A Special Edition of On the Ledge - your Ontario Politics Podcast.

Host: Dave Trafford

Guests:

• Lauren Bates – Chair, Ontario Caregiver Coalition
• Daniel Nowoselski – Advocacy Manager, Hospice Palliative Care (Canadian Cancer Society); Board Member, Ontario Caregiver Coalition
• Malene Stewart – Social Worker, Educator & Co-Chair, Caregiver Collective

In this episode, Dave Trafford sits down with three passionate advocates who bring both professional expertise and deeply personal experience to the table. As Ontario marks Family Caregiver Day, the conversation sheds light on the real, often invisible, role of family caregivers in holding together our fragile healthcare and social systems. From personal sacrifice and financial strain to policy gaps and urgent reform, this roundtable discussion underscores a pressing need: support the caregivers who support everyone else.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• 💡 Scope of Caregiving: Nearly 4 million Ontarians are caregivers today—a number expected to hit 6.5 million within five years.
• 75 % of all the care that's provided is provided by family and friends
• 🧠 Mental Load & Grief: Caregiving often comes with anticipatory grief, isolation, and emotional strain, especially with illnesses like dementia.
• 💸 Financial Strain: Many caregivers reduce work hours or leave jobs entirely, yet 92% don’t qualify for federal caregiver tax credits.
• 🧍‍♀️ Policy Gaps: Ontario lacks a coordinated respite system, leaving caregivers without essential breaks.
• 🏠 Aging in Place: Housing limitations and care infrastructure are ill-equipped to support aging populations at home.
• 📣 Call for Action: The Ontario Caregiver Coalition is pushing for scalable, inclusive caregiver benefits and mental health supports.
• 🧭 How to Help: Visit ontariocaregivercoalition.ca or follow OCC on social platforms to support and get involved.