Budget 2026: Milestone Change to Canada Caregiver Credit Puts Money into the Pockets of Caregivers

The 2026 Federal Budgets amends Canada Caregiver Credit to a refundable tax credit, putting millions of dollars into the hands of Canada's caregivers

TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE), a program of the Azrieli Foundation, is heartened to see real, concrete, action for caregivers in the 2026 Federal Budget with changes to the Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC). If passed, these reforms will make the CCC fully refundable up to $1260 per year in 2027 and indexed thereafter. This measure will put $845 million of additional support over four years directly into the pockets of eligible caregivers at a time when they need it most.

Federal Budget 2026: Milestone Change to Canada Caregiver Credit Puts Money into the Pockets of Canadians.

The annual federal budget is one of the clearest statements of a government's priorities. Budget 2026 marks a milestone for caregivers across Canada and a significant demonstration of federal leadership on an issue that touches every Canadian family. For millions of caregivers who have too often felt unseen and undervalued in our health and social systems, this recognition matters. It signals a meaningful commitment to recognizing their essential contributions and providing the support they deserve. This would not be possible without a strong personal commitment to this issue from Prime Minister Mark Carney and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, as well as tireless support from the many members of the cross-party National Caregiving Caucus.

This reform will lift 15 000 caregivers out of poverty and dramatically improve the lives of the most vulnerable caregivers. It will touch caregivers in every part of Canada, including an additional 180 000 who currently receive no support from the CCC.

The CCC is currently a non-refundable tax credit that can lower the tax a person pays rather than placing money in their pockets. By making the credit refundable through Budget 2026, the new credit will provide much-needed financial support directly to millions of caregivers across Canada.

According to CCCE's most recent report, Caring in Canada 2026, more than four in five caregivers (83%) reported that a refundable CCC would help their financial situation. The policy change announced in the budget directly responds to this urgent policy priority.

A Policy Win for Caregivers

Making the CCC refundable is a longstanding priority of the CCCE. It was prominently included in the CCCE National Caregiving Strategy, which was codesigned with caregivers and allies across the country and outlines policy recommendations to address the biggest challenges in care today. Over 30,000 Canadians showed support for the strategy through the Act on Care campaign, which successfully sent over 30,000 letters to the Prime Minister and federally elected officials in every riding across Canada. The announcement today is a major accomplishment for caregivers across Canada and the care movement.

One in four Canadians is a caregiver today and half of us are expected to provide care at some point in our lives. Caring in Canada 2026 highlights the deep financial impacts to caregivers, averaging $12,000 per year.  At a time when most Canadians are making difficult financial decisions due to the rising cost of living, financial support is at the top of list of needs.   

Quotes

"Care is what holds our families, communities and country together. Today is a significant win for caregivers across Canada. Making the Canada Caregiver Credit refundable means more caregivers will receive meaningful financial support for the care they provide to the people they love. It sends a powerful message to the more than eight million Canadians who give care: your contributions matter, and your voices are being heard. We are grateful to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and the federal government for their leadership, for listening to caregivers, and for turning this important recommendation into action. This is what it looks like when caregivers' voices shape public policy." - Liv Mendelsohn, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence

"The Azrieli Foundation founded CCCE in part to advocate for the needs of caregivers across the country, who too often feel invisible despite the essential role they play in our health and social systems. We are thrilled that CCCE's leadership in this area has helped bring about this important announcement from the federal government, recognizing caregivers as the backbone of our society and affirming that their wellbeing matters." - Dr. Naomi Azrieli, O.C., Chair, Azrieli Foundation 

"With Canadians living longer, an increasing number of older adults are stepping into caregiving roles, often while facing financial precarity. This change will provide crucial relief for caregivers navigating rising living costs, and we are thrilled to see this meaningful support put into action." - Alyssa Brierley, Executive Director, National Institute on Ageing

"People with disabilities and caregivers are amongst the most financially vulnerable in the country, and this amendment to the Canada Caregiver Credit will go a long way to providing financial relief for these families. We're grateful for the CCCE's leadership in building a movement and getting results." - Len Baker, President & Chief Executive Officer, March of Dimes Canada

"Canadians want to age at home in their communities but the cost to make this happen is out of reach for many. The amendment to the Canada Caregiver Credit will help both caregivers and recipients of care access the support they need at home. " - Dr. Fiona Deller, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Home Care Association

"Our health and social systems depend on caregivers every day, yet providing care too often comes at a significant personal and financial cost. Making the Canada caregiver credit refundable will make a real difference for caregivers facing financial pressures. We applaud the federal government for recognizing the needs of caregivers and taking meaningful action, and thank CCCE for its tireless advocacy in helping make this change a reality." - Brenda Blais and Stephanie Muskat, Co-Chairs, CCCE's Canadian Caregivers Advisory Network

SOURCE Azrieli Foundation (The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence)

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