Information
Prior Content
Search
Links
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
February 27, 2015– Toronto, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada
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)