TORONTO -- Ontario's NDP leader says the party would spend $1.2 billion to provide dental coverage to an additional 4.5 million people if it wins the spring election.

Andrea Horwath says today that her party's plan -- called Ontario Benefits -- would provide coverage for students, seniors and people working jobs without dental benefits.

Horwath says an NDP government would raise the money to pay for the plan by increasing taxes on the wealthy and corporations.

The NDP leader also says that her party would run a deficit if elected but she would not provide any further details.

The announcement comes on the same day the province's Liberal government is set to outline its priorities heading into the election with a throne speech.

Ontario's election is expected to be held June 7.