April 14, 2015– Ajax, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada
The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), joined by the Honourable Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced today that seniors in Ajax, Pickering and Kingston will soon have new opportunities to make a difference in their communities. The Government of Canada has approved five New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) community-based projects in these areas, for a total of more than $122,000 in funding. These projects, approved through the NHSP’s 2014–2015 Call for Proposals, will make it possible for seniors to play a major role in a wide range of local programs and activities.
Minister Wong made this announcement today at the Pickering and Village Senior Citizens Club, which is receiving $25,000 in NHSP funding for its Restroom Accessibility Upgrades project. This project aims to enhance the long-term use of the Club’s building by upgrading facility restrooms to ensure better access for senior members with limited mobility and other disabilities.
The four other projects being funded focus on educational, recreational and outreach activities that promote seniors participation and help provide guidance and support to community members from diverse cultural backgrounds.
“I am proud of our Government’s commitment to support New Horizons for Seniors Program projects in Ontario communities. These projects will go a long way to enhance the lives of local seniors and provide them with opportunities to interact and broaden their knowledge.”
– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)
“Our Government believes that one of the best ways to support Canadian seniors in Ajax, Pickering and Kingston is to work in partnership with innovative community organizations dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of seniors.”
– The Honourable Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
“The Pickering and Village Senior Citizens Club, through support from the Town of Ajax and Government of Canada New Horizons for Seniors Program grant, is honoured to have received this funding opportunity. Our project will continue to meet and support the needs of our members by allowing them to access our restrooms with ease, safety and comfort. The club has played a crucial role in the social and mental well being of seniors in the community.”
– Jan Herbert, President, Pickering and Village Senior Citizens Club
Justin Wood
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
613-852-3761
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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The following Ontario organizations are receiving funding as a result of the New Horizons for Seniors Program 2014–2015 Call for Proposals.
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.
NHSP funding is targeted to community-based projects, pan-Canadian projects and pilot projects that focus on issues such as social isolation and intergenerational learning.
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. These projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year per organization in grant funding.
The NHSP 2014–2015 Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects was launched on May 13, 2014, and is now closed. Over 1,850 NHSP community-based projects were approved through this call for proposals.
Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions or Canada. These projects are eligible to receive up to $750,000 in funding for up to three years.
Pilot project funding provides support to help address seniors’ isolation by establishing better social support networks and resources and initiating community interventions. It also supports intergenerational learning projects that help seniors develop new interests and share their knowledge and experience with others. These pilot projects are receiving up to $100,000 in federal funding over a maximum of 24 months, 50 percent of which is being matched with funding from other sources.
The next NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects is anticipated to be launched in spring 2015. For more information on the NHSP, visit Canada.ca/Seniors.
