An NDP government would provide Ontarians with dental benefits and convert post-secondary student loans to grants, said leader Andrea Horwath in a speech Saturday that gave a glimpse into her party’s election platform.“We know we can do better to make sure that everyone can build a good life, right here in Ontario,” she said, outlining five key parts of the party’s upcoming promises for the June 7 election, which also includes improvements to health and long-term care, returning Hydro One to public ownership while cutting rates, universal pharmacare, and boosting corporate tax rates.Horwath also said an NDP government will hold the federal government accountable for the rights of Indigenous people in issues like clean drinking water on reserves.“We can help people be healthier, and make more life affordable in Ontario, if we help more people go to the dentist,” she told the NDP’s provincial council.“We are going to make sure every working person in Ontario has dental benefits. And we will make the largest investment in public dental coverage in Ontario’s history — so that every senior can get the dental care they need. And every person on social assistance can get the dental care they need.”The dental program will be called “Ontario Benefits” and will be portable, moving with Ontarians when they switch employers, she said.Horwath also outlined the NDP plans for student debt. “Young people need more opportunities, not more debt,” she said. “With our plan, we will make repaying provincial student loans a thing of the past, and give young people a much better start in life.”A party spokesperson offered further detail on this point, saying that moving forward the NDP will “convert the provincial portion of student loans into grants that don’t have to be repaid.” Read more:Wynne defends surprise move to prorogue legislature before Monday’s thr ...
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