With clock ticking, future of Liberals’ dental and pharmacare programs uncertain

As the federal election looms just months away, the fate of two of the Liberal government’s major social programs — dental and pharmacare — hangs in the balance. Despite the promise of providing coverage to millions of Canadians, there are still significant hurdles to overcome.

Currently, two-thirds of the Canadians who were supposed to be covered under the new national dental insurance program are still not eligible. Additionally, the federal government has yet to secure any agreements with provinces and territories to start covering the cost of contraceptive and diabetes medications.

Health Minister Mark Holland has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the future of these programs, stating that “nothing is guaranteed” in the current volatile circumstances. However, he remains committed to seeing the programs through, emphasizing the need for swift action in the limited time available.

With the possibility of a confidence vote triggering an early election as soon as March, time is of the essence for Holland to push through the necessary agreements. The three major opposition parties have already made it clear that they will not give the Liberals any more time to fulfill their promises.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan, which was set to expand coverage to eligible adults aged 19 to 64 earlier this year, has yet to materialize. Similarly, while pharmacare legislation was passed last fall, negotiations with provinces and territories to finalize agreements have only begun to show progress.

The NDP, which supported the Liberals in bringing these programs to fruition, has made it clear that they will not grant any extensions. Despite Parliament being prorogued, the legislation and funding for both programs have already been approved, leaving no excuse for delays in implementation.

Concerns have been raised about the fate of these programs should the Conservatives come into power in the next election. While the party has been critical of the dental and pharmacare plans, they have not disclosed their plans for the programs if they were to win.

Dr. Carlos Quiñonez, a dental public health expert, believes that once social programs are in place, they tend to endure even through changes in government. However, the concern lies in how these programs will be managed under a new administration.

Dr. Brandon Doucet, a Nova Scotia dentist and advocate for universal dental insurance, fears that the dental care program may be at risk of being cut if all eligible Canadians are not enrolled before the election. The consequences of stripping away essential dental coverage from those in need could be dire.

In conclusion, the fate of Canada’s dental and pharmacare programs hangs in the balance as the federal election draws near. The urgency to finalize agreements and expand coverage to millions of Canadians is paramount, with the potential for significant impacts on the future of healthcare in the country.