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Adjournment Proceedings

2026-06-02 Sitting 127 Showing 1–2 of 2

In adjournment proceedings, the NDP pressed the Liberals about issues with the Canadian dental care plan, like eligibility criteria excluding some seniors and pensioners. The Liberals thanked their 'good friend' for the question and mostly boasted about the plan's transformative impact and number of people it covers.

Official Hansard ↗

Maggie Chi

Liberal 6:35 p.m.

“I want to interrupt my friend's victory lap with an important reminder. The government is showing generosity with other people's money. People now depend on getting dental care from the government. It would be wrong to take it away. So taxpayers must keep paying for it forever.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member, my good friend from Courtenay—Alberni, for his very important question. As the member mentioned, the Canadian dental care plan is the most transformative social program in a generation. More than seven million Canadians are now eligible for the CDCP, and more than four million Canadians have received dental services from the plan. During the most recent renewal period, more than 80% of CDCP members successfully renewed their coverage. In the member's riding of Courtenay—Alberni, more than 29,000 people are eligible for the CDCP. That means seniors are receiving care that has been delayed for years. Children and young people are getting access to preventative care earlier. Families are saving, on average, about $900 per year through the program. At a time when many Canadians are feeling pressure from the rising cost of living, the CDCP is helping people access essential dental care with greater peace of mind. As with any program of this scale, it is important that eligibility requirements are administered carefully and consistently. Health Canada regularly conducts eligibility reviews to confirm that applicant information aligns with records held by the Canada Revenue Agency. In cases where additional clarification is needed, individuals may be asked to provide supporting documentation, which the department then reviews before confirming eligibility. The member has rightfully raised cases where, through no fault of their own, some individuals were incorrectly approved for dental services. I can assure the member that the department is working closely with impacted individuals and the members of Parliament who have raised this issue to find an equitable solution. I know this issue is important to the member, and I want to emphasize that the minister and all of us are committed to ensuring the program works effectively for Canadians. That means making sure eligible Canadians can continue accessing the dental care they need while supporting a system that remains reliable and sustainable for the millions of Canadians who depend on it.

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Maggie Chi

Liberal 6:35 p.m.

“The government spending money on this program is good. The government should keep spending money. Many Canadians are using the program. The program should be easy to use. The government must make sure the program keeps working.”

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