Increasingly, the financial burden of cancer treatment is a pressing issue for Canadians. Every year, over 250,000 Canadians hear the words “you have cancer.” Each of these diagnoses has an average lifetime cost of $33,000. This figure includes the costs for devices, physiotherapy, and travel to treatment centers, which tend to be out-of-pocket costs that patients must cover themselves. Advocates aren’t giving up—they’re pushing for more climate-focused changes. Their aim is to make the Canada caregiver credit more accessible to Canadians who care for family members with physical or mental inabilities.
Recent discussions have highlighted the need to make the Canada caregiver credit refundable, especially to assist those in the lowest-income bracket. This change is intended to alleviate some of the financial burden families are facing. It is a lifeline for family member caregivers of those battling cancer or other disabilities.
The Need for a Refundable Caregiver Credit
The Canada caregiver credit currently offers tax relief to those providing care, but advocates argue that making it refundable would significantly enhance its impact. By ensuring that individuals who most need financial support can access these credits, caregivers can better afford the services required outside of hospital settings.
Michael Prince, a professor of social policy at the University of Victoria, welcomed the changes in principle. He reinforced the call for understanding that caregivers and families have different needs, and what works for one family won’t work for another.
“The last thing you need is to then think about how do I balance my chequebook this month?” – Stephen Piazza
The Liberal Party is firmly committed to continuing work on its National Caregiving Strategy. They promise to make the Canada caregiver credit more accessible – for everyone. This singular dedication speaks volumes and reflects the increasing awareness of the challenges caregivers and their families are going through. Instead of committing to making the credit refundable in its platform, the Bloc Québécois decided not to. This decision has many advocates concerned that we are missing a strong, overall show of support.
The Financial Toll of Cancer
Cancer’s economic burden goes beyond out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. A new survey conducted by the Canadian Cancer Society found that close to one in five cancer patients are unable to meet their household needs. The financial challenge is compounded since treatments for them can be tremendously expensive. Moreover, 40 percent of cancer survivors said they had to withdraw from their retirement savings as a result of these financial burdens.
Caregivers regularly assume additional duties. Or they have to reduce the number of hours they’re working entirely in order to take care of their family members. This can create additional strain on family finances. This action creates a cycle of economic hardship for the patient and their caregiver.
According to Statistics Canada, close to eight million Canadians—one in four Canadian adults—self-identify as living with a disability. With discussions around the caregiver credit accelerating, advocates of change such as Michael Prince encourage broad awareness to transform how society views workplace accommodations. Demand that legislatures see these supports as crucial tools, not just corporate special breaks. Together, we can assure that they are equipping people with disabilities to succeed and actively participate in the workforce.
Variations in Coverage Across Canada
Treatment for cancers isn’t covered the same way in every province, creating inequitable access to life-saving drugs. In Quebec, people without private insurance have to pay a public insurance premium. Subsequently, they are reimbursed their out-of-pocket costs for their take-home cancer medications. In stark contrast, out east, at least, in Canada’s western provinces and northern territories, both oral take-home cancer drugs and those used within the hospital system are fully funded.
In Ontario and the Atlantic provinces, oral cancer drugs are frequently not covered. This presents enormous obstacles for patients trying to get into treatment. Patients and caregivers consistently have to deal with inequities when it comes to implementing any solution fueled by regional injustices in healthcare. They should be able to choose the most appropriate, cost-effective treatment.
That’s why advocates are calling for a more coordinated, patient-centered approach to cancer care. They call for immediate action to ensure equitable access to these foundational medications and support systems in each province and territory. The push to reform the Canada caregiver credit is part of this broader movement. This emerging movement seeks to ensure that individuals affected by cancer have the medical treatment and financial support they need.
