[Media Release] Budget 2026: Milestone Change to Canada Caregiver Credit Puts Money into the Pockets of Caregivers

Toronto, November 5, 2026 – The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE), a program of the Azrieli Foundation, is heartened to see real, concrete, action for caregivers in the 2026 Federal Budget with changes to the Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC). If passed, these reforms will make the CCC fully refundable up to $1260 per year in 2027 and indexed thereafter. This measure will put $845 million of additional support over four years directly into the pockets of eligible caregivers at a time when they need it most.  

The annual federal budget is one of the clearest statements of a government’s priorities. Budget 2026 marks a milestone for caregivers across Canada and a significant demonstration of federal leadership on an issue that touches every Canadian family. For millions of caregivers who have too often felt unseen and undervalued in our health and social systems, this recognition matters. It signals a meaningful commitment to recognizing their essential contributions and providing the support they deserve. This would not be possible without a strong personal commitment to this issue from Prime Minister Mark Carney and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, as well as tireless support from the many members of the cross-party National Caregiving Caucus. 

This reform will lift 15 000 caregivers out of poverty and dramatically improve the lives of the most vulnerable caregivers. It will touch caregivers in every part of Canada, including an additional 180 000 who currently receive no support from the CCC.  

The CCC is currently a non-refundable tax credit that can lower the tax a person pays rather than placing money in their pockets. By making the credit refundable through Budget 2026, the new credit will provide much-needed financial support directly to millions of caregivers across Canada.  

According to CCCE’s most recent report, Caring in Canada 2026, more than four in five caregivers (83%) reported that a refundable CCC would help their financial situation. The policy change announced in the budget directly responds to this urgent policy priority.

A Policy Win for Caregivers

Making the CCC refundable is a longstanding priority of the CCCE. It was prominently included in the CCCE National Caregiving Strategy, which was codesigned with caregivers and allies across the country and outlines policy recommendations to address the biggest challenges in care today. Over 30,000 Canadians showed support for the strategy through the Act on Care campaign, which successfully sent over 30,000 letters to the Prime Minister and federally elected officials in every riding across Canada. The announcement today is a major accomplishment for caregivers across Canada and the care movement.  

One in four Canadians is a caregiver today and half of us are expected to provide care at some point in our lives. Caring in Canada 2026 highlights the deep financial impacts to caregivers, averaging $12,000 per year. At a time when most Canadians are making difficult financial decisions due to the rising cost of living, financial support is at the top of list of needs.