A National Caregiving Strategy for Canada

In A National Caregiving Strategy for Canada, the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence outlines actionable policy solutions to transform caregiving systems, reduce financial and workplace stress and establish caregiving as a cornerstone of Canada’s health and social policies.

CCCE’s strategy focuses on five priority areas to build a sustainable and equitable caregiving system:

1. Improve supports, programs and services for caregivers
   ● Provide caregivers with financial support when and how they need it
   ● Improve caregivers’ well-being through targeted programs and services
2. Support caregivers in work and education
   ● Improve caregiver leave and benefits to reflect caregiver needs, not just end of life circumstances
   ● Provide caregivers balancing work or school with greater financial security
   ● Encourage caregiver-friendly workplace policies across federally regulated sectors
3. Strengthen Support for Care Recipients
   ● Simplify access to the Disability Tax Credit and improve the Registered Disability Savings Plan
   ● Implement an increase to benefits such as the Canada Disability Benefit and Medical Expense Tax Credit
4. Build a Sustainable Paid Care Workforce
   ● Provide living wages and protections for paid care providers
   ● Improve pathways to permanent residency for migrant care providers
5. Federal Leadership and Recognition
   ● Develop legislation that formalizes a National Caregiving Strategy and create an Advisory Council
   ● Prioritize caregiving in healthcare discussions with provinces and territories
   ● Ensure veteran and military families get the support they deserve

CCCE is a Care Economies in Context project partner.

Citation

Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence. (2025). A National Caregiving Strategy for Canada. https://canadiancaregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/National-Care-Giving-Strategy-FINAL-WEB.pdf