New Democrats Celebrate Full Implementation of NDP’s Dental Care Program

Canada’s NDP Leader Don Davies, made the following statement in response to the full rollout of the NDP Dental Care Plan today, which is now available to all Canadians earning less than $90,000 per year:

“Today is a historic day for Canadians who have been waiting for dental care coverage. We are so proud that as of May 29, everyone who meets the criteria will be able to sign up to receive the dental care they need.

This means that millions of Canadians will finally have access to this essential primary health care.

This was made possible thanks to all those who have long fought for universal dental care—the oral health advocates and everyday people who shared their stories with us and urged us to keep up the fight. They know, as New Democrats do, that dental care is health care.

For too long, emergency waiting rooms across the country have been filled with Canadians experiencing pain in their mouths because they cannot afford to see a dentist. For too long, people have suffered physically, emotionally and socially. For too long, Canadians have experienced two-tier access to dental care or gone without.

Families deserve better. Workers deserve better. Children and seniors deserve better.

When the NDP initially proposed dental coverage to the Liberals, they voted against it. The Conservatives and BQ also opposed it. But we didn’t give up.

We pushed, we fought, and we delivered. Because that’s what New Democrats do.

We know there is much more to do.

The Canadian Dental Care Program is a major step forward, but only a down payment on the fully universal, comprehensive, public dental care program Canadians need and deserve.

We will continue fighting to expand health care in Canada so that everyone gets the care they need when they need it - through their health card, not their credit card.”