Health Minister Mark Holland said Monday that the Liberal government will continue to work on policies it had promised to pursue under its now-defunct deal with the NDP. Last week, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh ended the pact before some of the agreed-upon measures could be implemented.
These policies include a safe long-term care act, a pharmacare bill under Senate review, and negotiating deals with provinces for free diabetes medication and birth control for health cardholders. Singh claimed credit for pressuring the Liberals into these actions.
Holland shared this update during a news conference at the University of Toronto’s dental faculty, highlighting the national dental-care program. Nearly 650,000 people have already benefited from this program, with majority dental-care providers participating.
Earlier this summer, participation in the dental-care program was in doubt due to registration struggles among dental professionals. Holland made adjustments in July to streamline the process, leading to expanded eligibility for seniors, qualifying children, and those eligible for a disability tax credit.
With the NDP no longer providing guaranteed support in Parliament, the Liberals must now find partners for each individual vote. Holland mentioned ongoing discussions with the Bloc Québécois and less productive talks with the Conservatives. The Bloc has expressed willingness to support the minority government in exchange for gains for Quebec.
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