Focus on the Government Action Plan for Caregivers 2021-2026

Last October, the Government of Quebec officially enacted the Act to Recognize and Support Caregivers. This Act results in legal obligations for the government to ensure better support for caregivers. To keep you informed about the latest developments of this new form of government commitment, we present the first axis of the Action Plan for Caregivers 2021-2026, which stems from this new law.

AXIS 1: Recognition and self-recognition of caregivers, as well as the mobilization of key actors in Quebec society concerned with caregiving.

Perhaps you took some time to recognize and define the role you play with the person or people you help? Or maybe you feel that those around you do not understand the extent of the help you provide? These are among the issues that the first axis of the government action plan aims to address.

Indeed, Axis 1 "aims to inform the Quebec population about the diversity of the roles of caregivers, their undeniable contribution to society, and the importance of uniting to support them. It invites the State, its partners, and all members of its society to act in concerted ways for and with caregivers, to establish a culture of kindness towards them" (MSSS, 2021).

What is the significance of this axis?

This axis is a first step towards improving the well-being and health of caregivers. It is through this recognition - both individual and collective - that the development of a culture of kindness and care towards caregivers will progress. It also aims to ensure better coordination among the various stakeholders involved in caregiving to better focus on complementarity and the expansion of services offered. Finally, this axis emphasizes the skills and knowledge held by caregivers, ensuring them better recognition and a platform within health networks.

What types of measures will be undertaken to implement this axis?

Over five years, the Government of Quebec plans to invest $20,612,500 to implement measures included in this axis, focusing on the recognition and self-recognition of caregivers, as well as the mobilization of key actors in Quebec society concerned with caregiving.

We can therefore expect new government initiatives such as:
1. The development of a communication strategy to promote caregivers and their contributions to society
2. Conducting a profile of caregivers in Quebec to understand the challenges faced by caregivers and gather data that promotes an inclusive representation of caregivers.
3. The creation of a caregiver registry
4. An analysis by the Ministry of Justice regarding the relevance and feasibility of recognizing certain rights and obligations for caregivers.
5. Establishing a Partner Committee concerned with caregivers, with a minimum of 4 caregivers participating, to ensure the implementation of the National Policy
6. Establishing territorial coordination for caregiving through 27 coordinators to expand the range of services offered to caregivers
7. The active involvement of caregivers in the development of government services through consultation processes.

For more information concerning the Act to Recognize and Support Caregivers, visit the government’s website at the following address: https://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/msss/document-003000/