Saskatchewan caregivers are raising their voices after a national survey revealed the immense burden of unpaid care work. The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE) survey shows many caregivers face burnout and financial hardship.
Caregiver Stories Highlight Challenges
Mary-Anne Parker, a Saskatoon end-of-life care navigator and educator, also serves as primary caregiver for her aging mother. The 56-year-old trained care aide acknowledges that her workplace flexibility is essential. "I cannot care for my mom unless I have a workplace that cares for me," she said. "There are a lot of people out there that do not have the luxury of that choice."
Parker is part of the sandwich generation, caring for her mother, adult children, and grandchildren. During the pandemic, her family moved into a shared home to accommodate multiple members with chronic illnesses. Reflecting on the experience, she noted, "You can balance it from time to time, but then all of a sudden, because caregiving is unpredictable, there's often not enough time to incorporate the adjustment in a stress-free way." She described the constant mental load as a "24/7" challenge.
Survey Reveals Widespread Impact
The CCCE survey, funded by the Azrieli Foundation and conducted by Leger, found that 77% of caregivers experience negative impacts on their well-being. The survey included 2,673 respondents nationwide, with 109 from Saskatchewan. Caregivers were defined as those who helped someone with a medical condition, mental health issue, disability, or age-related challenges in the past year.
James Janeiro, CCCE's director of policy and government relations, attributed the growing caregiver population to Canada's aging demographics. In 2026, Canada became a super-aged country, with at least 20% of the population over 65. "This trend is driving more Canadians into caregiving roles," he said.
Economic Strain on Caregivers
The survey underscores the economic toll of unpaid care work. Many caregivers absorb hours of unpaid labor daily, affecting their financial stability. Advocates like Srini Correa from Saskatoon emphasize the need for better support systems and training programs. "Caregivers are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet they are often overlooked," Correa said.
Parker's story illustrates the delicate balance required. Without workplace accommodations, her ability to care for her mother would be impossible. She urged employers and policymakers to recognize the value of caregivers and provide resources to prevent burnout.
Call for Action
The CCCE survey results highlight an urgent need for policy changes, including financial assistance, respite care, and training for caregivers. As Canada's population continues to age, the demand for caregiving will only increase. Advocates hope the survey will spur action at all levels of government to support those who provide essential unpaid care.
