News Release
For Immediate Release
Seniors in Labrador will benefit from Government of Canada support for community projects
July 8, 2020 Employment and Social Development Canada
Far too many seniors face isolation in their retirement years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada is committed to empowering seniors by supporting new opportunities for older Canadians to stay informed, engaged and connected.
Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors, is pleased to share over $58,000 through the New Horizons for Seniors program has been invested in Labrador since February. This funding has helped fund projects for various organizations across Labrador that support seniors’ well-being. Regardless of the nature of the approved projects, organizations can now use their funding to provide immediate and essential support for seniors impacted by COVID-19 and into the future as the economy, and the country, begins to reopen.
This welcomed funding is distributed under the New Horizons for Seniors Programs, which received an an additional investment of $20 million to support organizations that offer community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve the quality of life of seniors, and help them maintain a social support network. This was one of many investments made as part of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
The New Horizons for Seniors Program provides grants and contributions for projects that help improve the well-being of seniors and foster their social inclusion. Funding recipients who will not or cannot provide programs or services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be given more time to conclude their projects. Instead of the usual 12-month period, organizations now have up to two years to finish their projects. As of March 31, 2020, 2,166 projects were funded based on a call for proposals that was launched on May 15, 2019.
These funds are in addition to the one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, with an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to help with the added costs brought on by COVID-19.
Our government also committed an additional $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors as well to provide immediate support to seniors during the COVID-19 crisis.
Our government will continue to help our most vulnerable populations and our seniors as we continue to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
Quotes
“We’re proud to work with local partners to provide programs and services for seniors that keep them connected. Because seniors are staying safe by isolating at home, we also need to provide new kinds of help. So we’ve provided flexibility for previously approved projects to be modified to meet seniors’ needs during this unprecedented public health crisis. When seniors are respected, valued and included in our communities, their health and well-being is enhanced and our communities benefit.”
– The Honourable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors
“With this funding, valued organizations that support seniors in Labrador can continue helping their communities, improving the lives of our senior population and access useful resources. The New Horizons for Seniors program is a vital resource for organizations across Labrador that help our seniors every day benefitting the communities they serve.”
– Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador
Quick Facts
• If infected by COVID-19, Canadians aged 65 and over, and those of all ages with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions, are at increased risk of more severe outcomes. Advice for those at risk is available here.
• Canadians who experience symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and call the public health authority in their province or territory to inform them and obtain advice on what they should do.
• Every year, organizations are invited to apply for New Horizons for Seniors Program community-based funding through a call for proposals.
• Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding and, as of 2018, small grants of up to $5,000 are available to organizations that have not received funding within the last five years.
• Since 2004, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 26,300 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada, with a total Government of Canada investment of more than half a billion dollars.
Related Products
• New Horizons for Seniors Program projects can now be used for COVID-19 support
• Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program
Associated Links
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update
Programs and services for seniors
New Horizons for Seniors Program – Engaging seniors, strengthening communities
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Michael Clarke
Communications Assistant
Office of Yvonne Jones
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Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
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