YOUR DONATION
RAISES AWARENESS

Your donation
supports the
vital work
of supporting
caregivers
across Canada

Who Are Canada’s Young Caregivers?

1.9 million Canadian youth from 15 to 24 are family caregivers. Experts agree this number is low, since it excludes children under 15. On average, young carers provide 6.2 hours of care a week to grandparents, parents, neighbours and siblings,...

How To Create A Community Event To Support The Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation

With over 51% of family caregivers feeling overwhelmed, our mission is to raise awareness for caregivers in Canada and help make a difference in their lives. The truth is, we couldn’t do it without you. Support from people like you...

The Gender Gap in Family Caregiving

Traditional social roles based on gender have created gaps for women in many aspects of life, and family caregiving is no exception. Although the gap may be closing, the social expectation for women to provide care continues to create inequity...

THE EXPERIENCES OF MARGINALIZED CANADIAN FAMILY CAREGIVERS

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.

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.

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.

CAREGIVING IN CANADA: ADDRESSING CHALLENGES AND SHAPING A NATIONAL DIALOGUE

In October 2020, our virtual roundtables brought together thought leaders and advocates in the caregiving industry. We brought these experts together to inform our work in the caregiving sector and to better understand the key issues and opportunities that caregivers face every day.

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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