January 1, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Social Security Agreement between Canada and Turkey comes into force
OTTAWA — The Honourable Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development, announced today that as of January 1, 2005, people who have lived or worked in both Canada and Turkey will find it easier to qualify for social security benefits from either country or from both.
His Excellency Michael Mace, former Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Turkey, signed the Agreement in Ankara on behalf of Canada on June 19, 1998. Since both countries have now met their legislative and administrative requirements, the agreement can now come into force.
The Agreement applies to Canada’s Old Age Security program and Canada Pension Plan, and to Turkey’s pension program.
"Canada is committed to entering into agreements with countries that offer programs comparable to our Old Age Security program and Canada Pension Plan," said Minister Dryden. "This agreement is an important step towards strengthening our relationship and the cooperation between our two countries."
Normally, to qualify for a benefit under the Turkish pension program, a person must have contributed to the system for a minimum number of years. Under the Agreement, people can add together periods of social security coverage under the schemes of both countries to help them qualify for Turkish social security benefits.
In the same way, to be eligible to receive benefits under the Canada Pension Plan, a person must have contributed to the Plan for a minimum period. To qualify for Old Age Security benefits, a person must have lived in Canada for a minimum number of years. Under this agreement, people can use periods of insurance under Turkey’s pension program to qualify for Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security benefits.
The social security agreement between Canada and Turkey also ensures that Canadian workers can contribute to the Canada Pension Plan if their employer sends them to Turkey to work temporarily. In this way, their Canada Pension Plan protection will not be interrupted. The Agreement also ensures that Canadian workers will not have to contribute to the Turkish pension program while working in Turkey.
"International agreements such as this are becoming more and more important as global economics and greater international cooperation increase mobility and migration between countries," said Minister Dryden.
To date, Canada has signed social security agreements with 46 countries.
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For more information:
Social Development Media Relations
Social Development Canada
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Website: www.sdc.gc.ca
Ref:
http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/cs/comm/sd/news/2004/041231.shtml
see also:
http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/isp/ibfa/countries/overview/turkey.shtml