By Canadian Press

House of Commons to vote on bill for dental care benefit, rental support this week

Oct 25, 2022 | 8:47 AM

OTTAWA — A major part of the federal government’s affordability plan is expected to pass final reading in the House of Commons this week, after the Liberals fast-tracked Bill C-31 through the health committee Monday night. 

The bill, which includes a new dental-care benefit for children under 12 in low- and modest-income families and a one-time $500 allowance for low-income renters, is expected to come to a vote in the House on Thursday. 

The dental benefit is a key element of the supply-and-confidence agreement between the Liberals and the NDP, and is meant to be an interim measure while the government works on a more complete dental-care program.

Parliamentary budget officer Yves Giroux testified before the Senate Finance Committee about the proposed benefits this morning. 

The PBO estimates the dental benefit will cost $703 million, while the rental support will cost up to $940 million.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 25, 2022.

The Canadian Press