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) caregiver problem. Caregivers 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 caregivers around the world.
What is your country currently doing to support caregivers?
Find out all you need to know about the current state of care in Canada. Our information covers topics like legislation, working arrangement for caregivers, respite care, what your country is doing to financially support caregivers, pension credits and the information and training you have access to.
Legislation
Current practises
There is no federal legislation formally recognizing unpaid carers. The Manitoba Carer Recognition Act sets out principles and actions for government and non-government agencies to support unpaid caregrs.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.
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 Carer Benefit for Children and the Family Carer Benefit for Adults.iv
Opportunities to increase support
Support flexible workplace/educational environments that respect caregiving obligations.
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.
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 Carer 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.
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.
Information and training
Current practises
Carer 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 Carers 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]