Ottawa, Ontario, April 30 2007 — The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Secretary of State (Seniors), today reminded organizations that serve seniors about the fourth Call for Applications for the New Horizons for Seniors Program for fiscal year 2007-2008. Applications are being accepted under the Program from now until June 29, 2007. In total, $19.5 million in funding is available to support projects by non-profit organizations that encourage seniors to contribute to their communities and improve their social well-being across Canada.
"The New Horizons for Seniors Program offers seniors more opportunities to contribute to their communities," said Minister Solberg. "Canada's New Government recognizes that seniors have helped to build this country and want to continue to make it a better place to live."
"Our seniors have given so much to our country and our communities," added Minister LeBreton. "They have worked hard all their lives and deserve our effort and support. The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps all of us by directly helping seniors in their communities."
New Horizons for Seniors funds local projects that encourage seniors to continue to play a central role in communities by helping those in need; providing leadership; and sharing their knowledge and skills with others.
In just over one year, Canada's New Government has made a positive difference in the lives of seniors by:
creating the position of Secretary of State (Seniors);
creating the National Seniors Council that will advise the federal government on all matters related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors;
providing tax relief by allowing pension income splitting for pensioners, and increasing the age credit by $1,000 (from $4,066 to $5,066);
providing tax relief by increasing the maximum amount of eligible pension income that can be claimed under the pension income credit from $1,000 to $2,000—putting almost $900 million back in the hands of seniors over the next two years and removing 85,000 pensioners from the tax rolls;
increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement maximum benefit and proposed legislation to make it easier for seniors to apply for and receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement;
increasing the Refundable Medical Expense Supplement tax credit by more than 30 per cent to $1,000;
expanding the Compassionate Care Benefit, making more Canadians eligible; and
introducing a Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.
Budget 2007 announced plans for an expansion of the New Horizons for Seniors Program by $10 million per year. This additional funding will allow the Program to fund more projects that aim to address elder abuse and fraud. Increased funding will also go towards capital assistance related to seniors programs and projects. Planning for the introduction of these new components is currently underway and will not affect this Call for Applications. Further details will be communicated in the fall of 2007.
Budget 2007 also increased the age limit for converting a registered retirement savings plan from 69 to 71 to strengthen incentives for older Canadians to work and save.
To obtain an application or for more information on the New Horizons for Seniors Program, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
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backgrounder
New Horizons for Seniors Program
The New Horizons for Seniors Program of Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) provides funding to support a range of community-based projects across Canada that encourage seniors to contribute to their communities through social participation and active living. The Program was launched in 2004 and has already funded more than 1,700 projects across Canada.
The following examples are just a few of the innovative New Horizons for Seniors activities taking place in communities across Canada:
seniors organize a telephone network to reach out to housebound seniors;
elders build a community garden and share their knowledge of traditional plants and their cultural uses; and
seniors help students with their homework in an after-school project.
Funded projects are inspired, implemented, and led by seniors; they support broad national objectives and regional priorities set by review committees in each province and territory. Review committees consist of members who are active in seniors' and community issues and include representation from the federal and provincial or territorial governments. These committees also help evaluate applications in a fair, transparent and accountable process.
Project proposals are eligible for up to $25,000 in funding, and the maximum duration of a project is one year.
Applications will be accepted under the Program from April 10, 2007, to June 29, 2007. For more information on the New Horizons for Seniors Program and how to apply, visit the HRSDC Web site at www.hrsdc.gc.ca, or call 1-800-277-9914 and select "0" to speak to an agent. Persons with a speech or hearing impairment can call 1-800-255-4786 (TTY).
