Canada's Economy Loses Over $100B Annually Due to Illness and Caregiving

A new report from Deloitte Canada estimates that illness and caregiving have cost the Canadian economy more than $100 billion in 2025. This figure comes from two kinds of healthcare gaps: a 'prevention gap' caused by preventable illnesses, which lost an estimated $55.1 billion in productivity; and a 'participation gap', where workers are absent due to chronic diseases, mental health challenges, or caregiving responsibilities.

The report also found that unpaid caregiving responsibilities alone cost the economy $48.5 billion in 2025, while premature mortality added another $1.1 billion. Reducing these health-related barriers could potentially recover more than $25 billion annually, Deloitte suggests.

To address this issue, the report recommends implementing a 'Health Home' system, where every Canadian would have access to integrated primary and preventative care. Additionally, it advises providing financial tools for disease prevention and reducing participation barriers for those dealing with chronic illnesses or caregiving challenges.