WINNIPEG, May 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Seniors across the country will soon have new opportunities to use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to continue to make a difference in their communities through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia, on behalf of the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), made the announcement today while speaking to members of the North Point Douglas Seniors Association.
"Our government encourages seniors to share their diverse skills, knowledge and experience with others," said Minister of State Fletcher. "Initiatives such as the NHSP help seniors to lead and participate in community activities that strengthen their well-being and quality of life."
The Harper government is providing more than $33 million in funding for over 1 750 community projects across Canada that will lead to a variety of programs and activities for seniors. These projects were selected from the 2012-2013 call for proposals. Since its beginning, the NHSP has funded more than 12 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.
Minister of State Fletcher also encouraged organizations that promote the well-being of seniors to take advantage of the upcoming 2013-2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects.
The North Point Douglas Seniors Association will receive over $24,000 in funding for their NHSP project. Participants will learn how to conduct interviews and use recording equipment to capture Aboriginal seniors' experiences, storytelling and dance. The recordings will be archived and shared through a variety of media and tools to ensure that they are well preserved for future generations.
This project is one of 97 community-based projects across Manitoba receiving over $1.5 million in funding this year.
"The North Point Douglas Seniors Association thanks the Government of Canada for its support and funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program," said Rick Caslake, Volunteer Coordinator and Program Manager of Barber House 55+ Seniors Centre. "This funding will assist us to add to our community's collective experience and wisdom, through interactive and archived media."
The 2013-2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects will be launched on May 22, 2013. Organizations may receive up to $25,000 in funding per year and must address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.
For more information and to apply for funding when the call opens, visit seniors.gc.ca.
It is thanks to initiatives such as the NHSP that the Government of Canada helps to ensure that seniors maintain their personal health and well-being. Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.
This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
Backgrounder
New Horizons for Seniors Program
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Harper government encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.
The upcoming 2013-2014 New Horizons for Seniors Program call for proposals for community-based projects will be launched on May 22, 2013. Further details will be made available when the call is open.
The 2012-2013 call for proposals for community-based projects under the NHSP was launched on May 8, 2012 and closed on June 29, 2012 for all of Canada except Quebec. The Quebec call for proposals closed on September 14, 2012.
The Government has approved more than $33 million in funding for new community projects as follows:
Funding Breakdown by Province and Territory
Province or Territory | Number of Projects | Total Funding Amount |
Alberta | 126 | $2,443,850 |
British Columbia | 259 | $5,099,243 |
Manitoba | 97 | $1,583,810 |
New Brunswick | 57 | $1,143,621 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | 45 | $811,001 |
Northwest Territories | 6 | $133,979 |
Nova Scotia | 82 | $1,297,973 |
Nunavut | 5 | $125,000 |
Ontario | 511 | $11,314,032 |
Prince Edward Island | 29 | $471,495 |
Quebec | 431 | $7,225,144 |
Saskatchewan | 97 | $1,501,167 |
Yukon | 6 | $125,915 |
Total | 1 751 | $33,276,230 |
For more information on the NHSP, please visit seniors.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
For further information:
(media only):
Mark Wall
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State (Seniors), Alice Wong
1-613-617-7993
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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