Liberal government announces dental care expansion the day before expected election call
CBC
Health Minister Kamal Khera announced on Saturday that Canadians aged 18 to 64 can soon apply for the Liberals' national dental insurance program — a major expansion that comes on the eve of an expected federal election call.
"It's not just about cleaning teeth," Khera said, referring to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). "It's about preventative health care, which is saving lives while also saving money."
According to a Health Canada news release, applications will open in May by age group, with coverage starting as early as June 1. Canadians aged 55 to 64 can apply starting on May 1, followed by those aged 18 to 34 on May 15. Finally, Canadians aged 35 to 54 can apply starting on May 29.
In order to qualify for the CDCP, applicants must not have access to dental insurance, have filed their individual 2024 tax return in Canada, have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 and be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
The program helps pay for dental procedures, including cleanings, fillings and dentures.
In its news release, Health Canada said that up to 4.5 million uninsured Canadians between 18 and 64 "are expected to join" the plan — which already covers children, seniors and residents with valid disability tax credits.
For months, it was unclear when the large cohort of Canadians would be allowed to apply for the CDCP. The federal government previously said Canadians aged 18 to 64 would be able to apply in January.
But last October, Mark Holland, who was health minister at the time, walked back that statement.
"We didn't say January. We said 2025," he said at the time.
On Saturday morning, the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association said in a news release that it "applauds" the federal government for expanding access to the dental care program.
"A population that enjoys good oral health eases the burden on the health care system thanks to a reduced need for emergency department and physician visits for urgent dental care," the association said.
Khera's announcement comes one day before Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to ask the Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament and call a federal election.
Sources have confirmed to CBC News that election day will be April 28 — meaning federal parties will be sprinting through the shortest election period possible under Canadian law.
Carney is making the election call against a backdrop of public opinion polls that have placed the Liberal Party just out front in the coming contest.
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It's official.