Before most of us have sipped our first cup of coffee, millions of Canadians are already deep into their second shift — helping aging parents dress, feeding partners recovering from surgery, or coaxing children with complex needs through the morning routine. They manage prescriptions, book appointments, and battle with insurance companies— often while holding down full-time jobs.
Caregiving touches every Canadian family. Today, one in four Canadians is a caregiver. Half of us will be at some point in our lives. Despite being the quiet backbone of our health and social systems, caregivers are overlooked, overworked, and under-supported.
Paid care providers too, are stretched thin—facing low wages, high turnover, and burnout, which jeopardizes care across the country.
Caregiving is not a burden. It is a fundamental part of being human. But love alone isn’t enough. Canada needs a strategy.
Caregiving is a national responsibility.
After hearing from thousands of Canadians, the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, a program of the Azrieli Foundation, released A National Caregiving Strategy for Canada, a clear, achievable roadmap outlining what needs to change, including:
- Financial Relief through a caregiver allowance and tax credits
- Workplace Flexibility with protected, paid leave
- Improved Access to Disability Benefits
- Fair Pay and Labour Protections for care providers
- Federal Leadership to make care a real national priority
This isn’t just a care issue. It’s an economic issue. A gender equity issue. A health system issue. And it’s a question of national values. With a new federal government in place, now is the moment to act.
Over 12,000 Canadians have added their voice to the Act on Care campaign. We invite you to add yours at canadiancaregiving.org/act.
Want to be part of the change? Join us at the Canadian Caregiving Summit, November 3–4.
Learn more and register at canadiancaregivingsummit.ca.
