Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has helped millions of Canadians, including seniors, by providing them with supports and benefits related to COVID 19. As Canada emerges from the COVID 19 pandemic, the Government of Canada will continue to support community organizations that make a difference and create opportunities for seniors to stay active and involved in their communities.

“The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) creates opportunities for seniors to connect, support each other, share information and contribute to their communities. When we empower seniors, we not only improve their well-being but we also strengthen our communities. The NHSP projects in Pickering allow local seniors to participate in meaningful activities where they can share their knowledge, skills and experience to the benefit of the community.”

– Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera

“Our government deeply values the contributions seniors make to our country and will continue to support seniors to live a healthier, active, and engaged life. This year in Pickering-Uxbridge, the New Horizons for Seniors Program helped seniors engage in activities and increase social participation; learned about healthy aging; joined community events online and virtually to increase inclusion of seniors; stayed active through dragon boat training; and collaborated with youth to share intergenerational knowledge. The positive impact from this program helps enrich the lives seniors and strengthens our community.””

– Member of Parliament for Pickering–Uxbridge, Jennifer O’Connell

"NHSP funding has allowed the PCCCA to create intergenerational programs in which youth can help seniors navigate the digital domain and in return be mentored by the elderly members of our community whose wealth of lived experiences are invaluable to young people."

– Susan Maturine, President, Pickering Carribbean Canadian Cultural Association

• Seniors are the fastest-growing age group in Canada. By 2030, the number of seniors is expected to reach 9.4 million, representing close to one-quarter of Canada’s population.

• The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program whose goal is to support projects that help seniors stay active and engaged in the community. Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding.

• Since its inception, the NHSP has funded more than 33,500 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada, with a total Government of Canada investment of more than $720 million.

• NHSP funding supports projects that engage seniors in their communities and address one or more of the program’s five objectives: social participation, volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse and providing capital assistance.

• Every year, organizations are invited to apply for NHSP community-based funding through a call for proposals. The projects announced today were approved as part of a call for proposals that was launched on November 23, 2021, and closed on December 21, 2021.

• Budget 2022 proposed an additional $20 million over two years, beginning in 2022–23, to support more projects that improve the quality of life for seniors and help them continue to participate fully in their communities. 

Related products

• Backgrounder – Canada announces New Horizons for Seniors Program funding for projects in Pickering, Ontario
• Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program

Associated links

• Applicant guide: Community-based projects (up to $25,000)
• Programs and services for seniors
• New Horizons for Seniors Program – Engaging seniors, strengthening communities

For media enquiries, please contact:

Jasmeen Shergill
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera
jasmeen.shergill@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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