Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

Vancouver, British Columbia, May 15, 2013—Seniors across the country will soon have new opportunities to use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to continue to make a difference in their communities through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The announcement was made today in Vancouver by the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

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

The Harper government is providing more than $33 million in funding for over 1,750 community projects across Canada that will lead to a variety of programs and activities for seniors. These projects were selected from the 2012-2013 call for proposals. Since its beginning, the NHSP has funded more than 12,200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

Minister of State Wong also encouraged organizations that promote the well-being of seniors to take advantage of the upcoming 2013–2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects.

The 2013-2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects will be launched on May 22, 2013. Organizations may receive up to $25,000 in funding per year and must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

For more information and to apply for funding when the call opens, visit seniors.gc.ca.

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

Backgrounder

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Harper government encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.

The upcoming 2013-2014 New Horizons for Seniors Program call for proposals for community-based projects will be launched on May 22, 2013. Further details will be made available when the call is open.

The 2012-2013 call for proposals for community-based projects under the NHSP was launched on May 8, 2012 and closed on June 29, 2012 for all of Canada except Quebec. The Quebec call for proposals closed on September 14, 2012.

The Government has approved more than $33 million in funding for new community projects as follows:

Funding Breakdown by Province and Territory

Filed under: News, Seniors