There is now a social security agreement between Canada and Brazil. The agreement came into force on August 1, and will allow the two countries to coordinate pension benefits and contributions for people who have lived or worked in both countries. It will harmonize the Old Age Security and Canada Pension Plan programs with comparable pension programs in Brazil.

Eligible individuals may qualify for old age, disability, and survivor benefits based on their affiliation to each country's pension system, and employees will also be able to have continuity of social security coverage when they are sent to work temporarily in the other country, eliminating situations where the employer and employee might have to contribute to two plans at the same time. For example, Canadian employees sent to work temporarily in Brazil can continue to contribute to the Canada Pension Plan and will be exempt from contributing to the Brazilian pension system.

"Our government is committed to ensuring the retirement security of Canadians whether they have lived or worked in Canada or abroad," commented Minister of Employment and Social Development Jason Kenney. "This Agreement demonstrates the continued spirit of partnership and collaboration between our two countries and recognizes the valuable contribution Brazilian-Canadians have made to making Canada stronger."