Senators pass Liberal dental benefit for kids, housing benefit for renters

OTTAWA — Senators have passed a bill that will allow low- and middle-income families to access government money to help care for their kids’ dental care, starting as early as Dec. 1.

The dental benefit was a compromise between the Liberals and NDP, as part of the supply-and-confidence agreement that will see the New Democrats support the minority government until 2025.

The Liberals are working to create a dental insurance program, but have created a new benefit to allow qualifying families to get help in the meantime.

Families with a household income lower than $90,000 who do not have private insurance can apply for up to $650 per child under the age of 12.