On Parliament Hill

Our Government understands that Canadian seniors have played a central part in building our communities. They have earned our respect and admiration, and they deserve our support to help them enjoy the best quality of life possible.

That’s why our Government has been working hard for seniors across this great nation, providing over $2.8 billion in annual tax relief to seniors and pensioners, implementing pension income-splitting and introducing the largest top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement in a quarter decade.

But we also understand the need for local grassroots initiatives. That’s why programs such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, or NHSP, are so important.

Organizations that want to help seniors make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities are eligible to apply for funding through the NHSP. The program is now accepting applications for 2015.

To qualify for possible funding, projects must be led or inspired by seniors and address one or more of the following five program objectives:

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

I am proud to say, since 2006, our Government has funded more than 13,000 of these projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. In fact, just this past February I had the pleasure of announcing 19 new projects right here in Provencher.

If your seniors organization is considering doing repairs or renovations, or if you are planning new activities for your club, I’d encourage you to apply. The deadline for applications is July 10, 2015.

For further details please feel free to contact my office.

Our Government will continue to work hard for seniors through programs like the New Horizons for Seniors Program.