Women Care 

In Canada, caregiving responsibilities are predominantly shouldered by women, who spend 50% more time providing care, compared to men. This gendered division of labour often results in women facing employment challenges associated with caregiving more frequently than men. Additionally, women are more likely to experience a higher burden in caregiving roles, which can impact their health and quality of life.  

The Azrieli Foundation’s Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE) is on a mission to make Canada the best place in the world to give and receive care. Since its launch in 2022, CCCE has been a pillar of support for caregivers through pan-Canadian grants, research and advocacy. 

While most Canadians will give care at some point in their lives, caregiving is a gendered issue. Statistics Canada reports that in 2022, half of all women aged 15 and over provided care to someone they know. Women not only take on caregiving more often, but they also spend more hours on it—often at the expense of their mental health and financial security. Many juggle caregiving with paid work, while others leave the workforce entirely, risking their ability to contribute to the Canada Pension Plan and retire with financial stability. 

On the professional side of care, 78% of the caregiving workforce—personal support workers, respite workers and direct support professionals—are women. These essential jobs keep our health systems running, yet they remain historically underpaid with high turnover rates. CCCE’s Caring in Canada report revealed that 80% of care workers are considering leaving the sector due to low wages, staffing shortages, workplace discrimination and safety concerns. 

The caregiving crisis is at a breaking point. Too many caregivers feel like they can’t go on. Canada can’t afford to ignore this any longer. 

A National Caregiving Strategy for Canada 

In February 2025, CCCE launched A National Caregiving Strategy for Canada, a bold plan to address the most pressing challenges faced by caregivers and care providers. This strategy was co-designed with thousands of Canadians and shaped by a National Care Champions Table—bringing together health leaders, researchers, and individuals with lived experience. 

Key policy recommendations include: 

• Financial Relief – Refundable tax credits and a new caregiver allowance. 

• Stronger Workplace Support – Improved leave policies and benefits. 

• Better Access to Disability Benefits – Easier financial assistance. 

• Respect for Paid Care Providers – Living wages and stronger protections. 

• Federal Leadership – A national commitment to action. 

These reforms will benefit all Canadians, but with women carrying the bulk of caregiving, they stand to gain the most. 

It’s Time to Act on Care 

The launch of CCCE’s National Caregiving Strategy is a rallying cry. Through its Act on Care campaign, CCCE is mobilizing Canadians to make caregiving a national priority. 

Join the movement. Visit canadiancaregiving.org/act to send a letter to the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Seniors, your regional MP, candidates in your riding and party leaders. 

Better is possible. But we must Act on Care—now. 

Listen to the CCCE’s new podcast, ‘Who Cares?’ to learn more about the experiences of caregivers and care providers across Canada.