Canada current state of care

Now more than ever, governments, public entities, the private sector and all citizens have roles to play in addressing the family (unpaid) carer problem. Carers should not have to face these hardships and inequities alone. As a society, we can help them, together. See why we need to provide more structured support and help from our key findings and insights directly from carers around the world.

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What is your country currently doing to support carers?

Find out all you need to know about the current state of care in Canada. Our information covers topics like legislation, working arrangement for carers, respite care, what your country is doing to financially support carers, pension credits and the information and training you have access to.

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Legislation

Current practises

There is no federal legislation formally recognizing unpaid carers. The Manitoba Caregiver Recognition Act sets out principles and actions for government and non-government agencies to support unpaid carers.i

Opportunities to increase support

Safeguard the health and well-being of unpaid carers by ensuring they are formally recognized and their needs are identified and supported through specific assessment tools.

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Working arrangements

Current practises

Canadian law prohibits discrimination based on a person’s family caregiving responsibilities. Federally regulated employees have job protection while they are receiving caregiving benefits and the right to request more flexible work arrangements. The Employment Insurance Act entitles employees to three different income benefits: the Compassionate Care Benefit, the Family Caregiver Benefit for Children and the Family Caregiver Benefit for Adults.iv

Opportunities to increase support

Support flexible workplace/educational environments that respect caregiving obligations.

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Respite care

Current practises

Respite care is provided through publicly funded home care programs administered by each province and territory. These programs provide in-home respite services. Facility-based respite and adult day programs enable unpaid carers to take extended time away.vi

Opportunities to increase support

Provide adequate support and access to flexible respite.

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Financial support

Current practises

Although unpaid carers are not formally recognized, financial supports are available. The Caregiving Recognition Benefit is for those caring for veterans. The Canada Caregiver Credit is a tax credit.ii Nova Scotia provides direct allowances.iii

Opportunities to increase support

Minimize excessive financial burden placed on unpaid carers through a range of options that alleviate out-of- pocket expenses and address reduced income due to employment loss.

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Pension credits

Current practises

The Canadian Pension Plan offers protection against periods where individuals may have low or zero earnings for a variety of reasons, including to provide care to a family member.v

Opportunities to increase support

Increase pension contributions for employees who need to leave the workplace to provide care.

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Information and training

Current practises

Caregiver Readiness is a national informational campaign through the Canadian federal government consisting of user- friendly tip sheets, checklists and a video.

Opportunities to increase support

Enable unpaid carers to access user friendly information and education. Fund research and knowledge dissemination as a foundation for evidence-informed decision making.

References

i The Change Foundation. (2016). Legislation Supporting Family Caregivers in Canadian Jurisdictions and Selected International Jurisdictions. Page 4.

ii Carers Canada. (2017). Advancing Collective Priorities, A Canadian Carer Strategy. Page 6. http://www.carerscanada.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2018/03/Advancing-Collective-Priorities_web3.pdf. [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]

iii Carers Canada. (2017). Advancing Collective Priorities, A Canadian Carer Strategy. Page 16. http://www.carerscanada.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2018/03/Advancing-Collective-Priorities_web3.pdf [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]

iv Carers Canada. (2017). Advancing Collective Priorities, A Canadian Carer Strategy. Page 7. http://www.carerscanada.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2018/03/Advancing-Collective-Priorities_web3.pdf [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]

v Government of Canada. (2017). Canada Pension Plan. Page 1. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-benefit/eligibility. html. [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]

vi Canadian Home Care Association. (2013). Portraits of Home Care in Canada. Page 20. http://www.cdnhomecare.ca/content.php?doc=293 [Date Accessed: 18 July 2018]

GL-NONPR-00329 [September 2022]

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