N.S. NDP, advocates call on province to reverse cut to caregivers benefit

The Nova Scotia NDP is calling for increases to paid benefits for people who look after loved ones.

The Nova Scotia NDP is calling on the province to reverse what it calls “harmful cuts” to the caregivers benefit.

Nova Scotia announced last week it is grappling with a $1.2-billion deficit and made cuts to the public service and community groups.

Twenty per cent has been cut to the provincial caregivers benefit, which helps people cover expenses while providing care to loved ones.

NDP Leader Claudia Chender, caregivers and advocates are urging the Progressive Conservative government to support a proposal that would instead see financial support doubled. The NDP tabled the Caregiver Benefit Act earlier this week.

“People give up their time, energy and their income looking after their loved ones with severe disabilities or illness with very little financial support – just $13 dollars a day,” said Chender in a news release from the party.

“Caregivers’ hard work and dedication mean that their loved ones can stay comfortable at home instead of ending up in our already overcrowded hospitals and long-term care.”

Currently, caregivers receive $400 per month. The amount has not changed since the benefit was introduced in 2009.

Kari Robertson is among those who rely on the funds. She quit her job to care for her adult son, Graham, who was diagnosed with refractory epilepsy when he was four.

“With the care my son needs, it just wasn’t going to work for me to keep my job. When I heard about cuts to the Caregiver Benefit, I was immediately anxious and concerned. The Benefit has made a big difference to my family to help pay for essentials as costs have gone up. More than that, it told me that the government values the work I do,” she said.

Caregivers Nova Scotia says it doesn’t have clarity from the province about whether the monthly benefit will be reduced, or if the program will serve fewer people overall.

“If this program is reduced, caregivers will feel it immediately. And when caregivers struggle or burn out, the impact ripples outward — increasing pressure on home care, hospitals, and long-term care. Supporting caregivers of all ages is not only compassionate — it is practical and cost-effective,” says executive director Jenny Theriault.

With files from The Canadian Press

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