Government of Canada invests in projects to support Canadian seniors

Etobicoke, ON, May 15, 2013— Seniors in Etobicoke – Lakeshore 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).

“Our government encourages seniors to share their diverse skills, knowledge and experience with others,”. “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 which 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.

The Franklin Horner Community Centre and Young Professionals will receive funding of $50,000 for programs that will improve the quality of life of seniors in Etobicoke – Lakeshore.

These projects are 2 of 511 community-based projects in Ontario that are collectively receiving over $11.3 million in funding over a 12-month period.

“This funding will help to keep seniors healthy, happy and active which in turn will only benefit our community here in Etobicoke – Lakeshore” stated Laura Latham, executive director of the Franklin Horner Community Centre.

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.

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.

For more information and to apply for funding on or after May 22, 2013, visit seniors.gc.ca.