Is long-term disability insurance the same as the Canada Pension Plan Disability?

No, long-term disability insurance, usually provided through private insurers, is not the same thing as the Canada Pension Plan disability insurance. Private insurance companies typically pay benefits based on a set percentage of your wage while disabled. 

The federal government offers the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability insurance program. The benefit amount will depend upon the period of time over which you have paid into the CPP program, in addition to meeting the CPP disability criteria.

To qualify for CPP benefits, you must prove a mental or physical disability. The disability must prevent you from doing the essential tasks of your employment, and must be considered severe and prolonged.