Government of Canada invests in project for Surrey seniors

SURREY, BC, Aug. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - Local seniors who have hearing and visual impairments will benefit from improved access to awareness sessions on elder abuse as a result of funding from the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), made the announcement today in Surrey, BC.

"Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience seniors contribute to our society and the economy," said Minister of State Wong. "Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are taking action to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities."

The City of Surrey received $25,000 to purchase the equipment it needs to better communicate with seniors who have vision and hearing challenges. Thanks to this equipment, more seniors will be able to participate actively in sessions offered by the city to raise awareness about elder abuse.

"Surrey is committed to providing programs, services, and infrastructure to support our aging population," said City of Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. "This New Horizons for Seniors Program  grant is important because it will make available hearing and visual support tools that will increase opportunities for seniors with diminished visual and aural abilities to have equal access to resources and information."

The NHSP supports projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. The Government of Canada is investing over $33 million in support of over 1 750 NHSP projects that will lead to programs and activities for seniors across Canada. These projects were approved through the 2012-2013 call for proposals.

For more information on the NHSP, please visit seniors.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities.

Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others. Since its beginning, the NHSP has funded more than 12 200 projects in more than 1 000 communities across Canada.

NHSP funding is available for both pan-Canadian and community-based projects.

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions or Canada to address elder abuse. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.

Community-based project funding provides support for activities that are led or inspired by seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives. Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year per organization in grant funding.

Government initiatives such as the NHSP also help to ensure that seniors maintain their personal health and well-being. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada