Recognizing the 6.1 Million Canadians Who Balance Care and Work on National Family Caregiver Day

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 7, 2015 /CNW/ - Across the country, millions of Canadians - parents, children, friends, and neighbours- unselfishly commit themselves to care for those in their lives affected by a diminishing physical ability, a debilitating cognitive condition or a chronic life-limiting illness. They offer their dedication and compassion day in and day out, behind closed doors, to ensure that the person they care for has the best quality of life and care possible. Today, on National Family Caregiver Day, the Canadian Caregiver Coalition (CCC) is proud to raise our voices and engage stakeholders across the country to celebrate and recognize these individuals for their strengths and contributions to our society.

This year, the CCC is undertaking a special recognition of the 6.1 million employed Canadians who must balance their personal commitments, caregiving duties and work responsibilities. The time and physical demands they experience are often equivalent to working two full-time jobs.  This balancing act impacts a family caregiver's financial, emotional and personal well-being. In promoting our theme "Care and Work: A Balancing Act", the Coalition and our partner organizations are building on the momentum of the excellent report from the Employer Panel for Caregivers. We are featuring strategies and tools through a series of podcasts, infographic, tips and tools, and a live tweet chat. "We are delighted to have participants from across Canada join CCC's online educational forum and learn initiatives that are underway to support those who are balancing paid work and caregiving responsibilities", said Anthony Milonas, Chief Operating Officer, CBI Health Group, Signatory Partner of the CCC.

"The Government of Canada recognizes the important role of unpaid caregivers who are working while taking care of a family member or friend. That is why we launched the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan to engage with employers, to find ways to better support employees who are balancing work and care responsibilities. I would like to thank all caregivers across our country for their ongoing efforts and dedication in providing care for our loved ones." stated the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

Almost all working Canadians will take on a caring role at least once during their employment years. In fact, 3 out of 10 employees in the current workforce have already taken on a caring role for a loved one while balancing their paid employment. Fifty percent of employee caregivers are between the ages of 45 to 65, in their peak earning years with valuable skills and experience. When family caregivers are not supported, there is an enormous impact on Canadian employers and our economy.  "Family caregivers are the invisible backbone of the healthcare system.. It is time for bold actions and joint commitment between government and stakeholders to move from recognition to clear actions that will meet the growing needs of family caregivers." said Nadine Henningsen, President of the Canadian Caregiver Coalition and the Executive Director of the Canadian Home Care Association.

The Canadian Caregiver Coalition strongly encourages all Canadians to take a moment on April 7 to recognize and say thank-you to a family caregiver who makes a difference in your lives.   

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.  

SOURCE Canadian Caregiver Coalition

Catherine Suridjan, Public Policy and Stakeholder Relations Lead, Canadian Caregiver Coalition, [email protected], 289-290-4422