Smith tells Trudeau Alberta will opt out of federal dental plan

Alberta is opting out of the federal dental plan, the premier told the Canadian government late Tuesday afternoon.

Alberta is opting out of the federal dental plan, the premier told the Canadian government late Tuesday afternoon.

In a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Danielle Smith said the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) infringes on provincial jurisdiction.

"If a new health program was to be developed by the federal government, it should be done in full collaboration with provinces and territories, and discussions should have occurred before these intentions are announced. Unfortunately, this did not occur," Smith wrote.

"As such, Alberta intends to opt out of the federal plan and maintain its provincial programs for Albertans. Alberta is seeking to negotiate an agreement for the province’s share of federal dental funding and will use this unconditional funding to expand dental coverage to more low-income Albertans. We anticipate our respective officials can negotiate mutually agreeable terms within a two-year timeframe and plan to opt out by 2026."

CTV News Edmonton reached out to the federal government for comment on Smith's letter.

Last December, Ottawa promised to spend $13 billion over the next five years on the plan.

Canadians who filed a tax return last year with no access to dental insurance and earning less than $90,000 are eligible.