Yukon MP Larry Bagnell says he welcomes the Liberal party's new plan which he says will stand with Canadian families by helping family caregivers with the cost of caring for sick or aging loved ones at home.

Party leader Michael Ignatieff said Tuesday a Liberal government would invest $1 billion annually in a new Family Care Plan to help reduce the pressure on hundreds of thousands of struggling Canadian families.

"Whether we're caring for our aging parents or grandparents, or a sick spouse or child, we all want the option of caring for them at home,” Bagnell said.

"Canadian families want to share the responsibility of caring for their loved ones at home, but they also often would like help from the government to do this.

"That is why I welcome our leader's plan to enhance care for our parents, our grandparents and our sick loved ones, and to recognize the important contribution of family caregivers.”

The Liberals propose two new measures:

1. A new six-month Family Care Employment Insurance Benefit, similar to the EI parental leave benefit, so more Canadians can care for gravely ill family members at home without having to quit their jobs; and

2. A new Family Care Tax Benefit, modeled on the Child Tax Benefit, to help low- and middle-income family caregivers who provide essential care to a family member at home.

"Our Family Care Plan promotes the value of family caregivers – and their importance to our economy, our health, our families, and our communities,” Bagnell said.

"Providing care at home allows our loved ones to live in dignity as they face their health challenges with their families.

"Canadians want a government that will safeguard public health care. The reality is Canada's population is getting older, and most Canadians expect to be responsible for the care of a very sick family member at home in their lifetime.”