Mr. Speaker, oral health care is health care, and that is why I am so proud that our government launched the Canadian dental care program. For millions of Canadians with a family income under $90,000, it has made life more affordable and provided access to dental care they would not otherwise be able to access. It is also helping to prevent other, more serious health conditions that arise without proper oral care.
A key group of people in delivering oral care to Canadians are hygienists. I do not know if you knew this, Mr. Speaker, but April is Oral Health Month, and part of the celebration is National Dental Hygienists Week, which ran from April 4 to April 10. This annual event is sponsored by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association and is focused on the importance of good oral health practices while underlining the role of the dental hygiene profession in preventing and treating oral health issues. This year's theme of “oral health for total health” reminds us that taking care of our mouth, teeth and gums has a positive impact on other aspects of our life and our health care.
Dental hygienists play a critical role in prevention, early intervention, treatment and education in Etobicoke and across Canada. We thank them. Happy Oral Health Month.