agents throughout Saskatchewan. During last year's campaign, Saskatchewan residents purchased $150 million worth of SSBs. The total amount of bonds held by people in this province is $365 million.

"Saskatchewan people value this investment opportunity," Finance Minister Andrew Thomson said. "It is safe and secure and also provides a fair interest rate for investors."

Each year, Saskatchewan Savings Bonds are available to residents of the province during a two-week window. The bonds can be purchased in denominations ranging from $100 to a maximum of $200,000. Investors also have the option of choosing an instalment purchase plan for purchases up to $2,500. A popular feature of the bonds is that they are redeemable annually, without penalty, for the full amount plus interest.

This year, $45 million in Series 10 bonds are maturing, with bondholders having the option of cashing in their bonds or reinvesting in Series 15. No interest is earned after July 15th, 2006 on Series 10 bonds.

Interest rates for all unmatured series bonds (Series 11-14) will be increased to 4 per cent for the year ending July 15th, 2007.

Anyone with questions about any series of SSBs can call 1-800-567-7077 or e-mail saskbond@finance.gov.sk.ca. More information is also available online by clicking on the Saskatchewan Savings Bond link at www.gov.sk.ca/finance. Bond application forms are available from that link, however, purchasers must still mail in a hard copy of their form with payment.

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre Finance Regina Phone: (306) 787-8109 Email: vgooliaff@finance.gov.sk.ca