As part of his government’s deal with the New Democrats to secure parliamentary support for the governing Liberals until 2025, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has reportedly announced new measures to help Canadians struggling with the rising cost of living.
The first stage of a dental care program, boosting the GST tax credit and providing a one-time increase to the Canada Housing Benefit would be rolled out, the Liberals said.
The announcement that was supposed to have been made on Sept. 8 in Vancouver, during a Liberal cabinet retreat was delayed due to the sudden death of Queen Elizabeth II.
According to the plan announced Tuesday the GST tax credit will be doubled for six months and will affect 11 million Canadians and families who currently receive the tax credit.
One-time increase to the Canada Housing Benefit for Canadian renters struggling with housing needs would be provided up to $500 to 1.8 million.
Trudeau’s government is introducing a Canada Dental Benefit for children under 12 who do not have access to dental insurance.
Families with low, and middle-income with a combined income of under $90,000 can access up to $650 per year for the next two years for dental services.
The next step, Trudeau said will be to extend dental care to under 18s, seniors, and people with disabilities by the end of 2023, before full implementation of the program by 2025.
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