Did you know the United States recently took a huge step in supporting caregivers?  Last January the RAISE Caregivers Act was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and signed into law!

However surprising and whatever the politics, this initiative validates what we have asked Ottawa to do:  develop and maintain a national strategy for family caregivers.  

RAISE stands for Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage family caregivers.  It aims to help relatives and partners who provide medical, household and financial assistance to loved ones. 

Will Canada follow suit?  

A Canadian law similar to the RAISE Act can help us prepare for 10 million new 80-year-olds in 2026.  Our rapidly aging population will put overwhelming pressure on our families and health system.  Will Ottawa draft a caregiver bill to prepare for the challenge? 

In so doing, Canada will recognize caregivers' vital contribution to health care, which comes with great sacrifices.  Their own well-being suffers from living with chronic stress, isolation and depression.  They get no training and spend thousands of dollars annually in out-of-pocket expenses.  They often juggle work with caring for their children as well as aging parents!  Ottawa can help them coordinate their huge efforts, access resources, and take time to recharge.

In fact, when the RAISE council issues its strategic update in 2019 -- see an article by Richard Eisenberg -- Canada can develop its own strategy by building on America's efforts.  With the U.S. surging ahead we must continue urging Ottawa to act without further delay.

According to StatsCan, there were 8 million caregivers in Canada in 2012 -- almost one in four Canadians -- and this number is likely to have increased with our aging population. Let's ask all those we know to support our cause by taking a minute to share this petition.

Sending a strong message to Ottawa will encourage it to build on the U.S. initiative!