Please note that the following document, although believed to be correct at the time of issue, may not represent the current position of the Department.
Prenez note que ce document, bien qu'exact au moment émis, peut ne pas représenter la position actuelle du ministère.
March 10, 2000
XXXXXXXXXX
Dear XXXXXXXXXX:
Thank you for your letter of October 19, 1999, concerning the eligibility of former Atlantic Groundfish Strategy recipients for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits.
The cod fishing moratorium introduced in 1992 resulted in several federal aid programs for individuals who lost their employment as a result of the fishing reduction: the Northern Cod Adjustment and Recovery Programs (NCARP), The Atlantic Groundfish Strategy (TAGS) and the most recently approved Atlantic Fishery Restructuring and Adjustment Measures. Self-employed fishers have also been recipients of compensation for lost income. Approximately 24,000 employees and 16,000 self-employed individuals are involved.
The amounts received by former employees are taxable as other income under the Income Tax Act and are not eligible under CPP legislation for coverage. No contributions are required or possible.
Under current CPP legislation, an individual is entitled to disability benefits if he or she has contributed to the CPP in at least four of the last six years. Prior to 1998, the CPP legislation provided that an individual was entitled to disability benefits if there were contributions to the CPP in two of the last three years or in five of the last ten years.
Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) is studying the interaction between programs such as TAGS and the CPP and the broader issues raised. HRDC is continuing to administer the CPP program according to the current legislation, while proceeding with a full study to determine if changing eligibility for the CPP is workable long-term. The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency will continue to coordinate its efforts with HRDC and the Department of Finance to develop an acceptable solution for the future.
I trust that you will find my comments helpful.
Yours sincerely,
Martin Cauchon
C.C. Minister's Office Political Assistant
K.Power
957-2082
February 9,2000
Finalized Feb. 28/00 ACing