As of June 1995, general inquiries such as requests for information concerning the terms and conditions of specific issues and interpretations of the Domestic Bonds of Canada Regulations are retained only if received in paper form. The medium of retention is electronic. The purpose of this bank is to store documents that support the transfer of ownership of Government of Canada Securities and other correspondence between bondholders, or the authorized representatives, and the Bank of Canada. The use of the social insurance number is required under the Income Tax Act. The information is used to respond to enquiries from holders of Government of Canada Securities or their authorized representatives.
Retention periods range from two years to indefinite.
The records for lost security certificates or coupons are retained indefinitely if the original security certificates or coupons have not been located. However, if the original security certificate or coupon has been located after a replacement has been issued, these records are destroyed two years after reimbursement to the Bank of Canada. However, if the original security certificate or coupon is located prior to replacement, records are immediately destroyed. The records pertaining to estate matters are held for ten years on microfiche, microfilm or electronic media and are then destroyed. Personal inquiries should be directed to Client Services, Government Securities Services.