Historic Canadian Dental Care Plan demonstrates essential federal role in comprehensive health care

The Canadian Health Coalition issued this statement with the announcement of the new federal Canadian Dental Care Plan. For more information on the plan, refer to the statement and backgrounder posted on the federal government’s website, or check to see if you are eligible.

(Ottawa) The Canadian Health Coalition joins with Canadians of all political stripes in celebrating the next phase of the new Canadian Dental Care Plan.

“The Canadian Health Coalition congratulates Health Minister Mark Holland, his predecessor Jean-Yves Duclos, and especially NDP Health Critic Don Davies whose steadfast commitment has made this historic day possible,” said Pauline Worsfold, RN, chairperson of the coalition.

In 2021, the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Office estimated that 32% of Canadians have no dental insurance. That’s 12 million people. Even people who have dental coverage, regions with lower income and Indigenous communities have challenges accessing dental care providers, and many still struggle with co-pays and yearly limits.

“The welcomed arrival of the Canadian Dental Care Plan demonstrates the urgent need for federal leadership to improve our public health care system,” said Steven Staples, National Director of Policy and Advocacy of the Canadian Health Coalition. “Where there is political will, the federal government can help fulfill the promise of the Canada Health Act for truly comprehensive care.”

Question Period in the House of Commons, December 11, 2023

Thanks to the NDP, 9 million Canadians will have access to the dental care they deserve.

Seniors, children, people with disabilities will soon be able to get to the dentist without worrying about the cost.

This is the biggest expansion of public healthcare in half a century. pic.twitter.com/vUr3zHP44P

— Don Davies MP (@DonDavies) December 11, 2023

“This is an important step, but there is more work to be done,” he added. Today’s announcement extends dental insurance coverage to seniors, people under 18 years of age, and those living with disabilities who do not have private or public insurance coverage currently, and whose household income is not above $90,000 per year.

“The Canadian Dental Care Plan should be extended to all eligible people in Canada as soon as possible, and then remove barriers to make this a truly universal program for everyone,” said Staples.

The Canadian Health Coalition was founded in 1979 and comprises frontline health care workers’ unions, community groups, and public health experts.