The Hidden Cost of Care: Labour Force Outcomes of Canada's Informal Caregivers

This study uses the 20th cycle of Statistics Canada's General Social Survey to explain why some recent, working elder-caregivers modify participation in paid labour, using findings to propose and evaluate policy options designed to keep elder-caregivers as engaged as possible in the labour force. Regression analysis of 18 variables reveals (1) intense elder-caregiving activity, (2) added elder-caregiving expenses, and (3) not having access to flexible workplace arrangements corresponds to reduced work hours. Four proposed policy options proposed to counter work-hour reduction are evaluated according to five criteria including: effectiveness, equity, cost to government, stakeholder acceptability and administrative complexity. Options include the status quo, a non-refundable tax credit for employers permitting working eldercaregivers to telecommute or work a condensed workweek; expanding the Compassionate Care Benefit criteria; and, expanding the current Caregiver Tax Credit criteria. Policy analysis suggests the Federal government offer a non-refundable tax credit to employers permitting working eldercaregivers to telecommute or work a condensed workweek and expand the Compassionate Care Benefit eligibility criteria.