Agreement on Social Security between Canada and Estonia
25 Feb 2005 Peeter Bush
On February 21, 2005 The Honourable Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development signed an International Social Security Agreement on behalf of the Government of Canada with the the Republic of Estonia. Mr. Marko Pomerants, Minister of Social Affairs signed on behalf of Estonia.
Estonian Social Affairs Ministers Marko Pomerants and Canadian Minister of Social Development Ken Dryden inscribed their John Hancocks to a new Social Security Agreement this Monday in Ottawa. "This agreement on social security marks a new level in the relationship between our two countries," said Minister Dryden. "International agreements such as this put into practice our commitment to working with countries like Estonia to ensure greater income security for our citizens." Photo: Peeter Bush
It must be emphasized, however, that before the Agreement can come into force, both Canada and Estonia must obtain respective legislative approval. This has not happened, but it is anticipated that the agreement will enter into force in 2006.
The Agreement applies to Canada’s Old Age Security program and the Canada Pension Plan and the comparable Estonian pension program which provides old age, disability and survivor benefits.
Social security legislation and agreements are by their nature complex and Estonia has had a complex history during its 87 years of existence. Only limited general information became available on Social Development Canada website immediately after the signing ceremony. In particular, there is nothing shown yet for “frequently asked questions’’ nor is there a a copy of the Agreement itself. Again, please note that the Agreement is not yet in force and still requires legislative approval by both Canada and Estonia. Visit the Estonian Social Affairs Ministry website at www.sm.ee for the Estonian government perspective.
In a nutshell, you may qualify for a benefit from Canada or Estonia, or both. Under the Agreement, each country will pay a benefit based solely on your periods of contribution or periods of residence under its pension program. The Agreement has the objective of making it easier to become eligible for benefits by adding together periods of social security coverage under the programs of both countries.
If you want to apply for a benefit from Canada or Estonia under the Agreement, or if you wish more information, please contact Social Development Canada.
