New Horizons For Seniors Program Has Impact
Winnipeg: An investment of $61.34 million to fund over 3,000 community-based projects to support seniors across the country has been announced by Canada’s Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera. This funding was awarded through the most recent call for proposals for community-based projects through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).
In Budget 2022, the Government proposed an additional $20 million over two years, beginning in 2022–23, for an expanded NHSP to support more projects that improve the quality of life of seniors and help them to continue to participate fully in their communities.
The Minister made the announcement on Monday while visiting the Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba. This project aims to develop a program with other community organizations to reduce ageism with the goal to support the social participation and inclusion of seniors.
As part of the 2021-22 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects, organizations were invited to apply for funding in support of the following national priorities to reflect issues and priorities facing seniors during COVID-19 recovery:
• supporting healthy aging
• preventing senior abuse
• celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion; and
• helping seniors to age in place.
Through a simplified application process, organizations submitted project proposals to help seniors move beyond the pandemic and continue to play important roles in their communities.
Minister Khera also met with the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba Program Direrctor Erin Crawford to finalize a grant proposal.
Khera said: “Every year, the New Horizons for Seniors Program makes a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors across Canada. I am thrilled that we are funding thousands of projects across the country focused on improving the quality of life of seniors. These projects will help seniors fight social isolation, combat seniors fraud, and will support healthy aging in an inclusive and accessible environment. By supporting these community-based projects we are taking action to ensure that seniors are empowered and have a strong presence in their communities.”
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors, Darren Fisher, added: “Seniors are the backbone of our communities and we have to make sure that they have the means to fully and actively participate in our communities. Thousands of projects across the country are going to help seniors to stay active and to be socially connected through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. Our government will continue to be there for seniors from coast to coast to coast and to ensure that they have the supports they deserve.”