Ottawa, Ontario October 5, 2012—The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today signed a Social Security Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Bulgaria. The Agreement was also signed by Mr. Totyu Mladenov, Bulgarian Minister of Labour and Social Policy.
“Our government is committed to ensuring retirement security for Canadians whether here or abroad, and I am pleased that we are announcing coordinated benefits to both Canadians and Bulgarians,” said Minister Finley. “This Agreement represents yet another step forward in strengthening the relationship and cooperation between our two countries.”
The Social Security Agreement allows for pension benefits to be coordinated between both countries and will continue to make it easier for Canadians who have lived and worked in Bulgaria, and Bulgarians who have lived and worked in Canada, to qualify for benefits from either or both countries.
The Agreement between Canada and Bulgaria will enter into force once both countries have completed the approval procedures specified in their respective legislation. Upon the signing of this Agreement with Bulgaria, Canada has concluded 55 international social security agreements, 53 of which are in force.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
An international social security agreement provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits to eligible individuals who have lived or worked in another country, or to the surviving spouse, common-law partner or children of eligible individuals who have lived or worked in another country.
Following the signing of the Agreement with Bulgaria, Canada will have signed international social security agreements with 55 countries and 53 of those agreements are in force.
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Austria
Barbados
Belgium
Chile
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey/Guernsey
Korea
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Republic of
Macedonia
Malta
Mexico
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
St. Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
An Agreement has also been signed with Brazil, but is not yet in force.
