Mr Mitzel: Alberta bond issue “a way for parents to invest in their province’s and children’s future”

The following is copied from the October 27, 2009, printed transcripts of the Legislative debate and discussion:

Mr. Mitzel (Cypress-Medicine-Hat PC): … Mr. Speaker, savings

bonds will provide several benefits and opportunities for Albertans.

First, this would be an excellent saving tool for Albertans.  Backed by

Alberta’s triple-A credit rating thanks to our record of strong fiscal

management, they will offer an exceptional rate of return.  Second, the

government of Alberta will invest the funds collected from the sale of

these bonds into critical infrastructure projects to help maintain our

communities.  Bondholders will be able to know exactly what projects

they’re helping to build.  It could be anything from improving our

transportation network, including new roads and highways, to schools

and medical facilities.  As an investment tool savings bonds would offer

a more competitive rate of return than a regular savings account from any

bank… (1582)

 

… For young families savings bonds are a way for parents to invest

in their province’s and children’s future.  The savings bonds that a

young couple purchases may end up helping to fund the construction

of a new school that will one day educate their child or the hospital

that may help deliver a future child of theirs into the world.  A young

couple may wish to purchase bonds to save for their children’s

postsecondary education.  In the meantime, Mr. Speaker, the

government may choose to use the funds gathered from the sale of

these bonds to help finance improvements to our postsecondary

institutions such as new lecture halls or more student spaces… (1583)