Question Period Note: DENTAL CARE

During the 2019 election campaign, the NDP committed to providing free dental care for households making under $70,000 starting in 2020.

• Will the Government support the NDP’s plan for dental care for low income Canadians?

• The responsibilities for Canada's health care system are shared between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

• Although the federal government plays a role in supporting health care by providing funding to the provinces and territories, the provincial and territorial governments have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services. This includes setting their own priorities, administering their health care budgets, and managing their own resources.

• Under the Canada Health Act, a province or territory must cover medically necessary surgical dental procedures, when a hospital is required for the proper performance of the procedures.

• Coverage for all other dental care services is provided at the discretion of the province or territory. Coverage for these services is often targeted to specific population groups, such as children, seniors, and those on social assistance, with levels of funding and scope varying from one province or territory to another.

During the 2019 election campaign, the NDP committed to providing free dental care for households making under $70,000 starting in 2020.

Dental care would be free for households making under $70,000, with a sliding co-payment for those earning between $70,000 and $90,000.

The NDP said the covered services would include examinations, cleanings and fluoride rinses, x-rays, teeth fillings, crowns, root canals, treatments for gum disease, dentures and braces for non-cosmetic purposes.

The party estimates its initial plan would cover 4.3 million Canadians and would save a family of four (if the household makes $70,000 or less) roughly $1,240.

Currently, the responsibility for planning and provision of oral health care services rests primarily with provinces and territories with the federal government having a limited role of providing dental care to specific populations and providing advice on public health measures.

None