The Prime Minister says the first pieces of legislation to be introduced in the upcoming Parliamentary sitting are about helping Canadians with the cost of living. The measures include doubling the Goods and Services Tax Credit for six months. Single Canadians without children would receive up to an extra $234 and couples with two children would receive an extra $467. Seniors on average would receive an extra $225.
Justin Trudeau states that, if passed, a dental benefit would be available for children under 12 who don’t have access to dental insurance, with direct payments of up to $650 per child per year over the next two years. It’s the first stage in the federal government’s plan to deliver dental coverage for families with income under $90,000.
The legislation also includes a one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit of $500 for renters struggling to pay the bills. This one-time benefit is in addition to the Canada Housing Benefit currently co-funded and delivered by the provinces and territories. It’s for those with an adjusted net income below $35,000 for families and below $20,000 for individuals, who pay at least 30 per cent of their income on rent.
Trudeau says inflation is a global challenge, caused by the COVID-1 pandemic and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
From the federal government’s news release:
The Canada Dental Benefit would deliver over $900 million to support dental health, starting in 2022-23. The Canada Dental Benefit for uninsured children under the age of 12 is the first stage of the government’s plan to deliver dental care for families with income under $90,000 who do not have access to dental insurance. The Canada Dental Benefit would provide direct payments to eligible applicants totalling up to $650 per year per child for dental care services for applicants with a family income under $70,000, $390 for those with a family income of $70,000 to $79,999, and $260 for those with a family income of $80,000 to $89,999. Parents or guardians of eligible children would need to apply to access payments.
· A new national dental program is under development, with the goal of expanding dental coverage to under 18-year-olds, seniors, and persons living with a disability in 2023, with full implementation for all families with incomes under $90,000 by 2025.
· The $500 payment for renters doubles our commitment made in Budget 2022, providing $1.2 billion in relief for 1.8 million eligible Canadians.
