Lögberg-Heimskringla - 15.07.1988, Blaðsíða 5

LÖGBERG CENTENNIAL YEAR, FÖSTUDAGUR 15. JÚLÍ 1988-5
and Iceland social
Canada
Continued from Page 4
need of social security agreements as
any country in Western Europe.
Thus, in 1977, following the enact-
ments to the Old Age Security Act,
Canada began to conclude social
security agreements.
We have been working quickly in
the last eleven years to make up for
lost time. This agreement with
Iceland is our twentieth. Since be-
coming Minister of National Health
and Welfare in 1984, I have had the
honour to sign thirteen social securi-
ty agreements on Canada's behalf. I
might note that the agreement with
Iceland will be our fifth with a Nor-
dic country and, I am glad to say, I
have signed all of the others with
Denmark, Finland, Norway and
Sweden.
The Agreement on Social Security
between Canada and Iceland will
make it easier for persons in Canada
who have lived in Iceland after
reaching age 16 to receive Icelandic
old age, invalidity, surviving spouse's
and orphan's pensions. Similarly, the
Agreement will make it easier for
persons in Iceland who have spent
part of their adult lives in Canada to
receive the comparable Canadian
benefits.
Admittedly, the number of persons
who will be affected by the Agree-
ment will be relatively smqil. This is
not surprising, given the size of
Iceland's population and the reduced
level of immigration between our
two countries in the last four dec-
ades. What must be kept in mind,
however, is the importance the
Agreement will have for each of the
individuals who, through it, will be
able to establish entitlement to
benefits which they would not other-
wise receive. It is with these people
in mind, and for their sake, that the
Agreement has been concluded.
The Agreement on Social Security
which we have just signed is a con-
crete manifestation of the commit-
ment of the Governments of Canada
and of Iceland to enhancing the so-
cial security protection available to
all our citizens. It is also a clear
demonstration of the close friendship
which has linked our two countries
for many years, and which, I hope,
will grow even stronger and closer in
the future.
On behaif of all Canadians — and
especially on behalf of the Canadians
of Icelandic origin who have joined
us here today — I want to thank you
and your wife, Mr. Minister, and all
the members of your party, for com-
ing to Gimli and allowing us to par-
ticipate in this historic event."
This is a list of benefits covered in
the agreement.
CANADIAN OLD AGE
SECURITY BENEFITS
• The Old Age Security Pension
• The Guaranteed Income
Supplement
• The Spouse's Allowance
• Calculating Old Age Security
Benefits Under the Agreement
• Payment of Old Age Security
Benefits
CANADA PENSION PLAN
BENEFITS
• The Canada Pension Plan
Retirement Pension
• Canada Pension Plan Disability
Benefits
• Canada Pension Plan Survivors'
Benefits
security
• Calculating Canada Pension Plan
Benefits Under the Agreément
• Payment of Canada Pension Plan
Benefits
ICELANDIC BENEFITS
INCLUDED IN THE
AGREEMENT
• Old Age Pension
• Invalidity Pension
• Survivors' Benefits
• Child Pension
• Calculating Icelandic Benefits
Under the Agreement
• Payment of Icelandic Benefits
Icelandic National League
executive meeting
Preparing to sign the agreement.
The INL executive met at Gimli
June 5. A committee of Neil Bardal,
Elva Simundsson, Oli Narfason and
Dennis Sigurdson were appointed to
proceed with the staffing action in
connection with appointment of an
Executive Secretary.
At a meeting with Russell Barton
from the office of the Secretary of
State, Sigurlin Roed and Dennis
Sigurdson reported. He urged that
the 1989 application for the conven-
tion and the application for the office
be amalgamated. He also emphasized
there was strength in numbers, and
that all the Icelandic Organizations in
Canada should speak with one voice
when applying for operating and
project grants.
The scholarship committee report-
ed Tristin Tergesen has been cliosen
as the recipient of the University of
Iceland Scholarship. The slate of ap-
plicants was excellent, and the task
had not been an easy one.
The treasurer reported a bank
balance of $42,408.88.
A brochure from the Manitoba
Museum of Man and Nature outlin-
ing an ethno-cultural display to be
presented at the Rotunda of the Via
Rail station in Winnipeg during Oct.
was given over to Jack Bjornson to
act on. He will look after the Ice-
landic-Canadian section of the
project.
Elva Simundsson reported having
been in contact with Eric Stefanson
of Elfros. He is seeking provincial
funding. Eric is checking out accom-
modation in Wynyard for the next
convention to be held in 1989. Eric
and Elva discussed a workshop
theme and have suggested "The
League's vision for the future." The
executive agreed in principle. Elva
will pu^ together a pre-planning
report, including further develop-
ments.
Oli Narfason reported on the Cana-
dian Ethnocultural Council's Biennial
Assembly held at Ottawa. He was ac-
companied by Elva Simundsson and
George Pattern. The report will ap-
pear in Lögberg Heimskringla.
1902 news
from Lögberg
The Winnipeg Street Railway is
going to extend street car service on
Portage Ave., all the way west to Sil-
ver Heights this summer, to be com-
pleted in June.
* * *
Petur Jonsson from Siglunes, P.Q
dropped in. He is returning from a
visit to the Argyle District where he
has been visiting old friends. He
came from Iceland last year.
* * *
The City Council passed a motion
nine to eight, to permit street cars to
operate on Sunday.
The signing of the agreement.
Þjóðræknisfélag íslendinga í Vesturheimi
FORSETI: NEIL BARDAL
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Support Icelandic Culture and Heritage
by joining your local chapter, or write to:
THE ICELANDIC NATIONAL LEAGUE
The Scandinavian Centre,
764 Erin St., Winnipeg., MB. R3G 2W4
Telephone (204) 783-0726