The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) are two cornerstone initiatives designed to improve the well-being of Canadian families by addressing child poverty and access to essential health services. Together, these programs reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for children, families, and seniors, promoting equity, and reducing socioeconomic disparities. Importantly, these programs benefit all Canadians—directly or indirectly—by fostering healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities.

Both the CCB and CDB contribute to economic growth by increasing the spending power of low- and middle-income families. Families use these benefits for goods and services such as food, clothing, and healthcare, boosting local businesses and job creation. For example, small businesses, particularly in retail and food services, see increased customer spending when families have greater financial stability. A stronger consumer base, supported by programs like the CCB, ensures a healthier economic environment for everyone. Additionally, the CCB has injected over $71 billion into the Canadian economy since its inception in 2016, helping stimulate local economies and creating a ripple effect of economic activity.

Programs like the CCB and CDB alleviate pressure on public systems. By improving access to dental care, the CDB prevents severe dental issues that would otherwise require expensive emergency care. The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences estimates that preventable dental emergencies cost the healthcare system millions annually. Reducing child poverty through the CCB decreases reliance on food banks, shelters, and child protection programs. This allows public resources to be allocated to other critical areas, benefiting all Canadians. Research also shows that reducing poverty strongly correlates with lower crime rates, creating safer communities for everyone. Investments in programs like the CCB improve individual outcomes and reduce public spending on law enforcement and criminal justice.

Healthier children and seniors lead to stronger communities. When children grow up with proper nutrition, education, and healthcare, they are more likely to achieve their potential, contributing to a productive workforce. Seniors with access to dental care remain healthier and more independent, reducing the burden on family caregivers and public healthcare systems. For all Canadians, these programs foster safer, more harmonious neighbourhoods. Businesses, property owners, and families alike benefit from living in communities with lower crime rates and greater economic stability.

These programs also help ensure a brighter future for everyone. Investments in child and senior health today result in a more productive workforce and lower public expenditures tomorrow. Children lifted out of poverty are more likely to pursue higher education and secure stable employment, contributing to the economy and reducing future reliance on public systems. A study by UNICEF Canada highlights the long-term economic returns of investing in children’s well-being, emphasizing that every dollar spent can yield significant savings in healthcare, social services, and law enforcement.

Introduced in 2016, the CCB is a tax-free monthly payment providing financial assistance to families with children under 18. The program consolidates previous child benefit systems into a more targeted and simplified approach, offering higher payments to lower-income families. By linking payments to household income, the CCB ensures resources are allocated to families most in need. The program’s impact on reducing child poverty is significant. According to the Fraser Institute, a traditionally right-leaning think tank, the number of children in poverty declined by 248,364 under the CCB, as measured using the Market Basket Measure. This finding highlights the tangible impact of the CCB in improving financial stability for families and lifting children out of poverty. Moreover, reports from Employment and Social Development Canada show how the CCB enables families to afford essentials such as food, housing, childcare, and education. These expenditures directly contribute to healthier childhood development, better educational outcomes, and improved family well-being.

Introduced in December 2022, the Canada Dental Benefit provides direct payments to families with children under 12 from households earning less than $90,000 annually who lack private dental insurance. In 2024, the program expanded to include seniors aged 65 and above, addressing the high prevalence of dental issues among this demographic. As of December 2024, over 3 million Canadians have been approved for the CDB, with more than 1 million having received dental care services. The program saves Canadians an average of $730 annually on essential oral health services like cleanings, fillings, and preventive screenings, including tests for oral cancer. Additionally, over 89% of oral health providers are actively participating, ensuring accessibility nationwide. This broad participation demonstrates the CDB’s effectiveness in addressing oral health disparities, reducing reliance on emergency care, and lowering healthcare system costs.

Without consistent government support, the effectiveness of these programs will erode due to inflation and rising costs. For instance, if the CCB payments are not indexed to inflation, families will face financial strain, undoing years of progress in reducing child poverty. Similarly, if the CDB is not expanded or maintained, more Canadians could face untreated dental issues, increasing long-term healthcare costs. A report by UNICEF Canada emphasized that investing in children’s well-being yields significant economic returns while neglecting such investments results in greater financial burdens on healthcare, law enforcement, and social services.

The Canada Child Benefit and Canada Dental Benefit are more than just social programs—they are investments in a healthier, safer, and more prosperous Canada. For higher-income Canadians, these programs contribute to stronger economies, safer neighbourhoods, and reduced public costs, even if they don’t directly receive the benefits. However, these programs are only as effective as the government’s commitment to sustaining and adapting them to meet changing economic conditions. Ongoing support, such as indexing payments to inflation and expanding coverage, is essential to ensure their continued success. By advocating for these programs, all Canadians play a role in shaping a stronger, more equitable future. Supporting them is not just about helping the most vulnerable—it’s about building a society where everyone thrives. 

Stephen Fuhr

91´ó»ÆѼ-Lake Country MP

2015-2019