India's social security pact with Canada comes into force

[Hindustani78]

India's social security pact with Canada comes into force | Zee News
Last Updated: Monday, August 3, 2015 - 22:10

New Delhi: Employees posted by Indian establishments in Canada on a predetermined duration of up to 60 months are not required to contribute towards social security schemes in that country.

Similarly, the Canadian employees posted in India would enjoy the same benefit after producing a certificate of coverage certifying that they are contributing towards social security schemes such as PF and pension in their home country.


"In pursuance of the social security agreement (SSA) signed with Canada, Government of India has notified it...(it) has come into force with effect from August 1, 2015," the Employees Provident Fund Organisation's office order said.

As per the order, the SSA provides for detachment, totalisation and portability. Under the detachment clause, the employees of one country deputed by their employers to other country for short-term assignments are exempted from social security contributions up to a period of 60 months.

The clause would enable Indian as well as Canadian employees to avoid double social security contribution and enhance competitiveness of their products and services.

As per the government notification, EPFO has been identified as the agency to implement this SSA in India. It has also been authorised to issue certificate of coverage to employees of Indian establishment posted to Canada.

For availing this benefit, the Canadian workers are required to produce certificate of coverage, showing that they are covered under social security schemes under a statutory authority like EPFO in their country.

At present, social security agreements are operational with 14 countries -- Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Luxembourg, France, South Korea, Netherlands, Sweden, Czech epublic, Austria, Finland, Norway and Hungary.

 

[RazorMC]

Which establishments specifically? Government only or private as well?

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
04-March, 2017 11:05 IST
India-Canada Trade and Investment Relations

A bilateral meeting was held on 03-03-2017 in New Delhi between visiting Canadian Minister of International Trade, Mr. François-Philippe Champagne and Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.

The two Ministers carried forward the discussion from the bilateral meeting held on the side lines of World Economic Forum at Davos in January, 2017. The discussion focussed on expanding bilateral trade and investment between the Countries. Both the Ministers agreed to expedite the conclusion of Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The Canadian Trade Minister pointed out regarding the interest shown by Canadian Pension Funds in the Indian market and emphasised on the need for FIPA which will provide the required predictability and protection to investments. Addressing the issues of MFN, ratchet, ISDS etc. raised by the Canadian side, the Commerce Minister, Smt. Sitharaman clarified that the negotiation should not get lost in peripheral issues and should focus on bringing in promotion and protection elements, which provide stability and predictability to investments in each other’s country. She said that India has approved the model text as a template and the negotiation under FIPA should go forward in accordance with the model text. However, both sides should remain flexible to incorporate the essential elements of investment protection while negotiating the Agreement.

The Commerce and Industry Minister, Smt. Sitharaman also raised the issue of reforms in the Temporary Foreign Workers Programme (TWFP) which has been made more stringent by Canada and which adversely impacts the services trade from India. She discussed the importance of the ease of movement for intra-company transferees on short term visa for filling in certain crucial and specialized activities. She gave example of a few Indian companies who have made investments in Canada but are finding it difficult to source key employees from India as intra-company transferees. The Canadian Trade Minister assured that a number of steps have been taken to facilitate the ease of movement for professionals into Canada. He described the recent initiative under the Global Skill Strategy Programme wherein the visa application for high skilled technicians, Professors, Researchers etc. will be disposed of within two weeks’ time. Similarly, for professionals visiting for less than a year, a fast track process is being set up which will be similar to a concierge service. This will be extended to companies invested in Canada on a priority basis.

Both the Ministers agreed that the present trade which is in the range of $ 8 billion is much below its potential and there is a need to conclude CEPA in a time bound manner for ensuring higher levels of trade in goods and services. They directed the respective Chief Negotiators on both sides to agree on a time line and conclude it as per the agreed time line.

The Canadian Trade Minister raised the issue of the fumigation requirement for the pulses being imported into India and the need for a resolution to the issue. The Commerce and Industry Minister assured to look into the issue in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture. Smt. Sitharaman also raised the issue of organic equivalence to India’s National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The Trade Minister from Canada agreed to take up this issue with the Canadian Agriculture Ministry.

Both the Ministers also discussed the potential benefit of business to business interface and, therefore, the importance of CEO Forum to provide the required perspective for improvement in bilateral trade and investment. While the Indian side of the CEO Forum has been reconstituted, the Canadian side will have to reconstitute the Forum. It was agreed by the Trade Minister of Canada to reconstitute the CEO Forum by the end of March. Both the Ministers agreed on ensuring that the business leaders from both sides should meet at the earliest and provide key inputs for furthering our bilateral relationship.

Both sides also agreed for better mutual cooperation on issues of common interest at the International Fora. Both the Ministers resolved to take forward the momentum for enhanced bilateral trade.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Science & Technology
12-April, 2017 18:37 IST
Indo-Canadian Science Programme on Clean Water Technology

The Department of Biotechnology and Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology are collaborating with The India-Canada Centre for Innovation Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability (IC-IMPACTS), to promote multidisciplinary research partnerships. Five projects addressing the issue of Clean Water Technologies are being implemented by the Departments at the total cost of Rs. 572 lakhs with matched funding from Canada.


The following technologies are being developed and envisaged as outcomes:


i) Biosensors for detection of toxins:- impedance-based handheld biosensors for assessment of the water quality and a nanoparticle based water treatment system to eliminate toxins and microorganisms in water. Toxins which will be detected are cyanotoxin (microcystins, anatoxins) and microorganisms (Enterococcus, Salmonella, Staphylococcus).


ii) Heavy metal detection and removal :

Plastic cartridges for color based test monitoring kit for detection of multiplex heavy metal

Developing fixed bed biochar columns to remove heavy metals from waste water


iii) Biorecovery from waste water ( waste to wealth) :- Integrated pilot-scale 915 MHz MW-AOP for advanced anaerobic digestion system for resource recovery


iv) Survey to identify and explore alternatives in domestic water management:- technology and financial appropriateness of water and wastewater infrastructure in selected cities of India


These Technologies are currently being developed with the aim that these technologies will be implemented in India. Prior art is available for the technologies being developed. The technologies are being adapted and modified for Indian conditions. Technologies developed will be taken for feasibility studies and shall be implemented on pilot scale within two years.

This information was given by Minister of State for Ministry of Science & Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences Shri Y.S.Chowdary in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.


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[kadamba-warrior]

Which establishments specifically? Government only or private as well?

I guess it is for both since both of them are subjected to similar taxation in the other country.

Besides, the number of government employees working in the other country might be very small (possibly <100).

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of National Defence, Canada, Mr. Harjit Singh Sajjan laying wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, in New Delhi on April 18, 2017.

The Minister of National Defence, Canada, Mr. Harjit Singh Sajjan reviewing the Tri-Services Guard of Honour, in New Delhi on April 18, 2017.

The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley in one-to-one talks with the Minister of National Defence, Canada, Mr. Harjit Singh Sajjan, in New Delhi on April 18, 2017.

The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley and the Minister of National Defence, Canada, Mr. Harjit Singh Sajjan at the delegation level talks, in New Delhi on April 18, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
30-June, 2017 13:50 IST
President of India’s message on the eve of 150th anniversary of formation of Canada

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of Canada on the eve of the 150th anniversary of the formation of Canada (July 01, 2017).

In a message to His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, the Governor-General of Canada, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you, to the Government and the people of Canada on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the formation of Canada.

The strategic partnership between India and Canada is based on shared values of democracy, pluralism, rule of law and strong people-to-people contacts. In recent years, the partnership has expanded to include co-operation in new areas of common interests – such as energy, nuclear and space.

India remains committed to working with the Government and people of Canada to further strengthen and expand our co-operation for our mutual benefit and a better world.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and well-being as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Canada”.


*****

AKT/HS/SBP

 

[Hindustani78]

Cabinet
30-August, 2017 14:51 IST
Cabinet apprised of jointly issue of postage stamps between India and Canada

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was informed today that India and Canada have mutually agreed to jointly issue a set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps on India-Canada: Joint Issue on the theme "Diwali". The joint stamps will be released on 21st September, 2017. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed signed between Department of Posts and Canada Post for this joint issue.

India and Canada have a longstanding close relationship, based on shared values of democracy, pluralism, equality for all and rule of law. Strong people-to-people contacts and the presence of a large Indian Diaspora in Canada provide a strong foundation for the relationship.

In this joint issue, the theme "Diwali" has been selected as it is a cultural theme for both the countries and also considering the large presence of Indian Diaspora in Canada.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

Department of Atomic Energy
21-September, 2017 16:56 IST
Canadian delegation discusses uranium and nuclear energy collaboration with Dr Jitendra Singh

A high-level Canadian delegation comprising Mr Brian Parrott from the High Commission of Canada and Mr James A. Dovchuk, President, Cameco called on the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here yesterday and discussed with him various aspects of uranium and nuclear/atomic energy collaboration with India. They acknowledged and complimented the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India for having distinguished itself as an internationally known Uranium and nuclear/atomic energy establishment.

Dr Jitendra Singh referred to traditional friendly relations between India and Canada which, he said, made it far more comfortable and easy for the two nations to collaborate at different levels and in different areas. He expressed the hope that in future, the overall collaboration between the two nations is bound to gain more momentum and this will also be visible in the field of nuclear/atomic energy.

Reiterating India’s commitment for use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes, Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the extension of the atomic energy applications to diverse areas in recent years. He said, not only is the nuclear energy emerging as one of the most important and clean sources to meet the rising energy needs of India, but is now also being utilized for other socially relevant purposes like, for example irradiation of agricultural and food products, etc.



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The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh meeting a Canadian delegation which called on to discuss the uranium and nuclear energy collaboration between the two countries, in New Delhi on September 20, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The High Commissioner of Canada to India, Mr. Nadir Patel calling on the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, in New Delhi on October 11, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
12-November, 2017 15:00 IST
4th India-Canada Annual Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi Tomorrow

A high level delegation led by the Canadian International Trade Minister, Mr. François-Philippe Champagne is visiting India to attend the 4th Annual Ministerial Dialogue (AMD) scheduled to begin tomorrow in New Delhi. The Indian delegation will be led by the Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Suresh Prabhu.

In the current round of the Ministerial Dialogue, India and Canada would be focusing on some of the key commercial drivers to enhance the India-Canada partnership. Efforts would be made to work towards the expeditious conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for a progressive, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement covering both goods and services. Considering the high potential for bilateral trade, the trade ministers of both countries are likely to discuss issues to explore ways of expediting the early conclusion of the CEPA and the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). They would also explore options for Indian interests in addressing the Temporary Foreign Workers Programme (TWFP) of Canada, which is affecting the movement of Indian professionals seeking short term visas, address equivalence by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for Indian organic product exports and exploring two way investment opportunities.

India has long standing friendly bilateral relations with Canada. Though geographically separated by a large distance, the historical ties between the two countries date back to the late 19th Century, when Indians began migrating in small numbers to British Columbia in Canada. Canada now has over 1.2 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), comprising more than 3 percent of its population. Though India’s commercial ties with US have seen an upswing in the last few years, trade and investment relations between India and Canada are yet to realise their full potential. Given enormous complementarities, a concerted effort to boost bilateral trade and investment from both sides would provide a fruitful outcome.

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[Hindustani78]

The Minister of International Trade, Canada, Mr. Francois Philippe Champagne and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Mr. Navdeep Singh Bains call on the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley, in New Delhi on November 13, 2017.

The Minister of International Trade, Canada, Mr. Francois Philippe Champagne and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Mr. Navdeep Singh Bains call on the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley, in New Delhi on November 13, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu and the Minister for International Trade, Mr. Francois-Philippe Champagne during the 4th Annual India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment, in New Delhi on November 13, 2017. The Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Commerce & Industry, Shri C.R. Chaudhary is also seen.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Mr. Navdeep Singh Bains meeting the Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, in New Delhi on November 13, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Mr. Navdeep Singh Bains at the inauguration of the India-Canada Technology Summit, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Mr. Navdeep Singh Bains at the inauguration of the India-Canada Technology Summit, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Mr. Navdeep Singh Bains at the inauguration of the India-Canada Technology Summit, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017. The Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan addressing at the inauguration of the India-Canada Technology Summit, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan addressing at the inauguration of the India-Canada Technology Summit, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017. The Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Mr. Navdeep Singh Bains, at the delegation level meeting, during the inauguration of the India-Canada Technology Summit, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

Ministry of Science & Technology
14-November, 2017 17:23 IST
India and Canada Technology Summit opens a new chapter of industrial research and innovation cooperation

India and Canada opened a new chapter in their bilateral relationship with the start of a two-day India-Canada Technology Summit in New Delhi today. The Summit, organized jointly by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was inaugurated by Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Mr. Navdeep Singh Bains.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that “as partners in the 21st century knowledge economy, this Technology Summit reinforces our common belief in the power of science and technology in contributing to the present and future strategic Indo-Canadian partnership”.

A new call for joint projects under the Indo-Canadian Industrial R&D programme was also announced on this occasion. Industry led joint R&D projects that have significant potential for commercialisation leading to product or process development in the areas of advanced manufacturing, clean technologies, smart cities and food and agro technologies will be supported by DST from India and the National Research Council of Canada.

The two Ministers also announced a new mobility based student internship program that will foster research and industrial linkages by promoting cross-border cooperation under support of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) of DST and MITACS of Canada. The new phase of India Canada - IMPACTS program between DST and NSERC, Canada, was announced to promote multidisciplinary research partnerships aimed to deliver practical solutions through application of science and technology.

Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Navdeep Bains is leading the large business delegation to participate at the event. The 175-member Canadian delegation also include Mr. Francois Champagne, Canadian Ministers of International Trade and Mr. Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, besides large number of industries and academic institutions.

Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Professor Ashutosh Sharma, and Dr. B. Mario Pinto, President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), signed an MoU that will facilitate continued innovative partnerships between Canadian and Indian researchers.

The themes for the Technology Summit highlight a broad range of research and innovations areas where India and Canada have common interests. These cover, Advanced Manufacturing, Intelligent Transport Systems, Aviation, and Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, Data Sciences, Agricultural Technology, Clean Energy & Clean Technologies. A particular focus of the Summit is highlighting the role of women in science and business as well as promoting the start-up and incubator communities in India and Canada. The Canadian and Indian companies for the Tech Summit include world class innovators and technologies that have potential to forge new knowledge-market-economy connect at bilateral level. Sixty smart technologies were also showcased as a part of the exhibition.

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[Hindustani78]

The Minister of Transport, Canada, Mr. Marc Garneau meeting the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

The Minister of Transport, Canada, Mr. Marc Garneau meeting the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari with the Minister of Transport, Canada, Mr. Marc Garneau, in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.