FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2021
Provincial Dental Care Program a win for Seniors and low-income Islanders
Program created in response to Green caucus budget request
Charlottetown, PE – The provincial government has launched a dental care program for low-income Islanders and seniors in response to a request put forward by the Official Opposition Green caucus.
“I am absolutely thrilled with the rollout of the provincial dental program,” said Peter Bevan-Baker, Leader of the Official Opposition. “As a long time dentist, I am acutely aware of the importance of good dental care on overall well-being. I also know the financial barriers that exist for many Islanders who desperately need access to necessary dental care.”
In 2020, the Official Opposition asked government in its budget submission to provide an additional $2.5M for dental coverage for seniors and low income Islanders. At that time, the King government promised to provide that funding.
“Islanders were promised to have a program in place by July 1 of this year. It took a bit of pressure to make sure this government kept its promise. While it is about a month late, I am pleased applications are now being accepted for this new program,” said Bevan-Baker. “We persisted, we prevailed, and Islanders will benefit from improved access to important dental healthcare.”
Islanders can apply for dental care by visiting: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/dental-public-health-services.
Details on the dental care program can be found here: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/provincial_dental_care_program_brochure.pdf
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
Tel: (902) 213-0718
Email: jdhamel@assembly.pe.ca
Background Information: