VANCOUVER, May 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Seniors across the country will soon have new opportunities to use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to continue to make a difference in their communities through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), made the announcement today while speaking to members of The Salvation Army in Vancouver.
"Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience seniors contribute to our society and the economy," said Minister of State Wong. "Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are taking action to help seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities."
The Harper government is providing more than $33 million in funding for over 1 750 community projects across Canada that will lead to a variety of programs and activities for seniors. These projects were selected from the 2012-2013 call for proposals. Since its beginning, the NHSP has funded more than 12 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.
Minister of State Wong also encouraged organizations that promote the well-being of seniors to take advantage of the upcoming 2013-2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects.
The Salvation Army will receive $25,000 in funding for its NHSP project. As participants and volunteers, seniors will plan, take part in and host cultural days for members of their communities. They will introduce social activities such as bowling, line dancing and card games. Student volunteers will also assist in hosting these events, which will strengthen intergenerational relations.
This project is one of 265 community-based projects in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories that are collectively receiving over $5 million in funding over a 12-month period.
"The goal of our Golden Agers Moving Forward project is to entice seniors, especially immigrants, to come out and regain some of the social connections they have lost over the years or from moving to a new country," said Major Gordon Armstrong, Deputy Director of Emergency Services for the Salvation Army. "Without support from the federal government, our organization would not be able to meet the growing and changing needs of our seniors. The NHSP funding gives us a launching pad to reach our community and bring members together."
The 2013-2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects will be launched on May 22, 2013. Organizations may receive up to $25,000 in funding per year and must address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.
For more information and to apply for funding when the call opens, visit seniors.gc.ca.
It is thanks to initiatives such as the NHSP, that the Government of Canada helps to ensure that seniors maintain their personal health and well-being. Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.
Backgrounder
New Horizons for Seniors Program
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Harper government encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.
The upcoming 2013-2014 New Horizons for Seniors Program call for proposals for community-based projects will be launched on May 22, 2013. Further details will be made available when the call is open.
The 2012-2013 call for proposals for the community-based projects under the NHSP was launched on May 8, 2012 and closed on June 29, 2012 for all of Canada, except Quebec. The Quebec call for proposals closed on September 14, 2012.
The Government has approved more than $33 million in funding for new community projects as follows:
Funding Breakdown by Province and Territory
| Province or Territory | Number of Projects | Total Funding Amount |
| Alberta | 126 | $2,443,850 |
| British Columbia | 259 | $5,099,243 |
| Manitoba | 97 | $1,583,810 |
| New Brunswick | 57 | $1,143,621 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 45 | $811,001 |
| Northwest Territories | 6 | $133,979 |
| Nova Scotia | 82 | $1,297,973 |
| Nunavut | 5 | $125,000 |
| Ontario | 511 | $11,314,032 |
| Prince Edward Island | 29 | $471,495 |
| Quebec | 431 | $7,225,144 |
| Saskatchewan | 97 | $1,501,167 |
| Yukon | 6 | $125,915 |
| Total | 1 751 | $33,276,230 |
For more information on the NHSP, please visit seniors.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Mark Wall
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State (Seniors), Alice Wong
613-617-7993
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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