In March, Jagmeet Singh made headlines when he made a deal with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to help Canadians with dental care.
By signing the confidence-and-supply agreement, the New Democrats would help keep Trudeau’s Liberal government in power until 2025 if certain conditions are met.
As a key condition in this plan, Singh pledged to provide dental care and Pharmacare for all. However, just five months later, Singh has warned that if that doesn’t happen, the deal will fall apart.
It is estimated that the PBO will spend $9 million over five years on this, according to a document published in June.
“The plan is expected to cover the costs of routine care, fluoride treatments, radiographs, sealants, and other combinations of caries treatments, dentures, and periodontics,” says the PBO.
The plan will gradually expand coverage to households making less than $90,000, and families making less than $70,000 a year will not be charged.
More than ever, Canadian families will need help covering their dental expenses due to rising inflation.
Singh’s warning comes as the program’s deadline approaches and eligibility expansions will begin next year.