Pleased to announce launch of the Canada Dental Benefit
Happy New Year, Centennial! I hope everyone was able to celebrate the end of 2022 and the promising start of a new year. I also want to recognize our frontline workers, as many of them selflessly worked through Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve to keep our community safe and running.
Pancakes With Santa
The holidays are always a special time in Scarborough–Rouge Park. In December, my team and I joined City Councillor Jennifer McKelvie to host our Pancakes With Santa event at the historic Nielson House. Thanks to a huge turnout, I was able to reconnect with many families as we enjoyed warm pancakes, hot chocolate, Christmas carols, photos with Santa, and much more. I am grateful to the incredible volunteers and performers for taking the time to spread the holiday cheer.
Canada Dental Benefit for Children
I am pleased to report the launch of the Canada Dental Benefit, a first-of-its-kind program to ease the burden of dental costs for parents of young children. The benefit is available to families with children under 12 who have a net income of less than $90,000 and who do not have private dental insurance. Those eligible will be granted up-front, tax-free dental care payments of up to $650 per child annually.
I encourage eligible parents or guardians to apply for the Canada Dental Benefit via CRA My Account or call the CRA’s dedicated phone line at 1-800-715-8836 to complete your application with an agent.
This program will be in place for two years as we work to fully enact a permanent dental care program, including those under 18, seniors, and Canadians living with a disability. Our government is taking concrete steps to ensure Canadians have access to oral health today and well into the future.
Record Transfer Funding
On December 16, our government announced a record $94.6 billion in major transfer funding to provinces and territories for 2023-24. This transfer – which includes the Canada Health Transfer and the Canada Social Transfer – will give provinces like Ontario the resources it needs to provide high-quality health care and social development. For instance, this year’s Canada Health Transfer will increase by 9.3 percent to $49.4 billion thanks to Canada’s strong recovery from the pandemic recession.
With health care on the minds of many Canadians, the federal government will continue to listen to and support the provinces and territories as we address the shortage of healthcare staff and the backlog of surgeries and procedures.
2022 Toy Drive
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who donated presents and toys for our annual toy drive in collaboration with the Dotty Nicholas Sickle Cell Association. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to provide gifts for 21 children battling sickle cell anemia so they, too, can celebrate a fantastic Christmas. As always, I am moved by the kindness and generosity shown by residents.
Connect with Us
My team and I are happy to hear your thoughts, answer any questions, and assist you with any federal matters. You can always contact my office at 416-283-1414 or Gary.Anand@parl.gc.ca