Government of Canada provides funding for six New Horizons for Seniors projects in the Yukon

WHITEHORSE, YUKON—The Honourable Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development (SDC), today announced $52,143 in funding through SDC's New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Government of Canada is providing funding to six local projects in the Yukon that will help seniors to participate in and lead activities within their communities.

"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 in the Yukon to share their skills, experience, and wisdom with others in their community."

"Our communities are diverse and have a wide variety of different needs. I know our citizens are highly aware of what is most needed to make our communities more vibrant places to live," said the Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon. "These projects help make our communities better places for everyone, young and old."

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 continue to contribute in their communities.

Projects support broad national objectives and regional priorities. These projects 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 senior's issues who are closely connected to their communities, review and recommend projects for funding. The priorities set by the Yukon Regional Review Committee for this round of funding are:

1. 1. Intergenerational

   Projects aimed at seniors transferring their experience, skills, values, resources, wisdom, and encouragement to younger generations. Activities would facilitate meaningful learning and social experiences that utilize the significant skills and experience seniors have to offer.

2. 2. Seniors at Risk of Isolation

   Projects aimed at addressing the risk and occurrence of social isolation that seniors experience.

3. 3. Aboriginal

   Projects that strengthen the capacity of aboriginal communities to reach out to their Elders and utilize their skills, experience, and wisdom to enrich community life.

4. 4. Peer Support/Networking

   Projects that build capacity through peer support networks aimed at fostering increased community engagement for seniors. These networks would allow seniors to transfer vital skills among their own peer groups.

5. 5. Lifelong Learning

   Projects that offer lifelong learning and engagement opportunities that stimulate intellectual and emotional attachment among seniors.

6. 6. Community

   Projects that harness the energy and enthusiasm of seniors, in concert with other community members, in local initiatives that contribute to social, cultural, economic, or environmental development in their community.

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 increase by $5 million in 2005-06 and will reach $25 million by 2007-08. With this increased budget, the program will be able to fund a greater number of community-based projects led by seniors.

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 Horizon for Seniors Program, visit our Web site at www.sdc.gc.ca.

A complete list of approved projects for the Yukon is included in the attached backgrounder.

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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).

For more information:

Mary Jane MacLennan
Director, Program Services
BC/Yukon Region
Social Development Canada
250-363-8280

Sarah Bain
Press Secretary
Minister Dryden's Office
(613) 941-0766

Media Relations
Social Development Canada
(613) 941-1110

BACKGROUNDER