Canada and Sweden sign a revised agreement on social security
The Honorable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, signed on behalf of the Government of Canada, a revised agreement on social security with Sweden.
The revised agreement reflects the reforms made to the Swedish programmes and incorporates the legislative changes in both countries. The current agreement on social security between Canada and Sweden was signed in 1985 and entered into force in 1986. There are nearly 3 000 pensioners living in Canada who receive pensions from the Swedish Government and about 110 pensioners in Sweden who receive benefits in Canada. Ingela Thalen, Minister of Social Security of Sweden, signed the agreement on behalf of Sweden.
The agreement applies to the programme of Old Age Security (OAS) in Canada, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the pension programs of Sweden, which pays retirement benefits, disability and survivor .
“This is a great honour to sign the revised agreement on social security between our two countries, said Minister Stewart. This agreement is a partnership - Canada and Sweden unite their efforts to ensure that our citizens receive the benefits to which they are entitled. It will contribute to strengthen friendship between our two countries. ”
Normally, to qualify for a benefit under the programme of Swedish pensions, a person must have contributed to the program for a minimum number of years. Under the revised agreement, people can add the protection periods social security they have accumulated in the framework of the two countries to be entitled to social security benefits in Sweden.
Similarly, for entitlement to benefits of the Canada Pension Plan, applicants must have contributed to the Plan for a minimum period. Under the revised agreement, Canada will allow applicants to take into account periods of contribution to the programme of Swedish pensions to be eligible for CPP.
To be eligible for benefits under the Old Age Security, people must have lived in Canada for a minimum number of years. The revised agreement allows people who apply in Canada reflect their period of participation in the Swedish system to meet the residency requirements in order to receive benefits of the OAS.
The social security agreement revised concluded between Canada and Sweden stipulates that Canadian workers can contribute to the Canada Pension Plan if their employer sends them to work temporarily in Sweden. Thus, their protection under the Plan will not be interrupted. Moreover, thanks to the revised agreement, Canadian workers will not have to contribute to the pension programs of Sweden while they work there.
“International agreements such as this are becoming increasingly important as the global economy and international cooperation are increasing mobility and migration between countries,” said Minister Stewart.
So far, Canada has signed social security agreements with 45 countries.
The government pension programs in Canada are part of our social fabric for 75 years.
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