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This is the official website of Alice Wong, former Member of Parliament (2008-2021) and Minister of State (Seniors) (2011-2015).

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Consultation begins on a national financial literacy strategy

June 17, 2014

Public and stakeholder consultations will focus on seniors as the first phase of the Government’s work towards a comprehensive national strategy reflective of all Canadians

June 17, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

Today, Minister of State (Finance) Kevin Sorenson and Minister of State (Seniors) Alice Wong joined forces with Canada’s Financial Literacy Leader Jane Rooney to launch consultations on a proposed strategy to help improve the financial literacy of Canadians. Recognizing the unique and often significant challenges faced by near and current seniors, the first phase of consultations will focus on seniors. Additional phases will follow with an emphasis on low-income Canadians, Aboriginal peoples, newcomers to Canada, and children, youth and adults.

The proposed blueprint, Toward a National Strategy for Financial Literacy – Phase 1: Strengthening Seniors’ Financial Literacy, is intended to encourage discussion and invites comments from all Canadians on ways to bolster the financial literacy of seniors and those approaching this phase of their lives. Stakeholders from the public, private and non-profit sector will take part in in-person sessions across the country. All Canadians are encouraged to submit comments on the blueprint by mail or email by July 15, 2014.

Quick facts

In 2009, Canada’s Task Force on Financial Literacy met with stakeholders across the country to hear their views on strengthening Canadians’ financial literacy. Many of the Task Force recommendations have been implemented or will be by the end of 2014. Key actions taken have included:
1. Financial Literacy Month was launched in 2011 to engage organizations across Canada in a month-long effort to promote financial literacy. Last November, 91 organizations participated and offered 443 financial education activities to Canadians.
2. In March 2013, theFinancial Literacy Leader Act (Bill C-28) was passed; implementing the Task Force’s first recommendation. Jane Rooney was appointed as Canada’s first Financial Literacy Leader on April 15, 2014.
In Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government committed to working with stakeholders to implement a financial literacy strategy that specifically responds to the needs of seniors.
Seniors were identified as a priority group because research shows that financial literacy skills among seniors are low compared to other groups of Canadians. In the 2009 Canadian Financial Capability Survey, seniors had lower scores than younger adults in four areas.
In 2011, an estimated 5 million people were 65 or older in Canada. That number is expected to double by 2036, reaching about 10.4 million seniors.
The national strategy for financial literacy is expected to be released in summer 2015.

Quotes

“In today’s increasingly complex financial marketplace, financial literacy is key to helping seniors make better financial decisions. When seniors have access to the tools they need to make those decisions, not only do they improve their own personal finances but the economy as a whole benefits as well.”

Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance)

“Our Government is committed to improving the lives of seniors in many ways, including financial literacy. It is a critical life skill for all Canadians and particularly for Canadian seniors—who often face unique financial challenges.”

Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

“We are committed to working with stakeholders to better understand the unique challenges faced by seniors. I look forward to hearing from Canadians and stakeholders alike throughout this process to ensure that we implement a national strategy that will respond to seniors’ needs.”

Jane Rooney, Financial Literacy Leader

Associated links

Harper government highlights World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15, 2014

Taking action to combat elder abuse in all its forms

June 15, 2014 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today joined communities across Canada and the globe in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

The World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse launched WEAAD in 2006 to draw attention to the abuse and neglect that older adults can experience and to provide help in preventing it. The United Nations has also observed the date since 2012.

The Government of Canada has made combatting elder abuse a priority and supports a range of measures to help protect seniors from all forms of elder abuse, including neglect. These include awareness activities and New Horizons for Seniors Program elder abuse awareness projects. The Government has also introduced new legislation, including the Protecting Canada’s Seniors Act, which came into force in January 2013 and helps ensure consistently tough penalties for those who take advantage of elderly Canadians.

Visit seniors.gc.ca for access to tools and resources to help detect and prevent elder abuse.

Quick facts

Economic Action Plan 2014 supports the implementation of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, which was announced on April 3, 2014. The proposed legislation, Bill C-32, will give victims of crime, including seniors, clear rights and a stronger voice at the federal level in the criminal justice and corrections system.
A brochure on powers of attorney and joint bank accounts was released in November 2013 by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum to inform seniors about the risks, benefits and possible unintended consequences of opening a joint bank account or granting someone a power of attorney.
In January 2013, the Protecting Canada’s Seniors Act came into force, helping to ensure consistently tough penalties for those who take advantage of elderly Canadians.

Quote

“On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Government of Canada is encouraging communities across the country to help raise awareness of this serious issue and inform seniors on ways to protect themselves. Our government is committed to helping preserve the well-being and security of Canadian seniors, and it continues to introduce new legislation and initiatives to combat elder abuse in all its forms.”

— The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

Associated link

Government of Canada helps establish a new initiative for seniors’ Cantonese Opera Troupe in Vancouver

June 14, 2014

June 14, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development Canada

Seniors in Vancouver will soon have new opportunities to get involved in their community, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced today. The Vancouver Seniors’ Singing Club Association is receiving over $23,000 through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) for its Cantonese Opera Troupe for Seniors. An estimated 800 Canadians in the area will benefit from the project.

Local seniors will be recruited and trained by the Vancouver Seniors’ Singing Club Association to manage and perform in the Cantonese Opera Troupe for Seniors. The project will encourage seniors to forge new connections in their community and take on roles as volunteers, mentors, performers, musicians, technicians and planners.

On May 13, 2014, Minister Wong launched the NHSP 2014–2015 Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects. Organizations have until July 4, 2014, to apply for up to $25,000 in grant funding for projects led or inspired by seniors making a difference in their communities. Visit www.esdc.gc.ca/seniors for more information.

Quick facts

Cantonese opera, which has its roots in the 13th century, is a unique blend of singing, music, acrobatics, martial arts and acting. Vancouver is home to one of the world’s largest and most active Cantonese opera communities outside of Asia.
The Government of Canada is providing more than $33.4 million in funding for over 1,770 community-based projects approved through the NHSP 2013–2014 call for proposals. NHSP-funded projects help ensure that seniors maintain a good quality of life and are able to be active, participating members of their communities.
Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes an additional $5 million per year for the NHSP to support projects that benefit seniors. This is in addition to the $45 million the Government already provides to this program annually.

Quotes

“Our government is proud to work with the Vancouver Seniors’ Singing Club Association to support a new cultural initiative for the senior’s Cantonese Opera Troupe. This intergenerational project helps to ensure seniors remain active and productive members of their community through the arts by performing with this city’s youth.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)“Our organization’s Cantonese Opera Troupe for Seniors project is supported by New Horizons for Seniors Program funding. The troupe is inspired and led by seniors and encourages their pursuit of artistic and cultural achievements. The program also gives seniors an opportunity to share their operatic knowledge with others, or receive training so they can learn to sing and play Cantonese opera on the stage to entertain large groups of seniors. The troupe is the very first one established in Vancouver for seniors to pursue this traditional Chinese art form.”

– Eric Szeto, President of the Vancouver Seniors’ Singing Club Association

Associated links

Harper Government marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and supports local seniors project

June 14, 2014

June 14, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development Canada

Today, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), marked the upcoming World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by encouraging communities to get informed about this serious issue and help seniors to protect themselves against abuse.

The Government of Canada has made combatting elder abuse a top priority and is addressing the issue through awareness activities, legislation, and the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

During her visit to the Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS), Minister Wong announced over $24,500 in NHSP funding to support its project entitled Breaking the Silence of Abuses: Empowering Elders.

Seniors will play a leading role in the project by helping to produce video recordings of testimonials from elderly people who have experienced abuse. They will also compile resources on elder abuse, including financial abuse, for use in awareness sessions that will encourage peer sharing, mentoring and networking.

The Government of Canada is providing more than $33.4 million in funding for over 1,770 community-based projects across Canada. These projects, approved through the NHSP’s 2013–2014 call for proposals, will lead to new programs and activities for seniors.

Quick facts

Economic Action Plan 2014 has recently proposed an extra $5 million per year for the NHSP to support more projects that benefit seniors. This is in addition to the $45 million the Government already provides to this program annually.
Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 13,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. NHSP funding supports projects that focus on issues like elder abuse, social isolation and intergenerational learning.
On May 13, 2014, Minister Wong launched the NHSP 2014–2015 Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects. Through this call for proposals, which will close on July 4, 2014, organizations may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding for projects that are led or inspired by seniors.
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It was first launched by the World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in 2006 to bring attention to the abuse and neglect that some older adults experience and how such abuse and neglect can be prevented.
To better protect seniors from mistreatment such as fraud and financial abuse, the Government has passed or introduced legislation such as the Digital Privacy Act to amend the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
A brochure on powers of attorney and joint bank accounts was released in November 2013 by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum to inform seniors about the risks, benefits and possible unintended consequences of opening a joint bank account or granting someone a power of attorney.
The Government of Canada website seniors.gc.ca provides seniors, their families and caregivers with important information and resources about elder abuse.

Quotes

“In anticipation of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, our government is encouraging communities across the country to raise awareness of this serious issue and empower seniors to protect themselves. I applaud Multicultural Helping House Society for taking on this project that educates and inspires seniors to work within their community to combat elder abuse.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)“Thanks to the generous funding from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, organizations like the Multicultural Helping House Society have the opportunity to empower seniors through workshops and mobilize key partners and stakeholders in breaking the silence of elder abuse. This program will certainly benefit the seniors ’ population in British Columbia.”

– Tomas Avendano, President and Chief Executive Officer, Multicultural Helping House Society

Associated links

Harper Government announces elder abuse awareness project while highlighting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 13, 2014

June 13, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Government of Canada is helping seniors from various backgrounds better protect themselves from elder abuse, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) recognized today in a speech held at Jewish Family Services of Ottawa. The Minister also highlighted that June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

The Jewish Family Services of Ottawa is receiving $575,000 in New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding for its JFS Pan-Canadian Elder Abuse Awareness and Education Program for Ethnocultural Communities three-year project. Collaborating with four partner agencies across the country, the organization brings together volunteer immigrant seniors to help develop information materials and awareness-raising programs for Jewish, as well as other ethnic and cultural communities. By learning to recognize and prevent elder abuse, seniors can help decrease incidents of mistreatment. Unique to this program is the use of theatrical performance as an educational tool.

The Government of Canada has made combatting elder abuse a priority and recognizes WEAAD each year as part of its own efforts to increase awareness about the issue. Canadians can help raise awareness of elder abuse by engaging in discussions, participating in related activities or helping an elder who may be in distress. To find out more about the Government’s related activities, or to learn how to get involved, visit seniors.gc.ca.

Quick facts

Economic Action Plan 2014 has recently proposed an additional $5 million per year for the NHSP to support additional projects that benefit seniors. This is in addition to the $45 million the Government already provides to this program annually.
Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 13,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. NHSP funding supports projects that focus on issues like elder abuse, social isolation and intergenerational learning.
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It was first launched by the World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in 2006 to bring attention to the abuse and neglect that some older adults experience and how abuse can be prevented.
To better protect seniors from mistreatment such as fraud and financial abuse, the Government has passed or introduced legislation such as the Digital Privacy Act to amend the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
A brochure on powers of attorney and joint bank accounts was released in November 2013 by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum to inform seniors about the risks, benefits and possible unintended consequences of opening a joint bank account or granting someone a power of attorney.

Quotes

“Our government is proud to work with organizations like Jewish Family Services of Ottawa whose elder abuse awareness project will go a long way to ensure that immigrant seniors living in ethno-cultural communities are safer and more secure. This project will help seniors better protect themselves from the many forms of elder abuse, such as neglect and financial abuse. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a great opportunity for Canadians to remember that seniors have played a central part in building this country, and they deserve to enjoy the best quality of life possible.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)“This project has enabled, for the first time, Jewish family service agencies across the country to work together to address elder abuse in communities that often fall through the cracks. By engaging members of various communities in their respective languages, volunteering seniors and non-seniors work together to empower others to respond to, and protect themselves from elder abuse. Jewish Family Services Ottawa is proud to be leading this project, and is thankful for the funding that has made it possible.”

– Mark Zarecki, Executive Director, Jewish Family Services of Ottawa

Associated links

Government of Canada helps seniors mentor youth in Richmond, B.C.

May 22, 2014

May 22, 2014 – Richmond, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development Canada

Seniors in Richmond will have new opportunities to engage with youth in their community thanks to the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced today.

The Government of Canada is providing more than $33.4 million in funding for over 1,770 community-based projects across Canada. These projects, selected from the NHSP’s 2013–2014 call for proposals, will lead to a variety of new programs and activities for seniors.

The Chabad of Richmond is receiving more than $15,000 for its Hello Bubby, Hello Zaidy project through the NHSP’s community-based grants.

The Hello Bubby, Hello Zaidy project, a seniors-led mentorship program, will allow seniors to mentor students from grades one to seven in Jewish customs and skills through social and educational activities. The activities include culinary, cultural and artistic skills.

On May 13, 2014, Minister Wong launched the 2014–2015 NHSP Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects, which will close on July 4, 2014.

Quick facts

Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes an additional $5 million per year for the NHSP to support additional projects that benefit seniors.
NHSP-funded projects help offset the challenges of our aging demographics, which is important since the number of seniors in Canada is expected to double in the next 20 years.
Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 13,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

Quotes

“Our government is proud to work with organizations like the Chabad of Richmond, so that seniors can remain active and productive members of their community. This intergenerational project is a unique opportunity for seniors in Richmond to form new connections by mentoring school-aged children through social, cultural and educational activities.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

“The New Horizons for Seniors Program funding has given us a big step up in our service to seniors in our community. It has allowed us to engage them in social activities and gives them the opportunity to share and pass on traditions to the younger generation.”

– Rabbi Yechiel Baitelman, Director of Chabad of Richmond

Additional links

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 in their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.

NHSP funding is targeted to community-based projects, pan-Canadian projects and pilot projects that focus on issues like social isolation and intergenerational learning.

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.

Pan-Canadian projects provide support to help seniors protect themselves from elder abuse, including financial abuse and fraud. These projects help community members to 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 may be eligible to receive up to $250,000 per year for a maximum of three years.

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 eligible to receive up to $100,000 of federal funding over a maximum of 24 months, which will be matched with funding from other sources. The first call for proposals for pilot projects was launched on October 3, 2013, and closed on November 13, 2013.

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

Government of Canada helps seniors in the Vancouver area identify and reduce their risk of abuse

May 22, 2014

May 22, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development Canada

Thanks to the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), seniors who are newcomers to Canada in the Vancouver area will have the opportunity to learn to recognize the various forms of abuse and where to get help if they need it, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) announced today.

The Joyce Station Area Planning Association is receiving more than $22,500 in NHSP community-based funding for its Knock Knock! Who’s There? and Other Questions Seniors Have About Their Safety project.

Through workshops, seniors will have the opportunity to participate in activities involving community groups and organizations. Seniors will learn about elder abuse prevention strategies and about the positive role played by the Vancouver Police Department in helping them to reduce their risk of being mistreated and to seek assistance if needed.

Quick Facts

On May 13, 2014, Minister Wong launched the 2014–2015 NHSP Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects. Through this call for proposals, which will close on July 4, 2014, organizations may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding.
NHSP-funded projects help offset the challenges of our aging demographics, which is important since the number of seniors in Canada is expected to double in the next 20 years.
Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 13,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.
Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes an additional $5 million per year for the NHSP to support additional projects that benefit seniors.

Quotes

“Our government is proud to work with organizations like the Joyce Station Area Planning Association in Vancouver so that seniors can learn to recognize the signs of abuse and how they can prevent it from happening to them. By knowing who they can reach out to within their community, newly immigrated seniors can lead safer lives.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

“Our association is pleased to have received this Government of Canada NSHP grant for our Knock Knock! Who’s There? and other Questions Seniors Have About Their Safety project. We’re connecting newly arrived seniors with community organizations and giving them an opportunity to learn about the Canadian justice system. With help from the Vancouver Police Department and our team of over 200 volunteers, we can reduce senior victimization!”

– Christina Taulu, Executive Director for the Joyce Station Area Planning Association.

Associated Link

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Backgrounder

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.

Pan-Canadian projects provide support to help seniors protect themselves from elder abuse, including financial abuse and fraud. These projects help community members recognize elder abuse in all its forms and 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 may be eligible to receive up to $250,000 per year for a maximum of three years.

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 eligible to receive up to $100,000 in federal funding over a maximum of 24 months, which will be matched with funding from other sources.

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

Government of Canada supports social innovation projects for seniors

May 21, 2014

Government of Canada supports social innovation projects for seniors

Minister of State for Seniors underscores Government’s leading role

May 21, 2014 – Toronto, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), highlighted today the Government of Canada’s new direction in tackling certain issues facing seniors using a social innovation approach. Her comments were part of a speech delivered to participants at a conference focused on sharing knowledge in the field of aging, hosted by the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly.

In her remarks, Minister Wong recognized that although initiatives like the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) help address social issues among seniors, government programs and funds alone are not the complete answer. She noted the value of social innovation in helping to find solutions to issues like social isolation and loneliness. Social innovation is the result of combining resources, whether financial or in the form of expertise, from a variety of sectors to generate ideas and tools that address social problems in new ways.

Minister Wong also spoke of other measures that the Government of Canada is undertaking to help seniors in Canada. As part of Economic Action Plan 2014, it proposed the Canadian Employers for Caregivers plan, to help Canadians balance their work and caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, the Government recently tabled the Digital Privacy Act to amend the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) to better protect seniors from fraud and financial abuse. She also drew attention to a current call for proposals for NHSP community-based projects, which is open until July 4, 2014.

Quick facts

Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes an additional $5 million per year for the NHSP to support projects that enable seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others. These projects also help communities increase their capacity to support seniors at a local level.
NHSP-funded projects help offset the challenges of our aging demographics, which is important since the number of seniors in Canada is expected to double in the next 20 years.
In 2013, a call for proposals for pilot projects on social isolation and intergenerational learning was launched. Minister Wong recently announced that 20 of these projects have been approved and will be starting in the months to come.

Quote

“Social innovation is about forging alliances between governments, the business community and community organizations, to pool our talents and resources to find new, efficient ways of addressing social issues. I’m excited that our government is playing a leading role in using this approach to bring together partners from federal, private and other sectors to address issues affecting seniors.”

— The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

Associated links

Backgrounder

Social innovation

Social innovation refers to developing new ideas or using existing ideas to find solutions to social challenges. Social innovation is an initiative, product, process or program that creates positive social outcomes for societies.

New Horizons for Seniors Program

NHSP funding is targeted to community-based projects, pan-Canadian projects and pilot projects that focus on issues like social isolation and intergenerational learning.

Over 1,770 NHSP community-based projects were approved through the 2013–2014 call for proposals, for a total of more than $33.4 million in funding.

Pan-Canadian projects provide support to help seniors protect themselves from elder abuse, including financial abuse and fraud. These projects help community members to 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; they may be eligible to receive up to $250,000 per year for a maximum of three years.

The NHSP is also funding pilot projects that use a social innovation approach. A call for proposals was open between October 3 and November 13, 2013, seeking innovative projects that use the social innovation strategies of engaging partners and leveraging funding from other partners to help address seniors’ isolation or intergenerational learning. These projects are eligible to receive up to $100,000 in federal funding and will have a maximum duration of 24 months.

Twenty pilot projects were recently approved, for a total of more than $1.4 million in funding.

Government of Canada invests in innovative projects for seniors across Canada

May 16, 2014

New Horizons for Seniors Program promotes the well-being and social inclusion of seniors

May 16, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development

Older Canadians across the country will soon have new opportunities to address social isolation thanks to the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), today announced the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

Twenty organizations across Canada will receive a total of $1.4 million in NHSP funding for their innovative projects addressing the social isolation of seniors and providing opportunities for intergenerational learning between older Canadians and youth.

Among these organizations, Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House is receiving more than $57,000 through the NHSP pilot project to test brain fitness software and activities aimed at helping seniors.

Older Canadians, including those with declining mental health and cognitive impairments such as memory problems, will benefit from this program. A brain wellness manual will be developed in consultation with seniors, academics and community professionals. Youth and seniors will work together to deliver the training program to help older Canadians increase their social networks and become more engaged in their communities.

Quick facts

The NHSP 2013–2014 Call for Proposals for Pilot Projects was launched on October 3, 2013, and closed on November 13, 2013.
Each of the approved 20 innovative pilot projects will receive between $39,872 and $100,000 of federal funding and have a maximum duration of 24 months. This funding will be matched with funding from sources other than the federal government.
On May 12, 2014, the NHSP Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects was launched. The call will close on July 4, 2014.
Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes an additional $5 million per year for the NHSP to support additional projects that benefit seniors.
Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 13,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

Quotes

” Community building takes a lot of hard work, especially to reach seniors, many of whom are at risk of becoming lonely and isolated. Our government is proud to work with organizations like Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House that find innovative solutions to address seniors’ issues, particularly social isolation.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)” We are pleased to have received a grant from the Government of Canada’s NHSP to fund our project. Neighbourhood houses are central to working with vulnerable seniors, and through our work we are able to see emerging needs. Cities for Seniors aims to form community and university partnerships to explore tools that will support seniors with mild cognitive impairment and ensure the program is fully implemented in the neighbourhood after the initial development phase.”

– Jocelyne Hamel, Executive Director, Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House

Associated links

Government of Canada launches New Horizons for Seniors Program 2014-2015 Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects

May 13, 2014

May 13, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Employment and Social Development

The Government of Canada is seeking applications for projects that will help Canadian seniors use their leadership abilities, skills and experience to continue to make a difference in their communities through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

NHSP community-based projects help empower seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and support communities by increasing their capacity to address local issues.

The call for proposals will close on Friday, July 4, 2014.

Quick facts

Organizations may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. Projects must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.
Over 1,770 NHSP community-based projects were approved through the 2013-2014 call for proposals, for a total of more than $33.4 million in funding.
Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes an additional $5 million per year for the NHSP to support additional projects that benefit seniors.
Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 13,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

Quote

“Our Government recognizes that seniors have helped build our country and continue to contribute their skills and experiences to communities and workplaces across Canada. Through initiatives such as the NHSP, we are empowering seniors by supporting projects that help improve their well-being and maintain a good quality of life.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

Associated links

Backgrounder

NHSP funding is targeted to community-based projects, pan-Canadian projects and pilot projects that focus on issues like social isolation and intergenerational learning.

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.

Pan-Canadian projects provide support to help seniors protect themselves from elder abuse, including financial abuse and fraud. These projects help community members to 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; they may be eligible to receive up to $250,000 per year for a maximum of three years.

Pilot project funding provides support to help address seniors’ isolation by establishing better social support networks and resources and initiating community interventions. It also identifies intergenerational learning projects that help seniors develop new interests and share their knowledge and experience with others. These pilot projects are eligible to receive up to $100,000 of federal funding over a maximum of 24 months, which will be matched with funding from other sources. The first call for proposals for pilot projects was launched on October 3, 2013 and closed on November 13, 2013.

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

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