An Alberta MP has denounced Premier Danielle Smith’s efforts to block Albertans from benefiting from a national dental care program as “cold-hearted” and doomed to fail.
Randy Boissonnault, the federal employment minister, emphasized during his visit to Red Deer that the Liberal government’s national dental care plan is structured to facilitate direct billing between dentists and the federal government, bypassing any provincial attempts to obstruct it.
“The premier cannot impede this initiative,” Boissonnault affirmed, urging all eligible Albertans to enroll in the program.
Premier Danielle Smith has expressed Alberta’s longstanding preference for expanding existing provincial dental programs rather than introducing a new federal plan, citing coverage for approximately 500,000 Albertans under current provincial schemes.
In response, Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange’s office highlighted that the Canadian Dental Care Plan duplicates services already provided by Alberta’s low-income dental programs. Press secretary Andrea Smith stated that Alberta had advocated for federal collaboration to enhance existing dental coverage, but the federal government proceeded independently with its new initiative.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan targets uninsured Canadians with a household income below $90,000, excluding those already covered through work, school, or private insurance. Starting May 1, seniors over 65 without insurance could apply online for coverage, and eligibility expanded this month to include adults receiving disability allowances and children under 18. The plan aims to encompass low and middle-income Canadians of all ages by 2025, potentially covering up to nine million people lacking dental insurance.
Boissonnault, MP for Edmonton Centre, criticized Alberta’s objections to the national dental care program as obstructionist politics, accusing the UCP government of reflexively rejecting federal proposals regardless of their benefits for citizens.
Premier Smith defended her stance by asserting that the federal plan encroaches on provincial jurisdiction, advocating instead for negotiations to secure Alberta’s share of federal funding. This approach would allow the province to enhance dental coverage through its existing programs.
The Alberta NDP countered Smith’s position, arguing that provincial programs currently cover only a small fraction of the population at very low income thresholds. Dr. Luanne Metz, Alberta NDP Critic for Health, denounced Smith’s efforts to deny essential dental care coverage to thousands of Albertans as “unconscionable,” emphasizing that the national program fills critical gaps in coverage.
Boissonnault criticized Smith’s rejection of federal funding as “cold-hearted,” suggesting it reflects a disregard for Albertans’ welfare and an unwelcoming attitude towards federal assistance.
The debate continues as Alberta navigates its stance on the national dental care plan, with federal efforts aimed at expanding access to essential dental services amidst provincial opposition.