Thank you to the Regroupement des résidents des Marronniers for hosting this event. I am pleased to be here today with Minister Carole Théberge and Minister Benoît Pelletier to announce a Memorandum of Understanding with the province of Quebec for the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Altogether, the Government of Canada is providing $1.1 million for projects throughout Quebec that will enable seniors to share their skills, experience and wisdom with others in their communities. This money is going toward 99 exciting new projects, including 12 in the Québec region and the Chaudière-Appalaches region.

The projects we are funding have been recommended jointly by representatives of Social Development Canada and the Secrétariat aux aînés du Québec, in consultation with the Tables de concertation des aînés established in every region of Quebec. The Regroupement des residents des Marronniers, for example, is undertaking a community project to reach out to seniors at risk of abuse and neglect. What a positive way to make life better for those seniors in the Québec region and the Chaudière-Appalaches region who are isolated and vulnerable.

The Government of Canada is very pleased to be a partner with the province of Quebec in working to help seniors lead fulfilling lives by being active in their communities. And I am pleased to work with Ministers Théberge and Pelletier to make this all happen. Today’s seniors are living longer and healthier lives. They have a great deal to contribute. New Horizons for Seniors is a way for us to encourage seniors to share their skills, their experience, and their wisdom, for the benefit of others in our communities.

For example, Le Patro Laval inc. offers computer and Web browsing workshops, as well as outdoor activities at camp Oasis, located on Lac Simon. The goal of the ABC des Hauts Plateaux Montmagny-L’Islet project is to promote seniors’ independence by providing them with information tools to help them adapt to everyday modern life.

I look forward to seeing the results of all the projects across Quebec that will come to life over the next few months thanks to this funding. I am certain that they will make a difference in the lives of many seniors and in the life of their communities. Thank you.

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