OTTAWA, ONTARIO, March 1, 2010 —It will now be easier for Canadians who have lived and worked in Morocco, and for Moroccans who have lived and worked in Canada, to qualify for public pension benefits from either or both countries. Today, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced the entry into force of the Convention on Social Security between Canada and Morocco.
“This convention demonstrates the spirit of partnership and collaboration between our two countries,” said Minister Finley. “It recognizes the valuable contribution Canadians and Moroccans have made to society during their working life.”
Canada now has 51 agreements of this kind in force with another country, with this convention on social security entering into force on March 1, 2010.
Social security agreements between Canada and other countries help people who have lived or worked in both Canada and the other country to qualify for old age, retirement, disability or survivor benefits from both countries. The Convention applies to Canada’s Old Age Security program and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), as well as the comparable pension program in Morocco.
The Convention will:
- reduce restrictions that may prevent Canadians from receiving pension benefits from Morocco;
- reduce restrictions on the payment of Canadian benefits to pensioners residing in Morocco;
- permit continuity of social security coverage when Canadians are working in Morocco; and
- make it easier to become eligible for benefits by adding together periods of social security coverage in both countries.
The Convention will also result in savings for Canadian companies operating in Morocco. Canadian companies will continue to make CPP contributions for their Canadian employees sent to work there, and will be exempt from making Moroccan social security contributions. This translates directly into enhanced competitiveness for Canadian companies.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
