News Release 31-05-2005

June 01, 2005

For Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Government of Canada provides funding for 12 New Horizons for Seniors projects in Newfoundland and Labrador

ST. JOHN’S — Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development Canada and Tony Ianno, Minister of State for Families and Caregivers, today announced $119,957 in funding from the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Government of Canada is providing the funding for a dozen projects in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening and building inclusive communities that promote the active living, empowerment and dignity of seniors,” said Minister Dryden. “These projects will enable seniors to share their skills, experience and wisdom with others in their community.”

 “New Horizons for Seniors has proven to be extremely valuable in promoting community activities by and in support of seniors,” said Minister Ianno. “Increased funding for New Horizons for Seniors in the recent budget reinforces our commitment to ensuring a high quality of life for all seniors.”

The New Horizons for Seniors Program provides grants to support a range of community-based projects across Canada that enable seniors to participate in social activities, pursue an active life and contribute to their communities.

Projects support broad national objectives and regional priorities. They are inspired, implemented and led by seniors in local communities. Priorities are set by those who are engaged in seniors’ issues in each province and territory. Members of the review committee are in the best position to understand the needs of their communities and to know which projects they will benefit from.

Review committees, which include people active in seniors’ issues who are closely connected to their communities, review and recommend projects for funding. The priorities for Newfoundland and Labrador for this round of funding were:

1. Seniors at Risk of Isolation
Projects in this category would focus on seniors who are currently experiencing or are likely to experience social isolation.

2. Seniors and Social Well-Being
These kinds of projects would encourage seniors to become more socially active. Such projects would harness the energy and enthusiasm of seniors and focus on improving physical and intellectual well-being. Projects could also use community facilities for activities for seniors.

Funding for these projects was provided for in the 2005 federal budget. In response to an overwhelming interest in the program, the Government of Canada announced an increase in funding to the New Horizons for Seniors Program in the 2005 budget. The overall program budget will be increased to $15 million in 2005-06 and will reach $25 million by 2007-08.

Seniors are a priority for the Government of Canada. To underscore this commitment, Budget 2005 included other significant measures including:

   -  Increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance and the Allowance for the survivor to help address the needs of Canada’s poorest seniors. Starting January 1, 2006, the Guaranteed Income Supplement will be increased by $18 a month for single recipients and by $29 a month for couples. This will increase by the same amount again on January 1, 2007.

   -  Providing $13 million in funding over five years to establish a National Seniors’ Secretariat within Social Development Canada, to serve as a focal point for collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing seniors. The Secretariat will work across the federal government, with other levels of government as well as experts and others to align policies and programs for seniors today and in the future.

These projects have been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grants and contributions program and are subject to review under the Financial Administration Act.

For more information on the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, visit www.sdc.gc.ca. The next Call for Applications will open in June 2005.
A complete list of approved projects for Newfoundland and Labrador is included in the attached backgrounder.

This news release is available in alternative formats, on request. Call 1-800-788-8282 on a Touch-Tone phone or through a teletypewriter (TTY).

Wayne Piercey, HRSDC/SDC
Government of Canada
(709) 772-5346