Moldova and Canada signed a social security deal allowing Moldovans to combine work periods for pensions
The Republic of Moldova and Canada have signed a Social Security Agreement, a document that establishes social protection mechanisms for individuals who have worked or reside in either country. Under this agreement, citizens will be able to receive pensions and other social benefits calculated to include periods of work completed in both countries.
The document, signed together with the Administrative Arrangement for its implementation, establishes a framework for cooperation between the two countries in the field of social security and regulates the granting of social benefits to eligible individuals.
Under the provisions of the agreement, citizens will be able to receive old-age pensions, disability pensions due to general health conditions, and disability allowances resulting from work accidents or occupational diseases, as well as survivor’s pensions.
The agreement also allows for the totalization of insurance periods completed in both the Republic of Moldova and Canada. This means that if an individual does not meet the minimum contribution period required to receive a pension in one country, periods of work in both countries can be combined, and the beneficiary will receive a pension proportional to the contributions paid in each country.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Republic of Moldova by the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru, and on behalf of Canada by the Secretary of State for Seniors, Stephanie McLean.
Following the signing, both countries will initiate the necessary internal procedures for the document's ratification. The Administrative Arrangement will enter into force simultaneously with the agreement and will remain in effect for the duration of the agreement.
Currently, the Republic of Moldova has social security agreements with 20 countries, 18 of which are already in force for the establishment of social rights.
According to the 2021 Canadian census, over 20,000 Canadian citizens reported Moldovan origins, and Canadian authorities estimate that between 40,000 and 50,000 people of Moldovan descent live in Canada. The largest communities are in Montreal and Toronto, with smaller groups in Calgary and Vancouver.
