Épargne Placements Québec innovates by offering Québec savers Green Bonds

QUÉBEC CITY, July 12, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Ministère des Finances du Québec continues to innovate and set an example in the realm of green finance by announcing today the addition of Fixed‑rate Green Bonds to the range of savings and retirement products that Épargne Placements Québec offers.

The Québec government is the first in Canada to promote a green economy on the retail financing market. Starting today, Québec savers can contribute directly to it by purchasing the new savings product. Québec is thus demonstrating its commitment to the development of a responsible financial market that facilitates active participation in financing projects devoted to the environment.

Épargne Placements Québec's Green Bonds will enable Quebecers to contribute to financing specific projects that engender tangible benefits in Québec in the realm of environmental protection, greenhouse gas emission reduction or adaptation to climate change. Through sales of the Green Bonds, the Québec government plans, in particular, to finance the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), an electrified mass transit project that is innovative and exceptional, and aimed at simplifying travel for Québec families.

Green Bonds and the entire range of Épargne Placements Québec's savings and retirement products are offered without management or administration fees, and the Québec government fully guarantees the principal and interest. Moreover, where the new funds are invested in RRSP, RRIF, LIRA or LIF accounts, a bonus of 1% on Épargne Placements Québec's bond interest rate is offered during the first year.

"This new savings product offers a safe, flexible, advantageous investment vehicle that will allow Quebecers' retirement savings to grow while they contribute to the development of a greener Québec."

Carlos J. Leitão, Minister of Finance

To purchase Green Bonds, contact an Épargne Placements Québec investment officer, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at 1 800 463‑5229

Related links:

To obtain additional information on the Green Bonds program of the Ministère des Finances, visit its website (www.finances.gouv.qc.ca). To obtain additional information on Épargne Placements Québec's Fixed-rate Green Bonds, visit the EPQ website (www.epq.gouv.qc.ca).

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre des Finances

For further information: Audrey Cloutier, Press Officer, Office of the Minister of Finance, Telephone: [phone]