Justin Trudeau defended the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” during the CBS program Monday in New York, where he’s meeting with world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly.
“There’s a big argument right now about whether dental care really exists. We’ve delivered it to 700,000 people across the country, and my opponent is gaslighting us and saying, ‘Oh, dental care doesn’t even exist yet,’” Trudeau said.
Conservative health critic Stephen Ellis said earlier this month the government had botched the dental program, claiming most Canadians don’t qualify and those who do may still pay out of pocket.
Earlier September, Health Minister Mark Holland said nearly 650,000 people have taken advantage of the dental-care program so far and four-fifths of dental-care providers are participating.
Meanwhile, Colbert also asked Trudeau about U.S.-Canada disputes, including the softwood lumber tariffs the U.S. Department of Commerce nearly doubled in August. Trudeau responded that Americans are paying too much for lumber because of the tariffs.
“We come over the border for cheaper drugs. You guys happy with that?” Colbert asked.
“We’re happy to try and help you out, but it would be a lot easier if you had universal health care,” Trudeau replied, earning a cheerful reaction from the audience.
(With files from the Canadian Press)
