The NDP’s leader Jagmeet Singh has said that his party will continue their pledge towards subsidizing dental costs for those without insurance. This long-running idea continues to enjoy support, though it has also caused many questions, mainly around the source of the money needed for such a program.
Ahead of the 2021 Canadian Federal Election, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh stated that his party would implement a federal program aimed at lowering dental costs.
The federal program would be based around subsidizing dentistry costs for Canadian citizens without insurance. This is an important issue, as a sizeable number of Canadians do not have insurance.
Singh referred to oral health a one of Canada’s “biggest divides” because of how those with limited income were being “left high and dry” in the current situation [1]. Having a healthy income is something that obviously isn’t applicable to everyone.
The NDP and Dental Care
The NDP have gradually grown in popularity in recent years. Dental care reform has been a consistent area that they have focused on.
They made a pledge ahead of the 2019 election which involved providing free dental care to low-income individuals [2]. This plan was then developed and altered ready for the 2021 election.
The 2021 plan formed part of the NDP’s election pledge. Singh said that anyone that received under $90,000 per year would benefit from his plan.
Those earning between $60,000 and $90,000 per year would have part of their dental expenses covered. Moreover, those that earn below $60,000 would be fully covered in the plan [1].
As part of their calculations, the NDP estimated that 6.5million Canadians would benefit from their program. As a result of the plan, the average family would save $1,200 in dental fees each year [1].
Could the NDP’s plan work?
The NDP’s idea has already had its validity studied. A 2020 report by the Parliamentary Budget Office estimated an upfront cost of $3billion for the Government [3]. Furthermore, this would be followed with a $1.5billion cost per year [3].
Some have asked where the money needed for this program would come from. Singh has said that the NDP would fund the program by introducing a 1% tax on households with wealth of over $10million.
The NDP’s plan would address long-term problems in the dental industry of Canada. Research shows that in a 12-month period, just 75% of Canadians visited a dentist, with 23% being put off from visiting a dental clinic due to cost [4].
However, Singh’s plan hasn’t been popular with fellow parties. In June, a motion put forward by the NDP relating to dental costs was voted down in the House of Commons [5]. Similar results may also follow.
Will the NDP keep this policy for the future?
It is likely that the NDP will continue this policy in upcoming elections because of its popularity among voters, many of whom would benefit from this program.
The 2021 election policy included slight modifications on the 2019 policy. Moreover, we can expect another slight alteration by the time of the next federal election, scheduled for October 2025 at the latest.
The NDP have been enjoying an uplift in support over recent years, and will hope that by the next election, that they will be able to challenge for more seats. Dental care is likely to continue to be an important part in the NDP’s overall policies.
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer our patients a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.
We always recommend that our patients visit our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for an important regular dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments, for instance cavity fillings and root canals, that can effectively restore oral health.
Above all, we recommend brushing our teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our dental clinic in Calgary Savanna Dental! You can read more about us by visiting our website https://savannadental.ca.
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