NICKEL BELT-GREATER SUDBURY – Seniors are valuable members of our communities and far too many seniors face isolation in their retirement years. This is a circumstance amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada is committed to empowering seniors by supporting opportunities for aging populations to stay involved and engaged in their communities.

Today, Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, on behalf of Canada’s Minister of Seniors, the Honourable Deb Schulte, announced an investment of $145,597 for 9 community-based projects in Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury. These projects will help seniors stay active, informed and socially connected in their community. This funding was awarded through the New Horizons for Seniors Program’s call for proposals for community-based projects.

This year, the Government of Canada increased its investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program to $60.8 million, funding over 3,000 community-based projects to support seniors across the country.

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“I am proud of the thousands of projects funded through the New Horizons for Seniors Program across the country, helping Canadian seniors stay active and connected during this unprecedented time. Seniors have given and continue to give so much to our country—it’s important to provide them the programs and support they deserve.” -  Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte

“Since 2016 nearly $300,000 has been allocated to Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury projects through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. This new round of funding comes at a critical time when seniors need greater support in light of increased isolation and challenges related to the pandemic. Thank you to the countless volunteers and organizations who prioritize the physical, financial and emotional wellbeing of aging population.” – Marc G. Serré MP Nickel Belt

“The Municipality of Killarney is fortunate to have improved accessibility to the Municipal building as part of our Lion’s Den Seniors Lounge and Computer Centre, thanks to the New Horizons for Seniors Funding. We look forward to having a dedicated space where our seniors can access a brand-new computer, hone their computer skills or simply connect with friends, have a coffee and socialize, once it is safe to do so.” - Kelly Champaigne, Project Manager, Municipality of Killarney

“Villa St. Gabriel’s Villa is very pleased to announce that because of the successful application of the New Horizons for Seniors grant we will be able to purchase an additional two Java Group Programs for use in long-term care.  Java Memory Care provides staff and volunteers training and tools to emotionally engage residents living with advanced dementia.  Java Mentorship is a unique outreach program that cultivates and educates teams of residents and volunteers to engage with those that are lonely and isolated.  Both new programs will be an additional boost to keeping resident socially connected and supported throughout COVID.” - Angela Gilchrist, Programs Coordinator, St-Gabriel Villa

“Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre is thrilled that these funds will help purchase lightweight tables and chairs along with batting and cloth for our “Threading on Tuesdays” project in which seniors make quilts and blankets for various charitable causes.” - Joanne Bowers” - Chief Administrative Officer, Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre

“The communities that UNIVI Health Centre services are very thankful and fortunate to have been selected to receive funding that will support the social participation and inclusion of isolated seniors to better connect to family and others in their communities.  Access to laptops/tablets, accompanied by educational learning sessions, will have a direct positive impact on these individuals' health by also providing them the opportunity to participate in virtual community programs as well as workshops related to health and safety, preventing disease transmission, cybersecurity and educational upgrading.  We are eager to engage and connect our communities during and beyond the pandemic. We believe that this project will reduce social isolation and give seniors a sense of belonging in their community.” - Nicolle Plante-Dupuis, Executive Director

“We are proud and honoured to be a recipient of the New Horizons for Seniors grant.  This funding will be used to upgrade the Onaping Community Centre with a new front entrance, ramp and walkway, ensuring our seniors have a more accessible entrance to our community hub.  Thank you to the Government of Canada for this opportunity. We look forward to participating in future New Horizons for Seniors grant opportunities and taking care of our valuable seniors.” - Amanda Linton, Chair of the Onaping Falls Community Action Network and the Secretary for Onaping Falls Recreation Committee

“We may not be the next generation of farmers, but we sure have a lot of fun, while growing food and sharing with other seniors.” – Coniston Senior Gardeners

“It is so reassuring to know Marc G. Serré and his staff are always there to help. The Wanup Quilters are grateful to receive these funds which ensure we can purchase important materials and keep up our operations.” – Rusty Cross, Program Director Wanup Quilters

“Atikameksheng is very pleased to receive this funding so we can provide our Elders with devices and technology training opportunities. This program will support our Elders and allow them to participate in in other activities with children and youth, creating a more inclusive and diverse environment for all participants.  New devices and training will help our members connect with family, friends and programs, in a time when connection is so important.”  -Carmen Wabegijig-Nootchtai, Director of Health & Community Wellness

“We are thankful that the New Horizons for Seniors funding will allow our organization to make crucial safety upgrades and make our space safer for seniors. The club remains an important part of the River Valley community and we are happy we will have the means to continue our engagement.” – Yvon Goulard, River Valley Club d’Age d’Or President

Quick Facts

• Every year, organizations are invited to apply for New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) community-based funding through a call for proposals.
• NHSP is a federal grants and contributions program whose goal is to support projects that help foster social inclusion and improve seniors’ health and well-being.
• The funding helps support activities that engage seniors in their communities and address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.
• Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. Additional grants of up to $5,000 were available for organizations that have not received funding from the program in the past five years.
• This year, increased funding and improvements to the program resulted in the highest number of applications ever, almost double the number of projects serving rural seniors, and a greater share of funded projects serving vulnerable seniors.
• Those improvements include updates to national priorities—including targeting vulnerable and rural seniors—improvements to the application process and program delivery, such as a longer intake period, more time to provide missing information, increased use of plain language and focusing support in communities with recent low uptake. These changes put increased emphasis on applicants’ ability to serve seniors over their ability to navigate an application process, while maintaining the same standards and rigour.
• Since 2004, the NHSP has funded over 30,000 projects, including projects related to COVID-19, in hundreds of communities across Canada, with a total Government of Canada investment of more than $600 million. NHSP funding supports community-based projects and pan-Canadian projects.

Related Documents

Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program 

Associated Links

Programs and services for seniors
New Horizons for Seniors Program – Engaging seniors, strengthening communities  

Prime Minister announces additional support for Canadian seniors

Prime Minister announces support for vulnerable Canadians affected by COVID‑19

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Media Contact:

Kaylie Dudgeon

Special Assistant

Marc G. Serré, MP Nickel Belt

705-507-2416

[email protected]