Heisler, Alberta —Mr. Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville – Wainwright , today announced federal support for the Heisler Senior Friendship Centre under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Mr. Benoit made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors).

The Heisler Senior Friendship Centre will receive $24,469 to replace its pool table, flooring, cabinets and siding, as well as replace a vacuum cleaner and sewing equipment. 

“Canada’s seniors worked hard to make this country the strong nation it is today,” said Benoit. “Our government is proud to support projects that engage seniors and keep them involved in their communities.”

Capital Assistance funding helps non-profit organizations upgrade facilities or equipment required for existing seniors’ programs and activities. This project is one of 645 projects that were approved through the 2009–2010 call for proposals, providing more than $8.5 million in funding through the Capital Assistance funding stream.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps to ensure that seniors are able to benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their communities through their social participation and active living. Since its beginning, the Program has funded over 6,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. Last year alone, more than 100,000 seniors in over 500 communities throughout the country were involved in projects funded by the Program.

Year Two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan committed $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program. This will be in addition to the $35 million that is the current overall budget for the Program. Plans for the implementation of this new funding are now under development.

For more information about the Program, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.