Government of Canada celebrates seniors projects in northern Canada

Ottawa, Ontario, May 31, 2012—Seniors across northern Canada will soon have new opportunities to volunteer, mentor younger generations, expand awareness of elder abuse and organize renovation projects, thanks to funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Nunavut, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).“Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience seniors contribute to our society and the economy,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are taking action to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities.”

Organizations in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon will receive a total of over $700,000 for 32 projects that will encourage seniors to lead and fully participate in their communities. The Government of Canada is investing $35.6 million in almost 2 000 community-based projects across Canada as a result of the 2011–2012 call for proposals.

The NHSP continues to support seniors through a new call for proposals for community-based projects that launched on May 8 and will close on June 29, 2012, for all of Canada, except Quebec. For more information, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office

Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

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Backgrounder

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experience to the benefit of others.

The 2011–2012 community-based projects call for proposals ran from June 20, 2011, to September 16, 2011. Projects received up to $25,000 in funding and had to address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

The following 11 projects received NHSP funding in the Northwest Territories:

Aklavik Indian Band
The organization will help reduce social isolation of seniors by coordinating activities such as Elders’ tea, craft nights, traditional meals, storytelling and home visits.
$17,500

Community government of Gameti
The organization will purchase furniture, small appliances and supplies for existing programs and activities for seniors.
$25,000

Deninu K’ue Seniors Society
The organization will engage the community through a mentorship program where seniors/Elders can share the traditional ways of the Chipewyan people.
$24,990

Fédération franco-ténoise
The organization will teach new computer skills to seniors in three Francophone communities in the Northwest Territories.
$24,155

Gwich’in Tribal Council
The organization will host workshops where Elders from various communities will come together to brainstorm local issues and to develop solutions that can be implemented across each community.
$25,000

Hamlet of Enterprise
The organization will encourage seniors in the community to participate in gathering historical artifacts and research about the area that will be displayed in the local museum and resource information centre.
$24,880

Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk
The organization will renovate its wellness centre to provide new intergenerational programs and activities such as cooking classes and computer classes.
$25,000

K’asho Got’ine Charter Community Council
The organization will renovate their facility to provide seniors/Elders with a more suitable space to participate and lead intergenerational activities.
$25,000

K’atl’odeeche First Nation
The organization will renovate a facility where seniors/Elders participate in cultural programs, such as craft making and traditional cooking.
$25,000

Rae-Edzo Friendship Centre
The organization will hold monthly information sessions for seniors on the issue of elder abuse and to develop a committee that can respond to elder abuse.
$25,000

Town of Hay River
The organization will provide new recreational activities and fitness programs for seniors such as strength and balance classes and Tai Chi classes.
$8,591

Total $250,116