in the United States money market; in 1985, Euro-Treasury notes in Europe; and in 1988, Registered Claims in Europe. In 1997, EDC launched a European commercial paper program which replaced the Registered Claims program. In 2014, EDC launched a Mexican Short Term Debt Certificates Program which it cancelled in 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the limit for short-term borrowing was USD 16.0 billion.
In 1976, EDC began a program of capital market borrowings. Since then, medium- and long-term notes have been issued in Canadian, United States, European and Asian and Antipodean capital markets. At December 31, 2023, EDC had outstanding borrowings in the medium- and long-term private and public capital markets of approximately CAD 42 billion.
Borrowing Limits
EDC’s borrowings are limited to an amount equal to fifteen times the aggregate of its current paid-in capital and its retained earnings determined in accordance with the previous year’s audited financial statements. At December 31, 2023, this limit was CAD 183.1 billion, with EDC’s outstanding borrowings equal to CAD 55.1 billion.
Debt Record
EDC has always paid promptly, when due, the full face amount of the principal of and interest on every direct obligation issued by it and every indirect obligation on which it has been required to implement its guarantee.
Cash Management Activities
Cash balances are maintained in the form of interest bearing bank deposits. Surplus funds are invested in securities in accordance with conditions as prescribed by the Minister of Finance. At December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents amounted to CAD 1,950 million and marketable securities amounted to CAD 7,006 million.
EXPORT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Financing Services
EDC provides various types of financing services in support of Canadian exporters and investors.
The Export Guarantee Program (EGP) supports the financing needs of Canadian exporters and their foreign affiliates through the provision of risk-sharing guarantees issued to their financial institutions covering a broad range of needs from working capital to foreign investment. The maximum EGP exposure is USD 25 million per exporter, with an average guarantee size of under CAD 1 million.
The Trade Expansion Lending Program (TELP) supports the financing needs of Canadian exporters through risk sharing guarantees issued to their financial institutions. The maximum TELP exposure is 10 USD million per exporter. This is a full reliance product which relies on the financial institution’s assessment of the borrower and makes use of highly streamlined processes.
The Buyer Financing Guarantee Program (BFG) is focused on providing guarantees to financial institutions to support the purchase of goods and services from Canadian exporters. This program delivers foreign buyer credit, providing a 100% guarantee of a financial institution’s loan wherein proceeds are