Minister of Rural Economic Development Gudie Hutchings travelled to La Ronge during a non-sitting week of the House of Commons. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Liberals

Federal minister tours La Ronge, promotes 2023 budget

Apr 6, 2023 | 4:16 PM

Minister of Rural Economic Development Gudie Hutchings was in La Ronge on Thursday to promote the federal government’s 2023 budget.

Hutchings made a short announcement at Robertson Trading Ltd., where she told attendees the budget is intended to grow the economy and make life more affordable for Canadians.

“Especially when you look at the challenging times with COVID,” she said.

“The global pandemic that brought the world to a standstill, like the supply chains and everything else, we are just starting to come over that and then we have a war in the Ukraine, which is still having an affect on supply chains. But throughout that, I know that that’s a crux with many of the issues with inflation and it is still making it difficult for Canadians, especially to make ends meet and put food on the table.”

She’s explained the budget delivers new targeted relief for the most vulnerable Canadians like the new $2.5 billion grocery rebate and $13 billion Canadian Dental Care Plan. The grocery rebate will provide eligible families with up to $467 and single people with no kids up to $234 as a one-time support. It is estimated the rebate will assist 11 million people.

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The Canadian Dental Care Plan, which will continue for five years, will cover uninsured Canadians with an annual family income under $90,000. It is estimated the plan will help nine million people.

“We’re also establishing an oral health access fund, which is really important for me because the fund compliments the dental care plan I just spoke about,” Hutchings said. “It’s making sure that it targets measures to address oral health care gaps that are in rural and remote populations.”

Hutchings’ visit to La Ronge is occurring during a non-sitting week with the House of Commons. She said she likes to use the time to explore rural Canada and gain a firsthand understanding of those regions to assist with her work in Ottawa.

As part of the visit, Hutchings is expected to meet with Chief Tammy Cook-Searson of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, as well as tour the La Ronge Health Centre and Northlands College.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno

by Derek Cornet

Federal minister tours La Ronge, promotes 2023 budget

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