Madam Speaker, indeed one in five Canadians avoids going to see a dentist. That is 6.8 million people across the country who do not really have access to dental services because of costs.
In context, in a riding like Vancouver East, which tends to be a very low-income riding, I have met many constituents who are worried about applying for a job because their teeth are in terrible shape. They have not had dental services their whole lives. Imagine what a program like this would do for people like them. Not only would it help people's health, but it would build their self-esteem and also help them to get into the job market.
To that end, I really do not understand why the Liberals and the Conservatives are resisting this program. It would be paid for if the government adjusted its tax structure so that people who make $90,000 or less receive the tax changes but anybody above that amount would not.
I wonder if the member can further elaborate on the importance of this program.