Government of Canada invests in projects to support seniors

DOLBEAU-MISTASSINI, QC, May 16, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Seniors in Lac-Saint-Jean and surrounding areas will soon have better services in their community, thanks to funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and the Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"The Government appreciates the diversity in skills, knowledge and experience seniors contribute to our society and economy," said Minister Lebel. "Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are helping ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities."

Seventeen organizations in Lac-Saint-Jean and surrounding areas will receive a total of $310,000 to implement projects to renovate and buy new equipment, as well as to launch several social activities, such as community garden gatherings and coffee breaks. Our government has invested $35.6 million in almost 2 000 community-based projects across Canada in 2011-2012.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program continues to support seniors thanks to a new call for proposals launched on May 8, 2012. For more information on the NHSP, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

In order to ensure coherent and complementary action to the benefit of seniors, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec signed a Protocol setting out ways to collaborate in implementing the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

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BACKGROUNDER

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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 experience to the benefit of others of their community.

The call for proposals for community projects was launched on May 8, 2012, and will end on June 29, 2012, for all of Canada, except Quebec. The call launched in Quebec will end on September 14, 2012, to coincide with the one launched by the province. Projects can receive up to $25,000 in funding and must address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

Approved projects:

• Club de l'âge d'or de Desbiens will receive $21,143 to promote volunteering through generational workshops, and to replace the organization's kitchen equipment and redo the floor.
  
  
• Sécuri-Coeur Maria-Chapdelaine will receive $24,750 to buy new outdoor exercise equipment to promote the social participation of seniors.
  
  
• Cercle des Années d'Or d'Hébertville Inc. will receive $12,565 to replace its equipment in an effort to promote the active and social participation of seniors.
  
  
• Société des loisirs de Métabetchouan Inc. will receive $16,395 to promote the social participation of seniors through community gardens.
  
  
• Services et qualité de vie La Doré will receive $25,000 to promote the active participation of seniors and to encourage them to take advantage of the services that are available to them.
  
  
• Corporation Colombienne Jean Dolbeau Inc.will receive $22,287 to buy equipment that will encourage the social inclusion of seniors.
  
  
• Société d'histoire de St-Félicien will receive $18,755 to organize coffee breaks in an effort to promote the social participation of seniors and encourage volunteering in their community.
  
  
• Chevaliers de Colomb, conseil 3066, will receive $13,752 to renovate and replace equipment.
  
  
• Club FADOQ de la gaité d'Albanel will receive $4,489 to renovate and replace equipment in order to maintain social activities for seniors.
  
  
• Club de l'âge d'or St-Édouard-de-Péribonka will receive $18,600 to renovate and replace equipment to help seniors stay active in their community.
  
  
• Comité des résidents du Manoir Cinq Saisons will receive $21,845 to undertake a generational activity that includes music and dance with École St-Thérèse.
  
  
• Amis de la Paix de Sainte-Marguerite-Marie will receive $6,770 to promote the social engagement of seniors through community meals and physical activities.
  
  
• Carrefour bénévole Labrecque Lamarche will receive $16,667 to promote volunteering among seniors and in their communities.
  
  
• Havre Curé-Hébert will receive $25,000 to replace equipment, which will enable the organization to continue to provide services and programs to seniors.
  
  
• Résidence le Villageois will receive $24,650 to launch various intergenerational activities, including a shuffleboard league, a corn roast and a mechoui.
  
  
• Chevaliers de Colomb, conseil 2800, will receive $16,476 to replace its kitchen equipment in an effort to ensure the social participation and inclusion of seniors, and to promote volunteering.
  
  
• Club FADOQ amitié Dolbeau-Mistassini will receive $21,200 to renovate its facilities, which will enable the organization to continue to provide recreational activities encouraging seniors to be active in their community and to mentor their peers.

Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 10 400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

For further information:

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

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