NDP MP Desjarlais touts NDP dental care plans that cover over 600,000 Albertans and over 13,000 kids

EDMONTON – On Thursday, NDP MP Blake Desjarlais (Edmonton Griesbach) and NDP candidate for Edmonton Centre Trisha Estabrooks discussed the NDP’s dental care plan that over 600,000 seniors, kids and low-income families across Alberta will be able to receive.

Desjarlais and Estabrooks say this dental coverage wouldn’t have been possible without the NDP forcing the Liberals to act through the supply-and-confidence agreement. And it’s already delivering results – over 13,000 kids in Edmonton alone have already received dental care thanks to the NDP.

“New Democrats fought for dental care, as you shouldn’t have to break the bank to get your teeth fixed. Seniors have been left behind for too long with consecutive governments, from the Conservatives raising the age of pension eligibility and the Liberals forcing seniors to choose between their meds and their groceries,” said Desjarlais.

“New Democrats delivered for Canadians by providing dental care coverage for seniors, young people, and those living with a disability, so it’s one less expense people have to worry about during this cost-of-living crisis.”

Over a third of Canadians have no dental insurance, and nearly 9 million avoid the dentist yearly because they can’t afford it. With the implementation of the dental care program starting this year, thousands of Albertans are starting to get their letter to sign-up.

While Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives voted against dental care for Canadians, Desjarlais says his office will support people through the process to ensure the roll-out goes as seamlessly as possible.

“I’m proud to be a New Democrat because of the party’s tireless effort to deliver results for Canadians. The NDP made dental care happen in this country by forcing the Liberals to act.” said Estabrooks.

“People are worried about how they will pay all their bills, and too often, people skip seeing their dentist due to cost, despite how important it is for their health. New Democrats delivered this for thousands of Edmontonians, and I encourage everyone eligible to sign up as quickly as possible.”