The New Horizons for Seniors Program will help local organizations offer services benefiting seniors across Canada

March 19, 2014 – North Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development Canada

Seniors across Canada will soon have new opportunities to mentor younger generations, help raise awareness of elder abuse and take part in community activities, Minister of State (Seniors) Alice Wong announced today. Minister Wong joined the Parkgate Community Services Society, a Vancouver-based not-for-profit organization, to highlight the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) now supporting hundreds of community-run programs across the country.

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.

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.
• Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 13 000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.
• NHSP-funded projects help offset the challenges of our aging demographics, which is important since the number of seniors in Canada is expected double in the next 20 years. For example, the Peel Elder Abuse Support Program produced a short film—Our Voices, Our Lives—to raise awareness of elder abuse.
• My Parkgate Break will provide seniors in the North Vancouver area with an opportunity to deliver art, fitness, recreation and social programs to seniors living with dementia.
• Economic Action Plan 2014 keeps Canada on the path back to balance in 2015, benefiting all Canadians.

Quotes

“Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience that seniors contribute to our society and the economy. Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are helping to ensure that seniors maintain a good quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities.”

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

“Parkgate Community Services Society (PCSS) received a grant from the New Horizons for Seniors Program to fund a pilot project, My Parkgate Break, for a new innovative volunteer supported program for isolated seniors with early or moderate dementia. This program was conceived, planned and driven by the members of the Lionsview’s Seymour Seniors Action Table and staff from PCSS. This program will provide a safe, stimulating and life-enhancing place for participants, an opportunity to increase community capacity to enable seniors to live successfully within their community and much-needed respite for caregivers.”

– Lisa Reinders, Executive Director, Parkgate Community Services Society

Associated Links

• New Horizons for Seniors Program
• Funding: New Horizons for Seniors
• Economic Action Plan 2014

Contacts

Earl Maynard
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
613-716-5422

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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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 both community-based and pan-Canadian 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.

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 and may be eligible to receive up to $250,000 per year for a maximum of three years.

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.

Funding Breakdown

The next NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects is anticipated to be launched in the spring of 2014. For more information on the NHSP, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

February 21, 2014 – Vancouver, BC – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced that seniors in British Columbia and all across Canada will benefit from a project that will help raise awareness about elder abuse.

The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s project is receiving $485,000 in federal funding. The funding is provided through the pan-Canadian stream of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), which supports projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities.

Through its project, the YWCA Metro Vancouver will develop a “Train-the-Trainer” instructional module and deliver training sessions that will enable front-line staff to better detect and prevent elder abuse. The YWCA aims to engage and educate community members and further promote the safety and security of Canadian seniors.

Quick facts

• Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes an additional $5 million per year for the New Horizons for Seniors Program to support additional community projects that benefit seniors.
• Pan-Canadian projects are eligible for grant or contribution funding of up to $250,000 per year for up to three years. Pan-Canadian funding supports larger projects that increase awareness of elder abuse and help seniors protect themselves from fraud, financial abuse and other forms of abuse, and can be replicated across Canada, complementing community-based projects.
• The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s project is one of 33 pan-Canadian NHSP projects, totalling more than $14 million, which were announced on June 15, 2012.
• Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. NHSP funding is targeted to both pan-Canadian and community-based projects.
• In 2013, over 1 750 NHSP community-based projects across Canada were approved through the 2012–2013 call for proposals and received more than $33 million in funding.

Quotes

“Our government is committed to ensuring all Canadian seniors have the information and tools they need to stop elder abuse. By promoting awareness of elder abuse and supporting prevention activities, the Government of Canada is helping to safeguard the well-being and security of seniors.”

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

“YWCA Metro Vancouver has a history of helping women and families, so we were thrilled to expand our services to meet the needs of older adults. The YWCA Community Action on Elder Abuse project complements existing national awareness projects and strengthens the capacity of front-line staff and volunteers. We are grateful to the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for providing funding that supports action against abuse of older adults.”

– Jemma Templeton, Manager, Community Action on Elder Abuse Project

Additional links

• Pan-Canadian Projects: New Horizons for Seniors Funding Program
• seniors.gc.ca

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 their communities. The NHSP is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensure the well-being of Canadian seniors and combat elder abuse in all its forms. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions and the country to address elder abuse. This funding 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. Eligible pan-Canadian grant or contribution projects must have a broad reach and impact. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.

Other actions taken by the Government of Canada to combat elder abuse

In 2008, the Government launched the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), a multi departmental, three-year initiative to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and to provide information on available supports. This initiative successfully concluded in 2011.

Building on the momentum created by the FEAI, the Government continues to address elder abuse through awareness campaigns that aim to help Canadians recognize the signs of elder abuse and give them information on available resources and supports.

In addition, the Government is addressing elder abuse through legislation that will help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people.

For more information on the NHSP, call 1 800 O-Canada or visit seniors.gc.ca.

February 20, 2014 – Vancouver, BC – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced today that Canadians with disabilities will gain better access to programs and services offered through the Lookout Society, thanks to the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).

The Lookout Society provides housing and support services for people who are homeless in Metro Vancouver. Through the EAF, the Society is receiving more than $16,000 to install automated door openers at the entrance to one of its buildings.

Quick facts

• The Government extended the EAF on an ongoing basis at $15 million per year to improve accessibility in facilities across Canada, including workplaces.
• Since launching the EAF in 2007, the Government of Canada has funded over 1 100 EAF projects, helping thousands of Canadians gain better access to their communities’ facilities, programs and services.
• The Government of Canada also launched the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) in April 2007, and since then has allocated over $740 million for projects to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. In 2013, the Government committed additional funding of almost $600 million over five years, starting April 1, 2014, to renew the HPS using a Housing First approach.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to improving accessibility for Canadians with disabilities. This project ensures that people in Vancouver who need help through the Lookout Society will have easier access to their programs and services.”

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

Additional links

• Government Support for Canadians with Disabilities
• Enabling Accessibility Fund

Ministers of State Wong and Sorenson take part in post-budget consultation

February 19, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), and the Honourable Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance), today met with community leaders in Vancouver to highlight key measures from Economic Action Plan 2014 that help improve the quality of life for seniors.

With Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government of Canada proposes a number of initiatives to support seniors, such as:
• investing an additional $5 million per year ongoing to enhance the New Horizons for Seniors Program to enable more seniors to participate in social activities and contribute to their communities;
• improving financial literacy among seniors;
• enhancing disclosure by banks on the costs and benefits of using powers of attorney or joint accounts and more robust bank processes and staff training to better provide this information to seniors; and
• expanding health-related tax relief to help Canadians, including seniors, manage or improve their health and financial situation.

Quick facts

• The Economic Action Plan is working:
  • As a result of actions taken to date by the Government, seniors and pensioners are receiving about $2.8 billion in additional annual targeted tax relief.
  • Canada has experienced the strongest job growth among the G7 countries over the recovery. Over 1 million more Canadians are working now than at the end of the recession, with the vast majority of new jobs being full-time, high-wage, private-sector positions.
  • Canadians have enjoyed the strongest income growth in the G7. Canadian families in all income groups have seen increases of about 10 percent or more in their real after-tax, after-transfer income since 2006.
  • Canada places at the top of OECD rankings in terms of post-secondary educational attainment.

Quotes

“Through Economic Action Plan 2014, our government has set out a plan for safeguarding Canada’s economy and creating long term prosperity. With the help of Canadians, including seniors, we will continue to build on our successes and focus on the drivers of growth and job creation—innovation, investment, education, skills and communities—underpinned by our commitment to lower taxes and return to a balanced budget in 2015.”

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

“Creating jobs and opportunities for all Canadians remain our government’s top priorities. Economic Action Plan 2014’s focus on these priorities is the best way to ensure that Canada’s future is a prosperous one, with a healthy, competitive economy fuelled by low taxes, and government services that are sustainable for generations to come.”

– The Honourable Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance)

January 23, 2014 – Gatineau, QC – Employment and Social Development Canada

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the horrible fire at a seniors residence in L’Isle-Verte this morning. My thoughts and prayers go out to families and friends of those who were lost in this tragedy.”

–Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

Burnaby, British Columbia, December 18, 2013—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced that seniors in various British Columbia regions will benefit from projects that raise awareness about elder abuse, funded through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

“Our government is committed to ensuring that Canadian seniors have the information and tools they need to prevent all forms of elder abuse,” said Minister of State Wong. “This is a serious issue that must be addressed. By supporting elder abuse prevention activities, our government is helping to safeguard the well-being and security of Canadian seniors.”

The Burnaby Multicultural Society received $200,000 in pan-Canadian funding through the NHSP to organize workshops and presentations, and offer resources in various ethnic languages to increase awareness and promote the prevention of elder abuse in several regions in B.C. Seniors, their families and community stakeholders will also benefit from culturally tailored elder abuse awareness information and tools, which include an awareness campaign in Chinese, Korean and Punjabi.

“We are grateful to the Government of Canada for their funding and support of our Elder Abuse Network project,” said Rana Dhatt, Executive Director, Burnaby Multicultural Society. “This funding allows us to raise awareness and promote prevention of elder abuse amongst immigrant communities. This network has created a welcoming and participative environment that engages both seniors and professionals in a dialogue about elder abuse awareness.”

This project is one of 33 pan-Canadian initiatives collectively receiving over $14 million in NHSP funding.

The NHSP supports projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. The Government of Canada is investing over $33 million in support of more than 1 750 NHSP projects that will lead to programs and activities for seniors across Canada. These projects were approved through the 2012–2013 call for proposals.

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 their communities, and supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensure the well-being of Canadian seniors and ending elder abuse in all its forms. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions and the country to address elder abuse. This funding 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. Eligible pan-Canadian grant or contribution projects must have a broad reach and impact. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.

Other Actions Taken by the Government of Canada to Combat Elder Abuse

In 2008, the Government launched the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), a multi‑departmental, three-year initiative to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and to provide information on available supports. This initiative successfully concluded in 2011.

Building on the momentum created by the FEAI, the Government continues to address elder abuse through awareness campaigns that aim to help Canadians recognize the signs of elder abuse and give them information on available resources and supports.

In addition, the Government is addressing elder abuse through recently introduced legislation that will help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people.

For more information on the NHSP, call 1 800 O-Canada or visit seniors.gc.ca.

Vancouver, British Columbia, December 13, 2013 – Seniors in Vancouver will soon have new opportunities to build stronger connections within their community through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) made the announcement today at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.

“Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience seniors contribute to our society and the economy,” said Minister of State Wong. “Through initiatives like this one, we are taking action to ensure that seniors maintain a good quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities.”

Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House received $25,000 for its project to strengthen the connection between immigrant seniors and younger community and family members. Volunteers will help seniors document their personal stories in both digital and scrapbooking formats, and later present them as part of an intergenerational memory-keepers exhibit.

“Neighbourhood Houses provide opportunities for seniors, especially those who are vulnerable, to participate in health and wellness programs,” said Jocelyne Hamel, Executive Director, Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. “Through programs such as Leaving Legacies, funded by the NHSP, we help seniors take leadership, stay connected, learn new skills, celebrate their lives—both the past and present—and give them something to look forward to in the future.”

The Government of Canada is investing more than $33 million for over 1 750 NHSP projects to support programs and activities for seniors across Canada. These projects were approved through the 2012–2013 call for proposals.

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

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.

Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to benefit others. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

NHSP funding is available for both pan-Canadian and community-based projects.

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions and the country to address elder abuse. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year for up to three years.

Community-based project funding provides support for activities that are inspired or

led by seniors and address one or more of the program’s five objectives. Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year per organization in grant funding. Earlier this year, the Government of Canada launched a call for proposals for community-based projects. The call closed across Canada on July 5, 2013, except in Alberta, where it closed on July 19, and in Quebec, where it closed on September 6. Project applications are currently being assessed.

A subsequent call for proposals for pilot projects was launched on October 3, 2013, and closed on November 13, 2013. This call sought proposals for larger-value, longer-duration pilot projects focussing specifically on seniors’ isolation and/or intergenerational learning.   Projects will receive up to $100,000 over 24 months in contribution funding, engage partners and leverage funding from other community partners.

Montréal, Quebec, December 10, 2013—Members of the National Seniors Council (NSC) met today in Montréal with seniors organizations, service and health providers, researchers and practitioners to assess how social isolation affects seniors and how best to tackle the issue in Canada.

“Social isolation affects the overall well-being of seniors including their health and their participation in their families, workplaces and communities,” said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), who oversees the day-to‑day work of the Council. “Our government is working hard to tackle issues like social isolation by listening to seniors and consulting with key players from the non-profit, public and private sectors.”

The Council met with individuals and organizations from across Quebec as part of a series of cross-country round tables. Social isolation touches many aspects of seniors’ lives, including active participation, healthy ageing, income security, caregiving, elder abuse and transportation. For example, social isolation can lead to depression and increased vulnerability to elder abuse, among other concerns. Statistics Canada’s Canadian Community Health Survey (2008/2009) found that 19 percent of seniors aged 65 or over felt a lack of companionship, left out or isolated from others.

“We are confident that the National Seniors Council’s findings will help the Government of Canada better understand and address the needs of seniors,” said Dr. Andrew Wister, member of the NSC. “Keeping seniors active and socially engaged benefits not just the senior, but their communities as a whole.”

Since 2007, the NSC has undertaken work on elder abuse and on the effects of low income among seniors, volunteerism and positive and active ageing. Most recently, it explored approaches to retaining and attracting older workers in the labour force.

On October 1, 2013, National Seniors Day, the Government of Canada announced a Call for Proposals to fund approximately 20 pilot projects—an investment of $2 million—aimed at addressing seniors’ social isolation.

For more information on the NSC, visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

The National Seniors Council (NSC)

The NSC advises on 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 Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, and to the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health. 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 who serve seniors and/or experts on seniors and ageing.
• The Government of Canada established the NSC in 2007 to provide advice on the overall well-being of seniors, both now and in the future.

The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:

• redeveloping seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors including a new Information for Seniors section that brings together a variety of federal, provincial/territorial and municipal resources about relevant programs and benefits;
• providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 2011 to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada;
• providing $2.7 billion in 2013 in 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;
• making a strong investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) through an annual budget of $45 million. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada;
• investing up to $2 million for approximately 20 pilot projects that will address the isolation of seniors and intergenerational learning through the NHSP;
• actions to address elder abuse, including awareness campaigns, projects funded by the NHSP to raise awareness of elder abuse and legislation to help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people; and
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls-prevention initiatives.

Toronto, Ontario, December 2, 2013—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced today the launch of the new caregivers portal on seniors.gc.ca, a central source of information for seniors, their families and caregivers.

The new Information for Caregivers portal provides an interactive map of Canada leading to federal, provincial and some municipal resources on financial information, care options, powers of attorney, health, mental health and dementia.

“The Government of Canada is committed to helping seniors quickly access information about programs and services they need and use in their communities,” said Minister Wong. “That is why today we are launching the new Information for Caregivers portal on seniors.gc.ca, which provides information about relevant programs and benefits for seniors and their caregivers.”

“CARP members will welcome the new Information for Caregivers portal on seniors.gc.ca. It will help families navigate the complex array of government programs and services at all levels. It is comprehensive and user-friendly, which will come as a great relief to people who are often running from pillar to post to get the help they need for themselves or their loved ones,” said Susan Eng, Vice President, Advocacy, CARP.

Seniors.gc.ca, including the recently launched Information for Seniors section, provides information on a range of key initiatives like the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which supports projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. Measures to increase awareness of elder abuse are also included on the site.

Visit seniors.gc.ca for easy access to government-related benefits, programs and initiatives for seniors.

Backgrounder

The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:

• developing seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors on government benefits and services, including finances, housing, health and wellness;
• providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada;
• providing $2.7 billion in 2013 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;
• actions to address elder abuse, which include awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), which funds projects to raise awareness of elder abuse, and legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons;
• increasing funding to the NHSP by $5 million, bringing the Program’s annual budget to $45 million. The Program helps seniors use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada; and
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls-prevention initiatives.