MISSISSAUGA, ON, 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 Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) and Member of Parliament for Bramalea-Gore-Malton, on behalf of the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), made the announcement today while speaking to members of Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS).
"Our government encourages seniors to share their diverse skills, knowledge and experience with others," said Minister of State Gosal. "Initiatives such as the NHSP help seniors to lead and participate in community activities that strengthen their well-being and quality of life."
The Harper government is providing PCO/BCPmore 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 Gosal 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.
PCHS will receive $25,000 in funding for its NHSP project to raise awareness of elder abuse and how it affects South Asian women. Participants will learn about various forms of elder abuse, including financial abuse. As well, senior women will benefit from workshops on topics such as mental health and learn financial literacy skills. Their discussions and stories will be documented in an educational video that will help raise awareness about elder abuse in the South Asian community. This project is one of 511 community-based projects across Ontario receiving more than $11 million in funding this year.
"PCHS is excited about the funding we have received," said Baldev Mutta, Chief Executive Officer of Punjabi Community Health Services. "We will be developing a video in Punjabi to educate South Asian seniors on senior abuse. The seniors are very excited to participate in the project and are getting ready with the script, acting and composition of the story."
The 2013-2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects will be launchedPCO/BCP 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
1-613-617-7993
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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