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ARTICLE · 08 SEPTEMBER 2026

Navigating The Workplace For Caregivers

Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP
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Ontario caregivers juggling work and family responsibilities have important legal protections under provincial law. Understanding job-protected leaves, accommodation rights, and benefit eligibility can help caregivers maintain their employment while caring for medically fragile family members.

CanadaEmployment and HR
Samantha Shatz
Samantha Shatz
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Ontario caregivers have legal protections when work and caregiving responsibilities collide. The Employment Standards Act gives eligible employees job-protected leaves, including Family Caregiver Leave, Family Medical Leave, Critical Illness Leave, and Family Responsibility Leave, while the Ontario Human Rights Code protects against discrimination based on family status and may require workplace accommodation. In this blog, I’ll break down what each leave covers, how job protection works, and when you may be entitled to EI or disability benefits.

What Challenges Do Family Caregivers Face at Work?

Caring for a medically fragile family member can be demanding in ways that are difficult to anticipate. Caregiving often extends well beyond appointments and direct care. Many caregivers also spend significant time advocating for their family members, communicating with healthcare providers, therapists and schools to coordinate care, and navigate complex systems on their family member’s

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