CHILD-CARE FUNDING & ONTARIO’S NEW DENTAL PLAN FOR SENIORS

Since forming government, almost one year ago, our government has made key investments to bring relief to Ontarians. I would like to highlight two of the recent programs that have been introduced, aimed at doing just that.

We are taking important steps to improve the dignity and quality of life for all seniors in our great province. These people have contributed to the province’s success and they deserve to get the care they need. This is why we are providing low-income seniors access to quality dental care through a new publicly-funded dental care program that will begin in late summer 2019.

Ontarians aged 65 and over with an income of $19,300 or less or a couple with a combined annual income of $32,300 or less, and without existing dental benefits, will qualify for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. This new program will also assist our seniors by increasing funding for dental services in public-health units, community health centers, and Aboriginal Health Access Centers, and investing in new dental services in under-serviced areas.

Our Government for the People is building a coordinated, connected public health care system that puts the patient and seniors at the center of care.

We also understand that it is also important to ensure young families are supported when it comes to their child care needs.

This is why we are investing up to $2 billion to support child care this year alone. We are increasing funding for child care workers through the Wage Enhancement Grant and creating up to 30,000 new child care spaces.

Along with that, we have introduced the CARE tax credit. This is a historic investment that focuses benefits on low- and moderate-income families. Families could receive up to $6,000 per child under seven, up to $3,750 per child between the ages of seven and 16, and up to $8,250 per child with a severe disability.

Our government is focused on putting money back in parent’s pockets. We believe that parents are the best decision makers when it comes to their child care needs and will continue to make investments in Seniors and Children in Ontario.