Smithers, British Columbia, August 19, 2013—Local seniors will have more opportunities to stay active, engaged and informed members of their community, as a result of funding from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The Honourable Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, today made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors in Smithers, BC.
“The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse skills, knowledge and experience seniors contribute to our society and the economy,” said Mr. Cannan. “Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are taking action to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities.”
The Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society received $25,000 to create and furnish a drop-in center where seniors can gather and share their cultural experiences, increasing their social participation. They will also have the opportunity to participate in community activities such as physical fitness, workshops and luncheons.
“Our elders, staff, partners and the Town of Smithers do incredible work in conjunction with New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP),” said Annette Morgan, Executive Director of the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre. “Through NHSP funding, the Gathering Place project can continue to respond to the unique needs of our seniors by providing a place where elders can gather, share history and culture, guide our community and reflect on our successes and services in Northern B.C.”
The NHSP supports projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. The Government of Canada is investing over $33 million in support of over 1 750 NHSP projects that will lead to programs and activities for seniors across Canada. These projects were approved through the 2012-2013 call for proposals.
For more information on the NHSP, please visit seniors.gc.ca.
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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
1-819-953-1144
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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New Horizons for Seniors Program
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities.
Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others. Since its beginning, the NHSP has funded more than 12 200 projects in more than 1 000 communities across Canada.
NHSP funding is available for both pan-Canadian and community-based projects.
Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions or Canada to address elder abuse. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.
Community-based project funding provides support for activities that are led or inspired by seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives. Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year per organization in grant funding.
Government initiatives such as the NHSP also help to ensure that seniors maintain their personal health and well-being. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.
