Public Safety Canada and the Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 25, 2026, to strengthen bilateral cooperation on public safety and security. The agreement establishes a framework for both nations to prevent, detect, and combat transnational crime, including human trafficking, financial crime, money laundering, cybercrime, terrorism, and the illicit trafficking of firearms and drugs. This partnership reinforces Canada's position as a reliable security partner and follows new engagements established during the Prime Minister's visit to Doha in January 2026.

The MOU facilitates arrangements between competent authorities, specifically the Qatar National Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), to advance police-to-police cooperation. Both countries intend to strengthen collaboration through regular virtual and in-person meetings and exchanges between security personnel. The agreement came into effect upon signature and will remain valid for five years, with the possibility of renewal by mutual written consent.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The Memorandum of Understanding outlines several shared public safety priorities:

• Transnational Crime: Joint efforts to prevent and detect cross-border criminal activities.
• Financial Crimes: Collaboration to combat money laundering and financial crime.
• Cybersecurity: Cooperation on addressing cybercrime threats.
• Terrorism: Measures to counter terrorism and its financing.
• Trafficking: Initiatives to stop the illicit trafficking of firearms and drugs.

Agreement Details

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, emphasized the importance of international partnerships in keeping Canadians safe. He stated that the MOU will enhance the collective ability to prevent crime, protect communities, and promote security through improved collaboration between law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Nearly two-thirds of Canadians under the age of 35 say they would consider changing jobs if a new employer offered a defined benefit (DB) pension plan, according to new research by the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan and Abacus Data. The findings highlight how young workers view workplace pensions as a competitive advantage for employers amid economic uncertainty regarding housing and the cost of living. With an aging population and growing demand for healthcare workers, the survey suggests access to a DB pension could play a critical role in attracting and retaining talent in that sector.

The 2026 Canadian Retirement Survey indicates that 65% of respondents aged 18-34 would switch employers for a DB pension or a better pension plan than they currently have. Furthermore, 63% of younger Canadians said they might relocate to another community to access a job with a DB pension. This willingness to move is particularly relevant for healthcare organizations in rural or underserved communities seeking to strengthen staffing.

Key Survey Findings

The research, which included a general sample of 2,000 Canadians and a separate sample of 803 healthcare workers, revealed strong preferences for pension security. A vast majority of Canadians, including healthcare workers, would choose to pay 9% of their salary—with employer contributions—into a DB pension plan for a secure lifetime income.

Retirement Preparedness and Economic Anxiety

The survey also highlighted significant financial anxiety and a lack of retirement preparedness among Canadians. More than half of respondents (57%) cited living paycheque to paycheque as a primary reason for not saving for retirement. Additionally, 43% of respondents felt they may never be able to retire due to their financial situation, while 50% said they would need to continue working during their retirement years.

Among homeowners, 41% plan to rely on the sale of their home for retirement funding, yet 60% are worried about paying off their mortgages in time to retire as planned. For respondents aged 18-34 who do not own a home, 71% felt higher interest rates would impact their ability to buy a home in the future, and 84% expressed concern about rising rent costs.

Implications for Employers

Jennifer Rook, HOOPP’s Vice President of Government, Regulatory and Stakeholder Affairs, noted that pensions are becoming a key differentiator in the competition for talent. "In uncertain economic times, young workers are looking for employers that provide long-term peace of mind," Rook said. "Access to a defined benefit pension offers that kind of security."

David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, emphasized that younger workers are actively seeking employers offering long-term financial security. "In today's economy, pensions are no longer just a retirement benefit—they're becoming a competitive advantage for employers," Coletto said.