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2026 Discussion Paper

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.

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

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.
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Cover page for "Balancing Work and Care" report about working caregivers, July 2022, featuring geometric logo elements in teal, maroon, and blue.

NAVIGATING FAMILY CAREGIVING IN CANADA: TACKLING SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES AND IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPORT

In October 2021, a diverse group of caregiving thought leaders, practitioners and caregivers with lived experiences met to explore systemic challenges impacting caregivers and discuss opportunities to increase awareness of the importance of caregiving and better address caregivers’ needs.

The sessions helped us develop a more nuanced appreciation of the varied and complex issues in the caregiving space. It further clarified the potential for charitable organizations to partner with other agents of change to overcome them.

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Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation discussion paper cover on family caregiving in Canada, featuring an older couple embracing.

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:

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.

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