An Act respecting cost of living relief measures related to dental care and rental housing
Bill C-31 in 44-1 was a government bill respecting cost-of-living relief measures, distinct from 45-1 Bill C-31 (BIA 2024 No. 2). The 44-1 bill received royal assent on November 17, 2022 (S.C. 2022, c. 17) and implemented two emergency cost-of-living programs: (1) a temporary doubling of the GST credit for six months (delivered to approximately 11 million Canadian households in October 2022, costing approximately $2.5 billion), and (2) the federal Canadian Dental Benefit interim program for children under 12 from low-income families (later replaced by the comprehensive Canadian Dental Care Plan launched May 2024). The bill also extended EI sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks effective December 18, 2022. Tabled by then-Liberal Deputy PM and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Status
Quick learn
Two short-term cost-of-living programs in one bill: federal dental cheques for low-income families with kids under 12 (before the full Canadian Dental Care Plan launched), and a one-time $500 rent top-up for low-income renters.
Issues this bill touches
- Cost of Living
Original Dental Benefit Act for children under 12 and the one-time Canada Housing Benefit top-up for low-income renters.
- Healthcare
First-step federal dental benefit for low-income children under 12, before the Canadian Dental Care Plan launched.
Legislative history
- Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - First reading
First reading in the House of Commons.
View source - Second reading
Second reading in the House of Commons.
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Third reading in the House of Commons.
View source - First reading
First reading in the Senate.
View source - Second reading
Second reading in the Senate.
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Third reading in the Senate.
View source - Royal assent
Royal assent received.
View source - Second reading
Debated in principle; vote sends the bill to committee.
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Sponsored by
François-Philippe ChampagneLIBERALOfficial source
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