MS and Caregivers Advocacy Sample Letter

Dear _______ :

I’m contacting you about an issue that is of deep concern to me and my family – the need for more support for people who become caregivers. 

At some point, almost one quarter of all Canadians will become caregivers. In the case of MS, it is most often the spouse who becomes the primary caregiver and the person whose care enables the person with MS to remain at home. Most caregivers are grateful to have this opportunity, but caregiving can have negative effects on their own health as well as a financial burden because of lost income and increased caregiving-related costs.

I am pleased the Government of Canada has introduced the Family Caregiver Tax Credit which allows spouses to claim a tax credit – this is an excellent step forward. More, however, could be done to help low-income families by making both the Family Caregiver Tax Credit and the Caregiver Tax Credit refundable. I urge you to support this additional change to help people with MS and their families survive financially and to give then hope for the future.

Please champion these actions with your fellow MPs.

I will look forward to hearing how you will support action on MS.

Yours sincerely,

(Your name)
(Your address)