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Combatting Elder Abuse
Ottawa, Ontario, October 21, 2011—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today highlighted the need for a common front to combat elder abuse in her welcoming remarks at a meeting hosted by the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE).
“Elder abuse should be everyone’s concern and that is why our government is ensuring that Canadians are aware of the issue and can take the necessary preventative action or seek support,” said Minister Wong.
The Government of Canada awarded nearly $567,000 to the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, to develop tools to measure elder abuse, which could support the development of strategies for prevention, detection and treatment. The objectives of the meeting were to share results of the elder abuse project and establish next steps with key stakeholders.
“Our government is committed to support the well-being of seniors,” said Minister Wong. “We pledged in the Speech from the Throne that our government will do more to support our seniors, such as combating elder abuse in all its forms and raising awareness of this serious issue.”
This year, the Government increased the New Horizons for Seniors Program by $5 million per year, bringing the program’s annual budget to $45 million. A portion of this funding will support projects that expand awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse.
The Government of Canada is also taking action to increase awareness through its elder abuse awareness television campaign, which will air starting late November 2011.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Robert Lynch
Director, Communications
Office of Minister of State Wong
613-960-8717
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Backgrounder
Seniors-related Initiatives
The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:
proposing a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This is the largest increase to the GISin 25 years. The measure will further improve the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada. It represents a $1.5 billion investment over the next five years;
providing $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors program in Budget 2011. This enhanced support will further the program’s objectives by funding a greater number of projects. The program helps seniors use their leadership, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada;
providing Canadians with close to $72 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
providing $2.3 billion annually in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension-income splitting and increasing the age credit;
providing $400 million over two years under Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults, and falls-prevention initiatives;
appointing a Minister of State (Seniors)—someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table and stand up on their behalf;
establishing October 1st as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society;
creating the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors; and
investing $13 million over three years in support of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), which successfully concluded on March 31, 2011. Building on the momentum created through the FEAI, which featured an awareness campaign, the Government of Canada remains active in addressing elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program and continuation of its elder abuse television awareness campaign, which will air in late November 2011.
FIND OUT MORE
For more information on what the Government of Canada is doing for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.
Releasing Report on National Seniors Council
OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Oct. 18, 2011) – Today, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), joined Mr. Jean-Guy Soulière, Chair of the National Seniors Council (NSC), in announcing the release of the Council’s Report on the Labour Force Participation of Seniors and Near Seniors and Intergenerational Relations.
“I want to thank the members of the National Seniors Council for their thorough examination of two issues of importance to older Canadians,” said Minister of State Wong. “Along with my colleagues, Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, I look forward to reviewing their report carefully.”
“The Council was honoured to meet with a number of seniors, organizations and experts across Canada over the past year,” said Mr. Soulière. “Our report points to many keen observations we heard about supporting seniors and near seniors who want to participate in the labour force, and promoting positive relationships between different generations of family members, co-workers and community members.”
The National Seniors Council’s next priorities will be announced following the appointment of new Council members.
For more information on the Council or to view its newest report, please visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca. To obtain further information regarding the Government’s programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
Contact Information
Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State (Seniors)
819-953-1144
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Backgrounder
The Government of Canada created the National Seniors Council (NSC) in 2007 to provide advice on all matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse seniors’ population.
- The Council reports to the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, in light of her responsibilities with respect to seniors, and the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, whose portfolio reflects the importance of health-related issues for older Canadians.
- The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Council.
- NSC members include seniors, representatives of organizations that serve seniors and/or experts on seniors and aging.
- The NSC advises the Government of Canada on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors.
- Since 2007, the NSC has undertaken work on elder abuse, low income among seniors, volunteering among seniors, and positive and active aging. As part of that work, the Council convened roundtable meetings across Canada with seniors, seniors’ organizations and other stakeholders. These consultations help the Council develop recommendations on how the Government of Canada can support seniors.
- The Government of Canada’s action on elder abuse demonstrates that the NSC’s efforts are making a difference. In 2009, the federal government launched a national awareness campaign, Elder Abuse — It’s Time To Face the Reality.
Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken action on many issues important to seniors, including:
- providing Canadians with close to $72 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
- providing $2.3 billion annually in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the Age Credit;
- providing $400 million over two years under Budget 2009 for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
- supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls prevention initiatives;
- appointing a Minister of State (Seniors)—someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table and stand up on their behalf;
- establishing October 1st as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society;
- introducing a new GIS top-up benefit in Budget 2011 to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors, which will further improve the financial security of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada; and
- investing $13 million over three years in support of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), which successfully concluded on March 31, 2011. Building on the momentum created through the FEAI, which featured an awareness campaign, the Government of Canada remains active in addressing elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Combatting Elder Abuse
Government of Canada is combatting Elder Abuse
Vancouver, British Columbia, October 14, 2011—The Government of Canada is offering to help communities protect seniors from elder abuse.
The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced today that the government is seeking applications for elder abuse prevention projects under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).
“Our government is committed to supporting the well-being of seniors and we are proud to assist organizations working to improve the lives of seniors,” said Minister Wong. “These projects will ultimately help seniors protect themselves from the many forms of elder abuse, including fraud and financial abuse.”
On October 17, 2011, the program will begin accepting proposals for pan-Canadian projects that address elder abuse. Organizations with eligible projects can receive up to $250,000 per year in contribution or grant funding, for up to a maximum of three years. The application deadline is November 25, 2011.
“We pledged in the Speech from the Throne that our government will do more to support our seniors – such as combatting elder abuse in all its forms and raising awareness of this serious issue,” added Minister Wong.
For more information about this call for proposals and the NHSP, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State (Seniors), Alice Wong
819-953-1144
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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 in their communities. Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 8,500 projects in hundreds of communities acrossCanada.
The NHSP provides pan-Canadian project funding for networking, developing and delivering education and awareness activities, and creating tools and resources to help seniors protect themselves from elder abuse, including fraud and financial abuse. This funding can also enable community members to better recognize elder abuse in all its forms and to improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors.
Pan-Canadian projects must have a broad reach and impact and can identify and share promising practices across the country, enabling replication on what has worked well to address seniors’ issues.
Through Budget 2011, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $5 million per year in the NHSP, bringing the Program’s total annual budget to $45 million.
Minister of State (Seniors) Participates in Mayor’s Seniors Summit
Ottawa, Ontario, October 3, 2011—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today participated in the Mayor’s Seniors Summit organized by the City of Ottawa and hosted by Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.
“Seniors represent a diverse and growing population, playing a significant role in building a stronger Canada,” said Minister Wong. “They deserve our support and we are working hard to improve their quality of life.”
The Mayor’s Seniors Summit provided an opportunity for seniors to come together to discuss what the City of Ottawa is doing for seniors and to provide ideas about ways to improve services. This Summit is part of a larger project that will culminate in a new older adult action plan for the City of Ottawa in 2012.
Minister Wong, alongside Mayor Watson, addressed attendees. She highlighted the work the Government of Canada is doing for seniors as well as her role in overseeing the work of the National Seniors Council and co-charing the Forum of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Robert Lynch
Director, Communications
Office of Minister of State Wong
613-790-0219
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Backgrounder
Seniors Related Initiatives
The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:
* introducing a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to helpCanada’s most vulnerable seniors. This is the largest increase to theGISin a quarter century. The measure will further improve the financial security and well-being of more than 680,000 seniors acrossCanada. It represents a $1.5 billion investment over the next five years;
* providing $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program in Budget 2011. This enhanced support will further the program’s objectives by funding a greater number of projects. The program helps seniors use their leadership, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada;
* providing Canadians with close to $72 billion this year throughCanada’s public pension system;
* providing $2.3 billion annually in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the Age Credit;
* providing $387.9 million over two years underCanada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
* supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults, and falls prevention initiatives;
* appointing a Minister of State (Seniors) — someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table and stand up on their behalf;
* establishing October 1st as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society;
* creating the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors; and
* providing $13 million over three years in Budget 2008 to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, and to provide information on available support.
MP Alice Wong Celebrating Seniors Day in Richmond
Richmond, British Columbia, October 1, 2011—To mark Canada’s first National Seniors Day, Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond and Minister of State (Seniors) today celebrated seniors at her constituency in Richmond.
Coinciding with the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons, the Government of Canada established National Seniors Day as an opportunity for Canadians to pay tribute to the contributions that seniors make to their families, communities, workplaces and society.
“National Seniors Day is an occasion to celebrate Canadian seniors,” said Alice Wong. “Especially in the City of Richmond, where people have the longest life expectancies across all of Canada. Today, we recognize the many contributions seniors have made and we thank them for continuing to be mentors and leaders in our communities.”
For tips and resources to celebrate the seniors in your life, or for more information on National Seniors Day and the Government’s programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.
– 30 –
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Robert Lynch
Director, Communications
Office of Minister of State Wong
613-960-8717
Backgrounder
National Seniors Day is one of a number of initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken in recent years. In the most recent federal budget last June, the Government introduced the following:
• a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors;
• $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, bringing the program’s total 2011–2012 budget to $45 million; and
• $50 million over two years to extend the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers until 2013–2014.
The Government of Canada has brought about a number of initiatives in support of seniors:
• providing close to $72 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• providing $2.3 billion annually in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the Age Credit;
• providing $400 million over two years under Budget 2009 for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults, and fall-prevention initiatives;
• appointing a Minister of State (Seniors)—someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table and stand up on their behalf;
• establishing October 1st as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society;
• creating the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors; and
• investing $13 million over three years in support of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), which successfully concluded on March 31, 2011. Building on the momentum created through the FEAI, which featured an awareness campaign, the Government of Canada remains active in addressing elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Government of Canada Celebrates Canada’s First National Seniors Day
TORONTO, ONTARIO, September 30, 2011—The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, along with Minister of State (Seniors), the Honourable Alice Wong, kicked off early celebrations in anticipation of Canada’s inaugural National Seniors Day, which officially takes place October 1st.
“Canadians now have an official day to celebrate seniors, which coincides with the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons,” said Minister Finley. “The Government is proud to pay tribute and recognize the many contributions seniors make to their families, communities, workplaces and society.”
Minister Wong joined members of the Multicultural Council for Ontario Seniors to celebrate.
“National Seniors Day is an occasion for all Canadians to appreciate and celebrate seniors,” said Minister Wong. “Canada’s seniors dedicated their lives to our country — they deserve our thanks as they continue to be influential mentors and leaders in our communities.”
The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure that our policies, programs and services continue to improve the well-being and quality of life for seniors.
For ideas and resources to celebrate the seniors in your lives, or for more information on National Seniors Day and the Government’s programs and services for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.
– 30 –
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Robert Lynch
Director, Communications
Office of Minister of State Wong
613-960-8717
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Backgrounder
Seniors Related Initiatives
The establishment of National Seniors Day builds on the many concrete measures introduced by the Government to improve the well-being and quality of life of Canada’s seniors. The 2010 Speech from the Throne announced legislation to create a seniors day. On November 18, 2010, Bill C 40, the Celebrating Canada’s Seniors Act, received Royal Assent, officially marking October 1st of each year as National Seniors Day inCanada.
National Seniors Day is just one of a number of initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken for seniors in recent years. In the most recent federal budget last June, the Government introduced the following:
* a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors;
* $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, bringing the program’s total 2011–2012 budget to $45 million; and
* $50 million over two years to extend the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program until 2013–2014.
The Government of Canada has brought about a number of initiatives in support of seniors:
* providing Canadians with over $70 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
* providing $2.3 billion annually in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the Age Credit;
* providing $400 million over two years under Budget 2009 for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
* supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and fall prevention initiatives;
* appointing a Minister of State (Seniors)—someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table and stand up on their behalf;
* creating the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors; and
* investing $13 million over three years in support of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), which successfully concluded on March 31, 2011.
* Building on the momentum created through the FEAI, which featured an awareness campaign, the Government of Canada remains active in addressing elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Government of Canada Funds National Neurological Study
OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Sept. 29, 2011) – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) today announced that 10 new research projects will benefit from an approximately $6 million investment from the Government of Canada.
“These studies touch on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and neuromuscular conditions. Through this research, we will gain reliable information on the extent of neurological conditions and their effects on Canadians,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Together with our partners, our government is working to reduce the burden of neurological disease in Canada.”
The funding announced will support research being carried out across Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC), a coalition of 26 neurological charities, to implement these studies. The investment announced today is part of the Government of Canada’s $15 million commitment to the first-ever National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions.
“Upon the completion of the National Population Health Study in 2013, we will have new critical information to further assist governments, neurological health charities, caregivers and those living with neurological conditions. We look forward to using this information in determining priorities going forward,” said Minister Wong.
The studies announced today will deepen our understanding of the effects of neurological conditions on the lives of Canadians and their families and the ability of health, social and community services to support them.
FACT SHEET
September 2011
NEUROLOGICAL PROJECTS
SUMMARY
The Government of Canada is investing approximately $6 million today to support 10 studies on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular conditions.
This investment is part of the Government of Canada’s $15 million commitment to the first-ever National Population Health Study on Neurological Conditions which will provide a better picture of the state of neurological diseases in Canada.
Neurological Research Projects
Project Title | Applicant Name | Funding Amount | ||
Systematic Review of factors influencing the progression of neurological conditions | University of Ottawa | $ 382,597 | ||
Systematic Review of factors influencing the onset of neurological conditions | University of Ottawa | $ 298,787 | ||
Understanding from within: Developing community driven and culturally relevant models for understanding and responding to neurological conditions among Aboriginal peoples | Native Women’s Association of Canada | $ 785,278 | ||
Neurological Conditions in British Columbia | The British Columbia Ministry of Health | $ 274,975 | ||
Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN): Neurological Conditions | The College of Family Physicians of Canada | $ 306,359 | ||
Validation of administrative data algorithms to determine population prevalence and incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, MS, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease | Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences | $ 599,334 | ||
Innovations in Data, Evidence and Applications for Persons with Neurological Conditions | University of Waterloo | $ 1,470,696 | ||
Understanding the epidemiology of neurological conditions and building the methodological foundation for surveillance | University of Calgary | $ 400,000 | ||
Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging: Neurological Conditions Initiative (CLSA-NCI) | Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre | $ 651,440 | ||
The Everyday Experience of Living with and Managing a Neurological Condition (LINC study) | Dalhousie University | $ 813,434 | ||
$ 5,982,900 |
Celebrating Canada’s 1st National Seniors Day
RICHMOND, BC – Hon. Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond and Minister of State (Seniors) will be hosting an open house in Richmond to celebrate the first annual National Seniors Day, which occurs on October 1. Alice Wong will be giving a short speech, take questions from media and will be talking with individual seniors and seniors stakeholders. Members of the media are invited.
Date: Saturday, October 1, 2011
Location: “Social Suite” on the 6th (top) floor of the London Plaza Parkade
5971 No. 3 Road
Richmond, BC
Time: 9:30am to 11:30am (Speech by Alice Wong at 10:00am).
Accessibility: There is an elevator in the London Plaza parkade that leads to the 6th floor. Accessible parking on the top floor is limited; if full, guests can park in lower floors and take the elevator up.
Supporting Seniors in Saskatchewan
Regina, Saskatchewan, September 26, 2011—To raise awareness of the abuse of older adults in Canada, the Government of Canada is providing additional funding to the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism, under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).
Mr. Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).
“The Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism has successfully increased awareness and knowledge of elder abuse and financial fraud across the province,” said Mr. Boughen. “By continuing to support its projects, we are working together to help reduce the incidence of these types of offences.”
The Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism is receiving an additional $62,119 in NHSP funding to continue its work on two successful projects: Fraud Awareness for Seniors Toolkit and Abuse Prevention and Response Network project. This funding will allow the organization to translate the toolkit into multiple languages and continue raising awareness of elder abuse through provincial roundtables in remote areas.
A call for proposals for pan-Canadian projects that expand awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse, will be launched this fall. Organizations will be able to apply for up to $250,000 per year in contribution or grant funding, for a maximum of three years.
– 30 –
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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 in their communities. Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 8 500 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.
The NHSP supports projects that aim to address one or more of the following five program objectives:
promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others;
expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.
Through Budget 2011, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $5 million per year in the NHSP, bringing the Program’s 2011–2012 budget to $45 million.
For more information on the Program, elder abuse or upcoming calls for proposals, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.
Government of Canada Supports Seniors and Elders in Yukon
Whitehorse, Yukon, September 1, 2011— The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, today highlighted federal support to six organizations in Yukon under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).
“Seniors and Elders in the North have significantly contributed to building a rich and unique Canadian heritage,” said Minister Wong. “That is why our government is proud to support projects that encourage seniors to share their skills, experiences and traditions with others in their community.”
“Today’s seniors know the importance of being active and staying involved in their communities,” said Mr. Leef. “The New Horizons for Seniors Program is just one example of how we are helping seniors make a positive difference in their own lives and in those of the people around them.”
The announcement was made at the Yukon Literacy Coalition, which received $25,000 in funding for its project to help encourage local Elders and seniors to create reading and storytelling programs for families and members of the community.
This is one of six projects in Yukon that combined, received $98,715 in NHSP funding. The projects encourage seniors to continue to play an important role in their communities by helping those in need, providing leadership, and sharing their knowledge and skills with others.
The NHSP is now accepting proposals for community-based projects that address one or more of the Program’s five objectives: promoting volunteerism, mentoring, elder abuse awareness, social participation, and providing capital assistance for new or existing projects and programs for seniors. The application deadline is September 16, 2011.
– 30 –
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
——————————
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 in their communities. Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 8,500 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.
A total of 1078 projects were approved under the 2010–2011 Community Participation and Leadership Call for Proposals, receiving over $20.6 million in funding. The following six projects received funding in Yukon:
The Carcross Recreation Board received $9,715 for its ‘Caribou Crossing Footprints through Time – The Stories of Carcross’ project.
The Dawson City Arts Society received $2,000 for its ‘Seniors Learning and Teaching the Arts’ project.
The Mayo Seniors Advisory Association received $25,000 for its ‘Mayo Seniors Activity’ project.
The Ross River HOPE Society received $12,000 for its ‘Elders Mentoring Youth in Life Values’ project.
The Vuntut Gwitch’in First Nation received $25,000 for its ‘Senior Camp’ project.
The Yukon Literacy Coalition received $25,000 for its ‘Tales to be Told’ project.
Through Budget 2011, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $10 million over two years in the NHSP, bringing the Program’s 2011–2012 budget to $45 million.
For more information on the Program, or upcoming calls for proposals, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.