Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

April 7, 2015 – Gatineau, Quebec – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), issued the following statement in recognition of Caregiver Day celebrations:

Unpaid caregivers are an essential part of our communities, devoting considerable time, energy and money to help their loved ones with a variety of day-to-day tasks.

I would like to recognize all caregivers for their dedication in providing quality care, support and compassion to Canadians, particularly older Canadians and seniors.

The Government of Canada recognizes the important role of unpaid caregivers who are working while taking care of a family member or friend. Budget 2011 introduced the Family Caregiver Tax Credit, and the Government of Canada offers unpaid family caregivers a variety of supports. These include Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits, targeted measures for specific populations such as veterans and military forces, and funding for research and community-based initiatives. Our Government also launched the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan to engage with employers to find ways to better support individuals balancing work and care responsibilities.

To further support caregivers, the Government developed the Information for Caregivers section on Canada.ca/Seniors. There, caregivers can find valuable information on a variety of topics, such as care options, powers of attorney, physical health, mental health and dementia.

Please join me today in thanking caregivers across our country for their ongoing efforts and devotion in providing care and support for their loved ones.

Thank you,

The Honourable Alice Wong, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Seniors)

Quick Facts

• Caregiving refers to unpaid care provided to a family member or friend who needs help due to a chronic or long-term health condition, a disability or aging.
• As a key part of the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan, the Employer Panel for Caregivers was established to consult with employers across Canada and produce a report targeted towards employers. The report, When Work and Caregiving Collide: How Employers Can Support Their Employees Who Are Caregivers, provides employers with best practices, tools and resources for supporting employees with caregiving responsibilities.

Associated Links

• Report from the Employer Panel for Caregivers
• Information for Caregivers
• Canada.ca/Seniors

Filed under: Seniors