Caregiver Coalition applauds Liberal promise to caregivers

OTTAWA, Oct. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Caregiver Coalition (CCC) applauds the announcement today by Mr. Ignatieff who committed that his government would support family caregivers faced with extraordinary financial challenges as a result of their caregiving responsibilities.

"This is wonderful news for the millions of caregivers across the country who struggle to make ends meet while fulfilling their most important obligation of supporting their loved ones at home," said Nadine Henningsen, CCC President. "Financial support and job security for those who must take time off work is a critical component of effective policy for family caregivers", Henningsen added.

There is a role for all levels of government and sectors of society to support family caregivers, which is expressed in the CCC's Caregiving Strategy. Today the federal Liberals under the leadership of Michael Ignatieff have launched the discussion that must be had as to how we can collectively and individually take measures to support family caregivers, providing them the safety net they require in demanding circumstances. The CCC's Caregiving Strategy includes the following elements:

    
    -   Safeguarding the health and wellbeing of family caregivers and
        increasing the flexibility and availability of respite care
    -   Minimizing excessive financial burden placed on family caregivers
    -   Enabling access to user friendly information and education
    -   Creating flexible workplace environments that respect caregiving
        obligations
    -   Investing in research on family caregiving as a foundation for
        evidence-informed decision making
    

The CCC will continue to work with all parties to advance policy for all family caregivers in Canada.

About the Canadian Caregiver Coalition

The Canadian Caregiver Coalition is a diverse group of national and provincial organizations from across Canada that works collaboratively to represent and promote the needs and interests of family caregivers with all levels of government, and the community. The vision of the Canadian Caregiver Coalition is a Canada that recognizes and respects the integral role of family caregivers in society, and supports this role with the understanding that it is not a substitute for public responsibility in health and social care.

For further information: Nadine Henningsen, President, Canadian Caregiver Coalition, 905-361-3277; www.ccc-ccan.ca