Quebec's new home-care plan is criticized by disability and caregiver groups

Quebec announced a $107-million home-care policy that expands caregiver eligibility, raises hourly pay from $20 to $21, and names CLSCs as the entry point; disability and caregiver groups called the changes insufficient and expressed disappointment.

Quebec has unveiled a new home health-care policy intended to expand eligibility for family caregivers and support seniors and people with physical disabilities to remain at home longer. Health Minister Sonia Bélanger said the plan expands an allowance program, raises the hourly caregiver rate by $1, and will use CLSCs as the entry point. The government described the total investment as $107 million, with $1.1 million added immediately and $22.2 million planned for next year. Several advocacy groups responded that the measures are limited and did not provide enough implementation detail. Key points: - Officials announced an expanded caregiver allowance, a $1 hourly increase from $20 to $21, and a total investment of $107 million. - The government said some family caregivers previously ineligible for compensation will be recognized as service providers and that CLSCs will manage applications. - Advocacy groups representing people with disabilities and caregivers described the changes as marginal and said important details on implementation are unclear. - Officials said the program will not offer retroactive benefits and that most additional funding is scheduled for next year. Summary: Advocacy groups say the announcement falls short of their expectations and expressed disappointment at the limited immediate changes and lack of detailed implementation information. Officials have said more information will follow in coming communications; the timing and full rollout are undetermined at this time.