July 12, 2011

OTTAWA  –  Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, was pleased to see the reintroduction of a Government program aimed at helping Canadian seniors. “The Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSD) and the Minister of State (Seniors), today launched a call for proposals* under the New Horizons for Seniors Program,” explains Benoit.  “The federal support is geared to help non-profit organizations renovate facilities or replace equipment they use to deliver seniors’ programs and activities.”

Benoit pointed out some enhancements to the program that have been implemented this year, allowing for a broader array of organizations to develop a greater variety of projects to improve senior’s communities.  “As opposed to funding projects through the three separate NHSP networks - Capital Assistance, Community Participation and Leadership, and Elder Abuse Awareness - NHSP will now be supporting all projects under the same criteria,” he explained.

Project proposals now may be submitted if they meet one or more of the following objectives:

1. promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
2. engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others;
3. expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
4. supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
5. providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.

Community-based projects are still eligible to receive up to $25,000 in funding per year from the NHSP. The eligible recipients for NHSP funding include:

• Not-for-profit organizations, community-based coalitions, networks and ad hoc committees.
• For-profit organizations, provided that the nature and intent of the activity are non-commercial, do not generate profit, and meet the program objectives.
• Municipal governments, band/tribal councils and other Aboriginal organizations, as well as public health and social services institutions.

Research and educational institutions, including school boards, school districts, universities, colleges and CÉGEPs.
“The deadline for submitting project funding requests this year is September 16, 2011,” emphasized Benoit. “ I encourage anyone or any group interested, to apply in advance - the earlier the better!

“Over the 2009-2010 year the New Horizons for Seniors Program has delivered over $750,000 for seniors projects in Alberta,” explained Benoit. “Canada’s seniors have built our country, and they deserve our thanks. This is exactly why our government is taking strong action to support our seniors. Since 2006 we have provided over $2.3 billion in annual tax relief for seniors and pensioners, removed 380,000 seniors from the tax rolls completely, introduced pension income splitting, ushered in an automatic renewal of the GIS, made significant investments in affordable housing for low-income seniors, doubled the pension income credit and most recently, increased the GIS for low-income seniors by $600. Our support of the New Horizons for Seniors Program is another program we are proud to continuously be improving.”