June 16, 2021

Liberals reject NDP proposal to deliver affordable dental care to millions

WINNIPEG – Earlier today, the Liberal government voted against an NDP motion that would provide dental coverage to millions of Canadians who cannot afford dental care. The NDP proposal would have allowed 6.7 million people in Canada whose household income is less than $90,000 a year to access the dental services they desperately need.

“Today, Liberals and Conservatives chose to deny Canadians affordable access to dental care, a critical piece of overall health that is far too out of reach for many families,” said NDP MP Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre). Oral health affects the entire body. All people in Canada deserve affordable access to dental care.”

Liberal and Conservative Members of Parliament refused to support the New Democrats’ attempt to deliver dental coverage even though one in five Canadians skip visits to the dentist because they can’t afford it.

Left untreated, poor dental hygiene is linked to many serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections and diabetic complications. Across Canada people are going to emergency rooms for dental pain, when what they really need is to see a dentist. The estimated cost of these visits across Canada is more than $150 million per year.

“The government’s choice not to help people who can’t afford dental services has serious health consequences. With equitable access to dental care, we can prevent health issues like infections and complications before they occur,” added Gazan. “It is time the government show leadership and expand this critical health service to those who need it most."

Contact:

Claire Johnston

Latest posts

MP Leah Gazan Statement on Violations of International Law and Human Rights Abuses

We can never let ourselves become complicit in senseless violence and violations of human rights and international law. The behavior by President Trump and Netanyahu are particularly concerning, and they must be held to account.

Leah Gazan, NDP Critic for Women and Gender Equality Released the Following Statement for International Women's Day 2026

"Today is International Women’s Day - a time to celebrate all the remarkable advancements made by women and gender-diverse people across the world. Today, we recommit to the ongoing fight for gender equality and human rights for all women and gender-diverse people in Canada and across the globe."

NDP MPs Leah Gazan and Jenny Kwan Join Women’s Organizations and Migrant Rights Advocates Condemning Bill C-12

NDP MPs Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre) and Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East) are standing alongside women’s organizations and migrant rights advocates calling on all Members of Parliament to reject the Liberals’ border and immigration legislation, Bill C-12, expected to be voted on at third reading this week.