Poilievre Vows to ‘Defend’ Pharmacare and Dental Care; Carney Commits to New Submarines
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has pledged to “protect” the newly introduced social programs by the Liberal government, such as dental care and pharmacare.
Despite past criticism of pharmacare, the Conservatives have refrained from discussing the federal dental care program. Poilievre assured reporters on March 25 that these programs would not be eliminated if he were elected.
He stated during a campaign stop in Vaughan, Ont., “We will protect these programs and ensure that nobody loses their dental care.”
Both pharmacare and the national dental care program were integral components of the former supply-and-confidence agreement between the Liberals and NDP.
The dental program, initiated in 2022, currently offers coverage primarily to children, seniors, and Canadians with disabilities. The Liberals plan to expand eligibility this year to include individuals aged 18 to 64 with household incomes below $90,000 and without private insurance.
Pharmacare allows the federal government to collaborate with provinces and territories to provide coverage for birth control and diabetes medications within the public health system.
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Liberal Leader Mark Carney has expressed pride in the Liberal government’s backing of these programs, including the $10-a-day child care initiative.
Poilievre criticized the Liberals’ approach to child care, advocating for a more flexible model that supports parents, providers, and provinces, especially those with non-standard work schedules.
He emphasized, “Provinces can determine how to deliver services with more flexibility and freedom for parents, provinces, and providers. We will significantly increase child care availability and reduce bureaucratic obstacles.”
Poilievre intends to balance the budget by mandating ministries to cut spending by a dollar before spending a dollar, as well as reducing government bureaucracy, outsourcing, and foreign aid.
Defence spending
Carney pledges to boost defence spending through the acquisition of new submarines, fleets of drones, and additional heavy-duty icebreakers, along with a raise for Canadian Armed Forces personnel.
He stated during a campaign event in Halifax on March 25, “We will enhance investment in our Armed Forces to defend all our sovereign territory and support allies overseas.”
Poilievre has also prioritized Arctic defence, proposing a permanent military base in Iqaluit to assert sovereignty in the North. He aims to double the number of Canadian Rangers in the region and acquire two heavy icebreakers for the navy.
These pledges for Arctic security come amidst U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for NATO members to meet defense spending requirements, with Canada falling short of the 2 percent benchmark currently.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
