October 28, 2011

New Horizons for Seniors Elder-Abuse Prevention Programs

Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown today announced that the Government of Canada is seeking applications for elder abuse prevention projects under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

“Raising awareness among older Canadians about their right to live safely and securely is an important issue for our government,” said MP Brown. “We are committed to supporting the well-being of seniors and are proud to provide assistance to community organizations that help improve seniors' lives," said MP Brown.

MP Brown states that elder abuse can take many forms including physical, psychological and financial.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program is accepting proposals for pan-Canadian projects that address elder abuse. Organizations with eligible projects can receive up to $250,000 per year in contribution or grant funding, for up to a maximum of three years. The application deadline is November 25, 2011.

“We pledged in the Speech from the Throne that our government will do more to support our seniors, such as combating elder abuse in all its forms and raising awareness of this serious issue,” said MP Brown.

For more information about this call for proposals and the NHSP, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

 

BACKGROUNDER

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 8,500 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

The NHSP provides pan-Canadian project funding for networking, developing and delivering education and awareness activities, and creating tools and resources to help seniors protect themselves from elder abuse, including fraud and financial abuse. This funding can also enable community members to better recognize elder abuse in all its forms and to improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors.

Pan-Canadian projects must have a broad reach and impact and can identify and share promising practices across the country, enabling replication on what has worked well to address seniors’ issues.

Through Budget 2011, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $5 million per year in the NHSP, bringing the Program’s total annual budget to $45 million.