The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a mandatory, contributory pension program that provides retirement income to working Canadians who have contributed during their careers. Employees and employers each contribute a percentage of earnings up to an annual maximum, with self-employed workers paying both portions. Benefits are based on contribution history—those who contributed more and longer receive larger pensions. CPP provides retirement pensions, disability benefits, survivor benefits, and death benefits. The plan operates outside of regular government budgets through the CPP Investment Board, which manages the fund. Quebec has its own parallel plan, the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP). CPP is a foundational element of Canada's retirement income system.