The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a game-changer for some communities.
Thousands of people in Thunder Bay-Superior North “are getting dental care for the first time” in decades thanks to the federal program that started earlier this year, Patty Hajdu, Member of Parliament and federal cabinet minister of Indigenous services since 2021, said in hindsight of 2024.
In a year-end interview with Dougall Media, Hajdu, who also serves as the member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North, highlighted the Canadian Dental Care Plan as one of the government’s key accomplishments, emphasizing its impact on communities.
“The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a great example of something that I think is producing results for people right here in our riding,” Hajdu said.
While acknowledging that adoption took time, Hajdu reported widespread participation from dental professionals.
“What we’re seeing is probably close to 85 per cent of dentists across the country are now accepting the Canadian Dental Care Plan,” she said.
The program is designed to help eligible Canadians access affordable oral health care, addressing a critical gap in the health-care system. With growing participation from dental practitioners, Hajdu expressed optimism about the program’s future and its continued ability to meet the needs of underserved populations.
Looking ahead to 2025, Hajdu wants to see her First Nation’s drinking water and wastewater legislation pass into law.
(With files from the Canadian Press)
