Harper Government invests in projects helping to keep Canadian seniors active, engaged and informed

New Horizons for Seniors Program helps seniors across Canada lead more productive and rewarding lives

TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced today that seniors across Canada will soon have new opportunities to put their energy, experience and leadership skills into action and make a difference in their communities. The Government of Canada has approved over 1,850 New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) community-based projects across Canada. These projects, selected from the NHSP's 2014–2015 call for proposals, will help seniors to participate in a wide range of local programs and activities.

Joined by John Carmichael, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, Minister Wong made the announcement at the Toronto-based For You Telecare Family Service (FUTFS) organization to highlight the NHSP and its ongoing support of seniors programs in hundreds of communities from coast to coast to coast.

The FUTFS is receiving $20,000 in NHSP funding for its project, Empowering Members by Reconnecting Accessible Community Engagement (EMBRACE). Seniors will help plan and deliver this project, which aims to strengthen connections among seniors volunteer groups active in the Korean community. The project will sponsor a mentorship workshop and generate new senior ambassadors to promote the EMBRACE project. An estimated 200 seniors will participate in the project. The FUTFS conducts counselling, training, workshop and outreach activities to help provide guidance and support to immigrant community members.

Quick Facts

• Under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), up to $25,000 in grant funding can be provided to eligible organizations for community-based projects that are led or inspired by seniors.
• Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 13,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.
• Economic Action Plan 2014 increased funding for the NHSP by $5 million per year, for a total of $50 million provided to this program annually.
• Since 2006, $2.8 billion in annual tax relief has been provided to seniors and pensioners.
• The Government of Canada launched the Government of Canada Action for Seniors report in September 2014. The report is a new information resource highlighting federal programs and services that can be accessed by seniors, their families and caregivers. It was created in collaboration with more than 22 federal departments and agencies. The report can be found on Canada.ca/Seniors.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to work with organizations across Canada that promote seniors' participation in meaningful community projects and help keep seniors active, engaged and informed. For You Telecare Family Service's project exemplifies how we can continue to support the social inclusion of seniors. Through initiatives like the NHSP and the collective efforts of organizations dedicated to building resilient communities, we are working together to ensure seniors lead more productive and rewarding lives."
– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

"As the Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, I have made it a point to ensure that seniors issues are at the top of my agenda. Seniors in my constituency know well that I am committed to serving them."
– John Carmichael, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West

"We are pleased to receive Government of Canada support through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which will help with our Empowering Members by Reconnecting Accessible Community Engagement (EMBRACE) project. Through EMBRACE, existing senior volunteer groups and leaders from the Korean community will be educated in how to use leadership and managerial strategies effectively. They will be able to apply acquired knowledge and skills through connecting with their groups and peers, strengthening the functionality and operations of their groups."
– Suyeon Jin, Executive Director, For You Telecare Family Service (FUTFS)

Associated Links

• New Horizons for Seniors Program
• Canada.ca/Seniors
• Funding: New Horizons for Seniors
• Economic Action Plan 2014

Backgrounder

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 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 13,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

NHSP funding is targeted to community-based projects, pan-Canadian projects and pilot projects that focus on issues such as social isolation and intergenerational learning. Economic Action Plan 2014 increased funding for the NHSP by $5 million per year, for a total of $50 million provided to this program annually.

Community-based Projects
Community-based project funding supports activities that engage seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance. These projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year per organization in grant funding. The NHSP 2014–2015 Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects was launched on May 13, 2014, and is now closed. Over 1,850 NHSP community-based projects were approved through this call for proposals.

Pan-Canadian Projects
Pan-Canadian projects provide support to help seniors protect themselves from elder abuse, including financial abuse and fraud abuse. These projects can enable community members to better recognize elder abuse in all its forms and to improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors. Projects focus on developing tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions or Canada. These projects are eligible to receive up to $750,000 in funding for up to three years.

Pilot Projects
Pilot project funding provides support to help address seniors' isolation by establishing better social support networks and resources and initiating community interventions. It also supports intergenerational learning projects that help seniors develop new interests and share their knowledge and experience with others. These pilot projects are receiving up to $100,000 in federal funding over a maximum of 24 months, 50 percent of which is being matched with funding from other sources.

The next NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects is anticipated to be launched in spring 2015. For more information on the NHSP, visit Canada.ca/Seniors.

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Related Links

http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca