Federal Government Recognizes Valuable Role of Women Caregiving

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Caregiver Coalition (CCC) applauds the Harper Government for their commitment to improve the economic security of women caregivers. The funding announced on December 15^th by the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Canada's Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, for a new initiative lead by Alberta Caregiver Association will ensure that supportive and inclusive work environments will be created for women caregivers.

Family caregivers are 'family members and other significant people, as identified by the care recipient, who provide care and assistance to individuals living with a debilitating physical, mental or cognitive condition.'  They provide a variety of support, including house maintenance, coordinating appointments, transportation, managing finances, helping with medical treatments, and providing personal care.  "A family caregiver's effort, understanding, and compassion enables care recipients to have the quality of life they deserve", stated Nadine Henningsen, CCC President.

Unfortunately, caregiving is not without a cost and can have a significant impact on every aspect of a caregiver's life. The costs of caregiving are even greater for Canadian women, who make up 54% of caregivers. Statistics Canada reported that women caregivers, compared to their male counterparts, are more likely to spend 20 or more hours per week on caregiving tasks. As most of these caregivers are mid-life baby boomers who are still in the paid workforce, many of them find themselves curtailing their paid work in various ways. They are often forced into early retirement, reduced work hours, or even utilizing sick or vacation days to accommodate the caregiving needs of their loved one. This results in further implications to their pension entitlements and the amount they can save for retirement. 

The support for women caregivers in the workforce will not only impact caregivers who deserve to be recognized and supported, but also patients, employees, and our economic and health care system at large.  The CCC looks forward to work with the Federal Government and Alberta Caregiver Association to help maximize caregiver's labour market participation and identify promising workplace policies and practices that support caregivers.

About the Canadian Caregiver Coalition

Established in 2000, the Canadian Caregiver Coalition (CCC) is a virtual alliance of diverse partner organizations that work collectively, and autonomously, to identify and respond to the needs of caregivers in Canada.  Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for family caregivers through advocacy and synergistic partnerships. Together we strive to achieve our vision of "a Canada that recognizes, respects, and values the integral role of family caregivers in society".  

SOURCE: Canadian Caregiver Coalition

Catherine Suridjan, Public Policy and Stakeholder Relations Lead, Canadian Caregiver Coalition, [email protected]