House of Commons to vote on bill for dental care benefit, rental support this week

OTTAWA — A major part of the federal government’s affordability plan is expected to pass final reading in the House of Commons this week, after the Liberals fast-tracked Bill C-31 through the health committee Monday night. 

The bill, which includes a new dental-care benefit for children under 12 in low- and modest-income families and a one-time $500 allowance for low-income renters, is expected to come to a vote in the House on Thursday. 

The dental benefit is a key element of the supply-and-confidence agreement between the Liberals and the NDP, and is meant to be an interim measure while the government works on a more complete dental-care program.

Parliamentary budget officer Yves Giroux testified before the Senate Finance Committee about the proposed benefits this morning.