PILLAR FOUR

Ensuring that the Family and Friends of Older Canadians who Provide Unpaid Care for their Loved ones are Acknowledged and Supported

In Canada, family and friends are the greatest source of ongoing care for older people. As the number of older Canadians with chronic health conditions increases, unpaid caregiver support will become even more important. It is estimated that unpaid caregivers provided $9 billion in care in 2019 to Canada’s publicly funded health care systems, which is expected to increase to $27 billion by 2050. The continued dedication and contribution of caregivers provides a greater level of care and independent living options for older people. However, unpaid caregivers face an enormous toll on their personal health, well-being, and finances. Their commitment to caregiving also significantly impacts Canada’s economic productivity. Providing support and recognition to meet the needs of current and future caregivers will not only keep Canada’s health and long-term care systems more sustainable, it will also ensure that our national economic productivity can be improved and strengthened.

The federal government can work with Canada’s provinces and territories to enable this pillar and associated activities in a variety of ways:

Ensuring Unpaid Caregivers and Older Adults are Supported in the Workplace

Ensuring Canadian employers are informed about and have access to the tools that can help them better support the growing ranks of unpaid caregivers will enhance overall economic productivity. Recognizing employers who excel in supporting unpaid caregivers can further bring positive attention to this important issue. Read more on this opportunity in Evidence Brief #13.

Ensuring Unpaid Caregivers are Not Unnecessarily Penalized Financially for Taking on Caregiving Roles

Ensuring Canadian unpaid caregivers are not unnecessarily penalized financially for taking on caregiving roles can be further supported through enhanced job protection measures, caregiver tax credits, and new CPP/QPP contribution allowances. Read more on this opportunity in Evidence Brief #14.