Caregivers say refundable Canada caregiver credit is a helpful start, but more financial support needed

The Story

Advocates for British Columbia caregivers welcomed proposed changes to a federal tax credit as an important step, while stressing that additional financial help remains necessary.

The 2026 federal budget would make the Canada caregiver credit fully refundable, so it can be accessed by people who do not currently earn enough to pay taxes. According to the federal government, the change would return up to $1,260 annually to about 180,000 Canadians who do not currently receive it.

Caregiver Brenda Lenahan, whose 12-year-old son Cole was born with a neurodevelopmental condition, said the update signals Ottawa “sees us,” adding that “they understand the financial impact.”

James Janeiro, chief policy and government relations officer with the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, called the move “an enormous step forward” and said it is the first time the federal government has allocated significant money to provide support directly for caregivers.

Family Caregivers of B.C. executive director Barbara MacLean said the credit is “a first step, and it is an excellent step,” but that more support is “still needed financially.” She said caregivers often spend thousands of dollars out of pocket each year on items such as medication, transportation or home care and may respond by reducing their work hours, leaving work entirely, or stopping their own retirement contributions.

MacLean also said caregivers face gaps in access and awareness, noting that only 11 per cent of caregivers have received benefits in the past and that only about half are familiar with caregiving-related tax credits.

Janeiro said financial pressures are the number one stressor for caregivers, and he added that a “break” is needed as well, including major changes to the respite system across provinces and territories.

Both MacLean and Lenahan said other supports matter too, including funding and access for children to participate in inclusive care options such as child care and before- and after-school care, to help families remain in the workforce.