As a pan-Canadian coalition of autism organizations, Autistic people, family members, service providers, clinicians and researchers, Autism Alliance of Canada endorses the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence’s (CCCE) call for a National Caregiving Strategy, a call on the federal government to address Canada’s growing caregiving crisis. The strategy 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.
The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE), in collaboration with caregivers, care providers, and experts across Canada – including Autism Alliance of Canada – has released a National Caregiving Strategy calling on the federal government to address Canada’s growing caregiving crisis. The strategy outlines actionable policy solutions to transform caregiving systems, reduce financial and workplace burdens 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 in Canada:
1. Improve supports, programs and services for caregivers
1.1 Provide caregivers with financial support when and how they need it
1.2 Improve caregivers’ well-being through targeted programs and services
2. Support caregivers in work and education
2.1 Improve caregiver leave and benefits to reflect caregiver needs, not just end of life circumstances
2.2 Provide caregivers balancing work or school with greater financial security
2.3 Encourage caregiver-friendly workplace policies across federally regulated sectors
3. Strengthen Support for Care Recipients
3.1 Simplify access to the Disability Tax Credit and improve the Registered Disability Savings Plan
3.2 Implement an increase to benefits such as the Canada Disability Benefit and Medical Expense Tax Credit
4. Build a Sustainable Paid Care Workforce
4.1 Provide living wages and protections for paid care providers
4.2 Improve pathways to permanent residency for migrant care providers
5. Federal Leadership and Recognition
5.1 Develop legislation that formalizes a National Caregiving Strategy and create an Advisory Council
5.2 Prioritize caregiving in healthcare discussions with provinces and territories
5.3 Ensure veteran and military families get the support they deserve
“Caregivers in Canada are in crisis, but solutions exist to make this universal experience better for everyone. Our strategy provides a clear path for our government to take action and to ensure caregivers across Canada receive the support they deserve.”
Designed as a roadmap for the federal government to fulfill its commitment to developing a much-needed National Caregiving Strategy, as outlined in Budget 2024, the report was co-created through extensive consultations with thousands of caregivers, care providers and policy experts across Canada, including Autism Alliance of Canada, and reflects the lived experiences of those on the frontlines of caregiving.
It also emphasizes a comprehensive continuum of care, ensuring individuals receive the right level of support at every stage of their journey while recognizing the reciprocal nature of many caregiving relationships.
“As a network with a broad and diverse membership that includes caregivers from across Canada, Autism Alliance of Canada is committed to collaborating with organizations like the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence. The release of the National Caregivers Strategy provides hope to caregivers that actionable policy solutions can move the needle forward in building a caregiving system that is supportive and addresses the barriers.”
To download a full copy of CCCE’s National Caregiving Strategy please click here.