Cost

Because of the overwhelming success of our last trip, we have many qualified caregivers that we would like to place in homes quickly.  Our Hong Kong fee is temporarily $695 (plus GST), due in full at the time of hire.  This payment is non-refundable to help ensure that only serious applicants apply.

What do You Pay the Caregiver?
As of April 1, 2007, the minimum wage* for caregivers in Alberta is $9.62 per hour based on a 44-hour work week.  In Ontario, the minimum wage is $9.25 per hour.  See the Service Canada website for details about minimum wage and room and board deductions for other provinces. From that you may deduct $320 - 369 per month room and board (depending on the province), and add the employer's portion of EI and CPP for a total monthly outlay of approximately $1,550 - $1600 (this varies by province).  However, this does not factor in the considerable tax savings of employing a live-in-caregiver, illustrated below:

	Approximate Annual Tax Savings **
Secondary salary	$30,000	$40,000	$50,000	$60,000	$70,000	$80,000	$90,000
2 children under 7	$4,509	$4,941	$5,616	$5,952	$5,952	$6,241	$6,641

The tax savings are based on the secondary, or lower, income. Minimum wage and tax savings will vary by province. Generally, the higher the marginal tax rate in your province, the greater the savings.

In this example, the net, after-tax cost per month is about $1,200 (assuming 2 children and secondary income of $50,000). Compared to average daycare costs this is very reasonable, particularily for multi-child families.

* Please note that there was a minimum wage increase in Alberta to $9.62 per hour as of October 1, 2008.  There was also an increase in the maximum amount of room and board that you may deduct to the amount of $336.00 per month. 

** Varies by province. Ask us for details.