How Winter Makes Caregiving in Canada Harder and How to Help

October 22, 2026

Canadian winters can be hard on anyone, but they pose specific problems for family caregivers. Many of these challenges require a community effort to reduce risks to family caregivers. If you know a family caregiver, or if you are one...

When Caregiving Ends: Finding Your Footing After The Role Changes

October 22, 2026

For years, caregivers across Canada have found themselves in familiar routines. Whether that’s medication at a certain time or visits to the clinic on a Thursday, caregiving can become a routine that can last decades. Then, with a sudden shift,...

How NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) Could Improve Family Caregivers’ Lives

September 9, 2026

At a condo in the Don Valley East area of Toronto where more than 50% of the residents are over 65, seniors’ exercise classes happen twice a week. In James Bay in Victoria, real estate agents promote access to amenities...

THE EXPERIENCES OF MARGINALIZED CANADIAN FAMILY CAREGIVERS

April 15, 2024

In October 2023, three virtual roundtable discussions brought together caregiving experts such as researchers, professors, caregivers, and executive members of Canadian caregiving organizations to discuss the experiences of marginalizes family caregivers across the country. These discussions aimed to delve into the complex intersectional barriers encountered by marginalized family caregivers.

Caregiver Conversation Starter

November 5, 2026

Caregiving is a part of life for millions of Canadians and, at some point, many of us will either provide care for a loved one or rely on someone for support ourselves. While these conversations can feel di cult, talking about caregiving early can help families better understand each other’s wishes, plan ahead, and navigate future challenges with greater confidence.

2026 Discussion Paper

July 24, 2026

This report is part of an initiative by the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation to elevate the voices of family caregivers and explore practical solutions to better support them. Over the past several years, the Foundation has convened national roundtables to surface insights and drive dialogue on the caregiving experience in Canada. This is the fourth such report in a series that aims to spotlight pressing issues and highlight opportunities for action.

BALANCING WORK AND CARE: EXPERIENCES OF WORKING CAREGIVERS AND EVIDENCE FOR CRAFTING SUPPORTIVE WORKPLACES FOR CAREGIVERS

July 1, 2022

35% of the Canadian workforce is balancing work and unpaid caregiving responsibilities. If not supported, these individuals face difficult, life-altering choices, such as reducing their work hours, turning down job opportunities, taking a leave of absence or leaving the labour market.

Please check our frequently asked questions here.

I am a family caregiver in need of support. What resources are available to me?

While the Petro‑Canada CareMakers Foundation is unable to provide financial assistance to individuals, there are a number of provincial organizations available to support you with resources and tools. Please see below, for one in your province, or alternatively call 211 to find an organization in your local area that may be able to offer you support:

Alberta: Caregivers Alberta
British Columbia: Family Caregivers of BC
Manitoba: Canadian Virtual Hospice
New Brunswick: Caregivers’ Guide - Government of New Brunswick
Northwest Territories: The NWT Caregivers Guide
Nova Scotia: Caregivers Nova Scotia
Ontario: Ontario Caregiver Organization
Quebec: L’Appui pour les proches aidants
Saskatchewan: The Saskatoon Caregiver Information and Support Centre

What is your definition of a family caregiver?

To us, a family caregiver is someone who provides unpaid support to a family member, friend or loved one who is experiencing a significant mental or physical health challenge. This support could be long-term, or episodic to address an acute health situation. Other terminology often used is care partner or carer.

How is the Petro‑Canada CareMakers Foundation funded?

As a registered charity, the Petro‑Canada CareMakers Foundation receives contributions from a wide variety of sources. The CareMakers Foundation received start-up funding and support from Suncor, the proud owner of Petro‑Canada.

Who makes up the Board of Directors?

Our Board of Directors is made up of members from Petro‑Canada, Suncor and external experts. We intend to add to this complement over time, to include greater diversity of experience, geographic representation, expertise and lived caregiver experience.