Canadian caregivers perform $97 billion in unpaid labor annually, report finds

Unpaid caregivers in Canada are shouldering a massive financial burden, contributing an estimated $97 billion annually to the economy through their labor, according to a 2026 report by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence. The report highlights the immense pressure on individuals who "fill the gap" in the healthcare system for loved ones with complex needs.

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If you’re not aware of what every family in Canada is dealing with in terms of caregiving right now, that number will jump out at you. Caregiving is really a universal experience in Canada.

Financial strain is a significant issue, with 75% of surveyed caregivers reporting hardships. A substantial 23% spend more than $1,000 each month on caregiving expenses. The challenge is compounded for the 66% of caregivers who also maintain employment, creating a difficult balance that leads to considerable physical, emotional, and financial pressure.

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People think there’s just this big care system that once you get a diagnosis, an accident or something changes and you need care support that there is a full system and set of supports out there and that’s when people discover there really isn’t. Our system depends on family, friends and neighbours to do all that.

"Caregiving is really a universal experience in Canada," said Liv Mendelsohn, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence. She noted that one in four Canadians is currently a caregiver, and at least half will take on this role at some point in their lives. Mendelsohn emphasized that many people discover the lack of comprehensive support systems only when they need them, stating, "Our system depends on family, friends and neighbours to do all that."

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Some of the saddest and most challenging stories are when people do reach that point of burnout. We know that almost 80 per cent of caregivers in Canada are getting close.

Personal accounts underscore the emotional toll. Laura Krefting, a "serial caregiver," described nearing a breakdown while caring for her parents and later her husband, Doug, who was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia. "You get stretched to the point where you're going to break at any moment," she said, recalling moments of intense emotional distress. Krefting's experience, including 24/7 care during acute illness and long waits in emergency rooms, illustrates the exhausting reality many caregivers face. "You just get exhausted," she stated.

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You get stretched to the point where you’re going to break at any moment. I just stood there in that lobby crying.