Skip to content

Senators pass Liberal dental benefit for kids, housing benefit for renters

OTTAWA — Senators have passed a bill that will allow low- and middle-income families to access government money to help care for their kids' dental care, starting as early as Dec. 1.
20221117161132-6376a8a1fb4eee7ce0c5f4b0jpeg
A dentist at the Riley Hospital for Children, checks the teeth of Justin Perez, 11, during an office visit in Indianapolis, Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. Senators have adopted the Liberals' dental-benefits bill, which means qualifying low- and middle-income families should be able to apply for government cheques to help care for their kids' teeth as early at Dec. 1.THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Michael Conroy

OTTAWA — Senators have passed a bill that will allow low- and middle-income families to access government money to help care for their kids' dental care, starting as early as Dec. 1.

The dental benefit was a compromise between the Liberals and NDP, as part of the supply-and-confidence agreement that will see the New Democrats support the minority government until 2025.

The Liberals are working to create a dental insurance program, but have created a new benefit to allow qualifying families to get help in the meantime.

Families with a household income lower than $90,000 who do not have private insurance can apply for up to $650 per child under the age of 12.

A spokeswoman for Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says the portal to apply is expected to open on Dec. 1.

Bill C-31, which also includes a one-time housing benefit of $500 for low-income renters, still needs royal assent before it is signed into law. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 17, 2022.

The Canadian Press

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks