Government of Canada provides funding for a New Horizons for Seniors project in Charlottetown

CHARLOTTETOWN—Shawn Murphy, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development, today announced $7,635 in funding from the New Horizons for Seniors program. The Government of Canada is providing funding to the West Royalty Seniors Club for its Outreach to Seniors project, that will help seniors to participate in and lead activities within their community.

"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."

"We are pleased to be able to work with organizations that are encouraging seniors to become active members of their community," said Mr. Murphy. "Groups like the West Royalty Seniors Club are essential partners in helping to strengthen Canada’s social foundations."

"New Horizons for Seniors has proven to be extremely valuable in promoting community activities by and in support of seniors," said Tony Ianno, Minister of State (Families and Caregivers). "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.

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.

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 our Web site at www.sdc.gc.ca and see attached backgrounder. The next Call for Applications will open in June 2005.

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For more information:

Barry MacMillan
Office of Shawn Murphy, M.P.
Charlottetown
(902) 566-7016

Media Relations
Social Development Canada
(613) 941-1110

Sarah Bain
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Social Development
(613) 941-0766

BACKGROUNDER

Outreach to Seniors project

Duration: March 31, 2005 to December 31, 2005

Funding: $7,635

The Outreach to Seniors project with the West Royalty Seniors Club will provide opportunities for seniors who are or at-risk of isolation to participate in activities and educational workshops. The West Royalty Seniors club will partner with the East Royalty Seniors club and others across the province to encourage isolated seniors to take part in outings, weekly game days and developing a recipe book.

Projects that receive funding through the New Horizons for Seniors program must respond to regional priorities and demonstrate community involvement, partnership building, and active living among Canadian seniors. The priorities set in partnership with the Prince Edward Island Review Committee for the 2004-05 round of funding were:

1. Seniors At Risk of Isolation
   

   Priority will be given to projects aimed at addressing the risk and occurrence of social isolation experienced by some seniors.

   
   
2. Peer Support/Networking
   

   Priority will be given to projects that encourage peer support between seniors and help older Canadians learn from the experiences of each other in order to promote their positive adaptation to transitions in their lives as they age.

   
   
3. Lifelong Learning
   

   Priority will be given to projects that offer lifelong learning and engagement opportunities that stimulate intellectual and emotional attachment among seniors.