Caring in Canada: Survey insights from caregivers and care providers across Canada

Caring in Canada 2026

Caring in Canada 2026 provides an in-depth analysis of the survey results collected in the 2025 National Caregiving Survey completed by more than 2,600 caregivers and care providers from across Canada. The survey, conducted by Leger Communications, offers new insights into the experiences of caregivers and care providers across Canada.

The report reveals that the national affordability crisis is adding significant pressure to Canada’s 8+ million caregivers, many of whom are already stretched beyond their limits. As the cost-of-living increases across the country, a growing number of caregivers are unable to afford basic expenses, working more hours or using up their savings sooner than expected. 

Despite calls for urgent action to support caregivers and care providers in Canada, political inaction on key items has resulted in caregivers feeling worse than in the 2023 report.

Data highlights:

• Caregiving is adding financial pressures to families: 49% of caregivers face financial strain, with one in five spending more than $12,000 annually out of pocket. More than 20% of caregivers report having to stop saving entirely, putting their long-term financial security at risk.

• Juggling care responsibilities is impacting workforce participation: 59% of caregivers balance work with care responsibilities, with 36% of working caregivers having their work productivity suffer and facing lost earnings.

• Caregiving takes a toll on a caregiver’s well-being: 77% report negative impacts on their well-being, including stress, fatigue and burnout.

• Care work is low-paid and high-stress, setting up a workforce that is on the brink of collapse: 73% of paid care providers, such as Personal Support Workers or Direct Support Professionals for people with disabilities, have considered changing careers, citing low compensation, inadequate staffing and lack of safety at work.

• Caregivers and care providers do not feel supported by the government: 65% of caregivers and care providers say caregiving issues are important to how they vote. Despite this, 61% of caregivers and 54% of care providers do not feel supported by the government.

The report explores the results in alignment with the five pillars outlined in the National Caregiving Strategy, showcasing why urgent action is needed to support all those who give and receive care in Canada.

As part of our commitment to serving equity seeking groups, the report oversampled Indigenous caregivers and offers insights from racialized, LGBTQ2S+, young caregivers and siblings.

Caring in Canada 2024

The landmark report, Caring in Canada, was the first data report released by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the 2023 National Caregiving Survey, conducted by Leger Communications.