Canadian Government Resources
Since health issues fall under provincial jurisdiction, the federal government does not offer direct dementia-related care services. Canadian government resources include those provided through federal-provincial transfers, dementia-related legislation, disability tax credits, as well as health-related information through Health Canada.
Canadian Parliament
The most relevant information on dementia relates to Bill C-233: National Strategy for Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Act that received Royal Assent in June 2017. The Senate study Dementia in Canada: A National Strategy for Dementia-friendly Communities serves as background to this bill. The government has published its 2020 report on this strategy. A summary and status can also be found on the Alzheimer Society website.
Health Canada
The Canadian government provides health-related information and support for Dementia Friends of Canada.
- Health Canada: A search on “Dementia” leads to a list of informative links.
- Dementia Friends Canada: This a community that anyone can join. It was initiated by the Government of Canada and the Alzheimer Society of Canada. The Dementia 101 section in the main menu provides basic information on dementia.
Revenue Canada
Revenue Canada provides tax credits including:
- Disability Tax Credit: This is a non-refundable tax credit for people with a disability which can also be transferred to their caregivers.
- Family Caregiver Amount (FCA): This is available if the caregiver has a dependent with an impairment in physical or mental functions. Depending on the income of the dependent, other tax credits may also be available.