Jagmeet Singh will bring dental care to families that need it

ST. JOHNS — Joined by a family who has had to put off dental care for their children because the costs are too high, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced his plan to offer dental care coverage to people who need it across Canada.

“No one should have to deal with excruciating dental pain or put off necessary treatment – especially in a country with universal health care. But that’s the reality for millions of Canadians who don’t have any coverage at all, including young people, low-wage workers or seniors,” said Jagmeet.

Jagmeet noted his plan to make the ultra-rich pay their fair share would more than cover the cost of dental care.

An NDP government would start a federal dental care plan by covering uninsured families earning less than $90,000 a year. The plan would see 6.5 million Canadians benefit, with the average family saving $1,200 in annual dental fees. Jagmeet called the announcement a huge step towards the goal of total dental care coverage within Canada’s health care system.

Jagmeet pledged to pay for this and other programs by introducing a new, 1% tax on Canadians with a net wealth of $10 million or more. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that this would generate $11 billion in revenue in the first year alone.

“Justin Trudeau voted against our dental care plan, and he voted against making the ultra-rich pay their share,” said Jagmeet. “His record shows, no matter what he says, Mr. Trudeau would rather help his elite rich friends than get people the help they need. I’m not Justin Trudeau. I’m ready to get Canadians the care they need.”

The wealth tax builds on the NDP’s plan to crack down on the tax loopholes that benefit the wealthiest Canadians. Jagmeet has also committed to giving the CRA more staff and resources to catch tax cheats and make them pay their fair share.