Minister Tassi wraps up successful visit to British Columbia to announce funding for projects that keep seniors active in their communities
News release
February 13, 2019 Vancouver, British Columbia Employment and Social Development Canada
Seniors make significant and valuable contributions to their families, communities and work places. They helped build our nation and continue to contribute to its success. This is why the Government of Canada is committed to providing Canadian seniors with greater security and a better quality of life.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, wrapped up a successful visit to British Columbia where she met with seniors, partners and other key stakeholders to hear about issues important to older Canadians. During her discussions, the Minister encouraged seniors to stay active, engaged, and informed and highlighted a number of measures the Government of Canada has taken to improve their social and economic well-being.
A key highlight of Minister Tassi’s trip was during an event earlier today with the United Way of Lower Mainland, which has received $50,000 in support through Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), pan-Canadian stream, to help develop an interactive online platform named CORE (Collaborative Online Resources and Education). The goal of CORE is to help build capacity and increase collaboration among organizations and individuals providing community-based services for seniors in British Columbia, and help match senior volunteers with volunteer opportunities in their community.
During the event, Minister Tassi underscored the importance of working together with communities and local organizations to better support seniors. With this in mind, she announced an investment of close to $5 million in NHSP funding to support 265 community-based projects across British Columbia this year, that will help seniors across BC stay informed, engaged and connected with their communities.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada deeply values the contribution seniors make to our country. We know that when seniors can fully participate in society, everybody benefits. By supporting projects through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are taking action to ensure that seniors have a strong and active presence, are encouraged to remain involved in their communities and receive the recognition, respect and support that they deserve.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors
“Entire communities must be a part of supporting their residents to live well, at home, for as long as possible, regardless of their age. We’re honoured to host Minister Tassi and share how we’re developing innovative, community-wide supports for seniors across B.C.”
– Kahir Lalji, Director of Healthy Aging, Provincial Initiatives and Government Relations at United Way of the Lower Mainland.
Quick facts
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Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic group in Canada. By 2030, the number of seniors will reach 9.6 million people, representing close to one quarter of Canada's population. Canadians’ life expectancy is expected to continue rising—Canadian men and women born in 2016 will live on average to age 87 and 90, respectively
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The NHSP fosters social inclusion and the engagement of seniors by encouraging them to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others through projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors and their communities. The NHSP has two funding streams for community-based projects and pan-Canadian projects.
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Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding and, as of this year, up to $5,000 in new small grants funding for organizations that have not received funding within the last five years.
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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.
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Pan-Canadian project funding supports multi-year projects using collaborative and innovative approaches to increase the social inclusion of seniors.
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Contacts
For media enquiries, please contact:
Annabelle Archambault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Seniors
613-462-7126
annabelle.archambault@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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