Struggling family caregivers trapped in employment insurance impasse

In Canada, the Russian and American leaders are set to meet on August 15 in Alaska, but closer to home, a different issue is gaining attention. Caregivers, essential pillars of society who alleviate the burden on the health network, are facing substantial financial challenges.

When caregivers have to take a longer leave, they are forced to turn to the federal government's employment insurance program. However, several organizations find this program too stingy, leaving caregivers with an "impossible choice" between caring for their loved ones at home and risking financial precariousness, or working and placing their loved ones elsewhere.

Recent updates in Canada include the 2025 Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, providing caregivers a streamlined path to permanent residency without labor market impact assessment requirements. Complementarily, employers can provide supplemental top-up payments to employees receiving EI caregiving benefits without reducing their federal EI payments.

Despite these measures, caregivers in Canada face an average of $5,800 per year in out-of-pocket expenses, covering healthcare, prescription drugs, assistance, and transportation costs. The unpaid labor is immense, with 5.7 billion hours of care annually, often at the expense of caregivers’ workforce participation—46% of caregivers report needing time off work to fulfill caregiving duties.

Moreover, caregivers endure significant mental and physical health impacts, including high levels of distress, anxiety, and declined health status. This suggests that while immigration pathways and EI supplementation address parts of caregivers’ needs, adaptation in financial support programs is crucial.

Broadening eligibility criteria, increasing benefit amounts, providing more direct subsidies or credits to cover out-of-pocket costs, and introducing supports to mitigate workforce interruption could better align financial assistance with the multifaceted burdens caregivers bear.

Julie Gravel, general director of L'Antr'Aidant in the Laurentians, and Loriane Estienne, general director of the Quebec Caregiver Support Group, share similar sentiments. They criticize the current system for not being flexible enough to meet the unique needs of caregivers and lament that caregivers are financially impoverished due to the current system.

In summary, while Canada’s 2025 caregiver immigration pilots improve caregiver retention and status, and employers can supplement EI caregiving benefits without reducing government EI, caregivers face significant financial expenses and workforce disruption. Enhanced financial support adaptations are needed to address out-of-pocket caregiving costs and health impacts comprehensively. Therefore, ongoing policy development is necessary to expand and tailor financial assistance recognizing caregiving’s economic and social challenges in Canada.

In contrast to global political events, a domestic issue concerning caregivers is growing in importance within Canada.
Caregivers, crucial supporters of society who relieve stress on the healthcare network, face substantial financial struggles.
When caregivers require extended leave, they are compelled to resort to Canada's employment insurance program.
However, multiple organizations believe this program lacks generosity, placing caregivers in a tough situation between caring for loved ones and facing potential financial insecurity.
Recent changes in Canada include the 2025 Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, designed to streamline caregiver's path to permanent residency without labor market impact assessments.
Alongside this, employers have the option to provide additional top-up payments to employees receiving EI caregiving benefits without reducing their federal EI payments.
Despite these efforts, caregivers in Canada endure an estimated average yearly expense of $5,800 for healthcare, medications, assistance, and transportation.
The unpaid labor provided by caregivers equates to a staggering 5.7 billion hours annually, often impacting their workforce participation—46% of caregivers require time off work for caregiving duties.
aside from physical strain, caregivers experience significant mental health impacts, such as high levels of distress, anxiety, and declining health status.
These findings indicate that while immigration pathways and EI supplementation partially address caregivers' needs, adapting financial support programs is essential.
Expanding eligibility criteria, increasing benefit amounts, direct subsidies or credits to cover out-of-pocket costs, and supports to offset workforce interruption could better align financial assistance with caregiver burdens.
Julie Gravel, director of L'Antr'Aidant in the Laurentians, shares similar concerns, criticizing the inflexibility of the current system and bemoaning caregivers' financial poverty.
Loriane Estienne, leader of the Quebec Caregiver Support Group, echoes these sentiments, lamenting that the system fails to accommodate caregivers' unique requirements.
In essence, while Canada’s 2025 caregiver immigration pilots enhance caregiver retention and status, employers can supplement EI caregiving benefits without reducing government EI, caregivers still confront major financial expenses and workforce disruption.
Robust financial support adjustments are necessary to comprehensively address out-of-pocket caregiving costs and health impacts.
As a result, ongoing policy development is vital to expand and customize financial assistance, acknowledging the economic and social challenges caregiving presents in Canada.
In the realm of workplace wellness, it is essential to consider the financial hardships faced by caregivers, particularly with respect to chronic diseases and medical conditions.
Improving caregiver support systems would benefit both caregivers and companies, ensuring a healthier, more productive workforce.
The growing interest in medical cannabis, such as CBD, raises questions about its potential contribution to managing caregivers' stress and anxiety levels.
While there is evidence of its positive effects on mental health, further research is necessary to fully understand CBD's role in enhancing caregiver well-being.
In the context of aging, it is crucial to address issues within women's health, including menopause and breast cancer, to ensure equitable care and support for aging women.
Consideration of parenting strategies and support, tailored to caregivers, could help alleviate some of the stress and emotional burden associated with caring for loved ones.
Medicare reform discussions should account for the unique needs and financial burdens faced by caregivers, including adjustments in Medigap policies to better cover out-of-pocket expenses.
Mental health is an essential component of total health and wellness, and addressing caregivers' mental health concerns through therapies and treatments could significantly improve their overall wellbeing.
Skin care, a vital aspect of self-care, is crucial for maintaining caregivers' physical and mental health, particularly during periods of high stress.
Encouraging caregivers to participate in fitness and exercise programs not only benefits their physical health but also promotes mental wellness and energy levels.
In addition to health and wellness, financial management is crucial for caregivers, with personal finance education and skills training essential to navigating the complexities of caregiving expenses and income.
Lastly, a balanced lifestyle that considers factors like fashion and beauty, food and drink, home and garden, business, and sports can help caregivers maintain a sense of normalcy and happiness, essential for overall well-being.