On March 22, Finance Minister Bill Morneau unveiled the 2017 federal budget entitled, Building A Strong Middle Class. This budget defines the federal government’s fiscal priorities for the coming year. Innovation is a prominent theme, with a focus on infrastructure, housing, skills, health, and gender balance. Key aspects related to health and dental hygiene are highlighted here.

On February 9, CDHA’s board of directors headed to Parliament Hill to discuss the importance of oral health to overall health with 27 MPs from across Canada. The oral health inequalities experienced by many seniors and Indigenous peoples were brought to the government’s attention. Mr. Bill Casey, chair of the health committee, joined the board for breakfast to start a successful day of advocacy, education, and collaboration. CDHA remains committed to ensuring that critical oral health care issues are brought to the forefront of the government’s agenda.

In response to media reports that the federal government was contemplating the taxation of premiums on health and dental insurance plans, CDHA collaborated with other health associations on an aggressive advocacy strategy, including participation in numerous meetings with MPs, Department of Finance officials, and the leader of the Official Opposition. We also helped to develop advocacy resources, held a press conference with member organizations, took part in three radio interviews, and participated in launch of the website www.donttaxmyhealthbenefits.ca. The campaign was a huge success, with 160,000 letters sent to MPs and the minister of finance. On February 1, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in the House of Commons that there would be no new taxes on health and dental benefits for Canadians, a statement that was confirmed with the release of the 2017 federal budget on March 22. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important initiative.

Community water fluoridation is an important oral health intervention and an issue that continues to spark debate in municipalities across the country. CDHA, along with a host of national and international health agencies and organizations, supports community water fluoridation and encourages you to explore our new resources on the topic. Educate your clients by sharing the FAQs and displaying the small poster in your workspace. Watch for CDHA’s updated position statement on community water fluoridation, which will be released later in the spring.

CDHA is excited to announce that Bev Woods, founder of the “Gift from the Heart” campaign, has been selected as the Canadian delegate to the International Federation of Dental Hygienists Social Responsibility Conference. Bev is passionate about Gift from the Heart and proud of the time and energy that Canadian dental hygienists have devoted to sharing their knowledge and skills freely to those most in need in their communities. Learn more about Gift from the Heart and National Dental Hygienists Week™ activities by watching CDHA’s free on-demand webinar, “How to Put Your Purple On! for NDHW™.”