Late last month, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, stating that Alberta would pull out of the federal government’s dental care plan by 2026.
Instead, the province would seek a negotiation to secure Alberta’s share of federal funding to reshape dental care coverage as it sees fit.
Though Alberta is seeking to secure the funds allocated to that program, there is actually no agreement signed with Alberta. The federal program is administered by Sun Life Financial, and dentists who sign up under the CDCP are reimbursed by Sun Life.
It suggests that the number of Albertans who have already signed up for the program — more than 100,000, according to Matthew Kronberg, a press secretary for federal Health Minister Mark Holland — illustrates why it is necessary.
“The best way to get high quality dental coverage is with money, and the best way to make money is by investing that money in oil & gas, so we’re going to take the dental money and invest it in private oil & gas.”
“And distribute the dividends to the Albertans most in need, right?”
“…”
“The money is for dentistry, right?”
“… the best way to get high quality dental coverage is with money, and the best way…”
Since health care is already under the purview of the provinces it kind of make sense to also let them handle dental. The claim in raising in max household income is not insignificant either. However, ultimately it comes down to whether you trust the province to not cock it up. Right now I don’t think I would trust the Ontario government with it.
