North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney is pleased with federal financial allocations that will be made for dental care and other benefits from the Canadian government.
According to a media release from Blaney, after years of fighting the Liberal government to recognize the high cost of living in Canada, the NDP is pleased to deliver dental care for children.
Blaney stated that thanks to the efforts of New Democrats, families with children under 12 will get up to $650 a year per child to pay for vital dental care. Additionally, low-income families will receive an increase to their housing benefit, and almost 12 million Canadians will receive double the federal GST rebate over the next six months, added Blaney.
“Without the New Democrats, the Liberals were never going to move forward on dental care,” stated Blaney. “I’m frustrated that it’s taken the government this long, but I’m proud that the NDP is making gains for cash-strapped Canadians who need the support.”
In the last year, both the Liberals and Conservatives each voted twice against dental care, including a private member’s bill forwarded by the NDP, the release stated. This delay prevented Canadians from getting the dental care they desperately needed, according to the release, and despite talking about rising costs, the Conservatives are not interested in the fights that provide help.
“Constituents have told me their household budgets are stretched to the limit with the rising cost of living and the lack of affordable housing,” stated Blaney. “That’s why New Democrats pressed the government to deliver these measures that will put money back in your pockets and help you get ahead.”
As NDP critic for seniors, Blaney has advocated for a full dental program that includes seniors, many of whom are on a fixed income, and do not have dental care included in their benefits.
“We have pushed for years for the government to address the affordability crisis,” stated Blaney. “While these are steps in the right direction, I will not stop fighting until a full dental program that includes care for all Canadians is implemented.”
For constituents to find out if they and their families qualify for any of these affordability relief measures, they can contact Blaney’s office at 1.800.667.8404, or email rachel.blaney@parl.gc.ca, and they will be kept informed of the timeline and rollout of these programs.
