QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Canadian Dental Care Plan
May 1, 2024
My question is for the Leader of the Government. Today marks the beginning of the Liberal government’s NDP-driven Canadian Dental Care Plan. No one knows how much it will cost, but we do know that the cost will be borne by all Canadians.
Your government is falsely promising a form of free dental care, although only 15% of dentists in Quebec have opted into the federal program, which is woefully inadequate to deliver the services promised.
Dentists clearly don’t trust the remuneration and payment system put in place. I think Canadians are likely to be extremely frustrated.
My question is simple. How long is it going to take your government to respond and fix yet another service that will not work as promised?
Thank you for your question.
As you know, one third of Canadians do not have dental insurance through their employer. Also, one in four Canadians can’t go to the dentist because it’s too expensive.
As of today, May 1, 2024, one million Canadian seniors have already enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan and will be eligible for treatment. To date, more than 6,050 dentists have agreed to provide the care.
Your government is known to have zero skills when it comes to managing services to the public. CERB, ArriveCAN and immigration issues are proof of that.
Why did your government choose Sun Life Canada to manage reimbursements despite the fact that the majority of dentists in Quebec do not trust that this company will pay them promptly?
The government has chosen a very reliable supplier. Keep in mind that the Canadian Dental Care Plan is a national program that will help Canadians across the country. If adjustments are needed to make this program work better, the government is committed to looking at all the options.
