Minister Tassi wraps up successful visit to Nova Scotia, announces funding for projects that encourage the social participation of seniors

HALIFAX, March 8, 2019 /CNW/ - Seniors make significant and valuable contributions to their families, communities and workplaces. That is why the Government of Canada remains committed to providing Canadian seniors with greater security and a better quality of life.

Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, wrapped up a successful three-day visit to Nova Scotia where she met with seniors and other key stakeholders to hear about issues important to older Canadians. During her visit, she announced an investment of over $1.3 million in funding through the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program (NSHP) for 74 community-based projects across Nova Scotia. The goal of these projects is to reduce social isolation among seniors by keeping them active, engaged and informed.

To mark International Women's Day today, Minister Tassi delivered remarks at a women's networking event in Lower Sackville where she recognized the tremendous contributions women make through the course of their lives, including into their later years. She further underscored the Government of Canada's commitment to advance gender equality by investing in programs that create opportunities for women in all fields of work.   

To recognize Fraud Prevention Month, Minister Tassi joined the Halifax Police Service to speak to residents of Northwood's Halifax Campus about how to protect themselves from becoming a victim of financial fraud.  Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of elder abuse in Canada and can be difficult to recognize. As such, Minister Tassi encouraged seniors to know the risks and outlined a number of measures the Government of Canada is taking to help protect seniors from fraud.

Quote

"Our Government deeply values the contribution seniors make to our country. By supporting organizations through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are taking action to promote social inclusion for seniors and helping to protect them from all forms of fraud. Together, we can encourage older Canadians to have a strong and active presence in our communities, and empower them with the right tools to keep them healthy, happy and secure."
? The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors

Quick facts

• Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic group in Canada. By 2030, the number of seniors will reach 9.6 million, representing close to one quarter of Canada's population. Canadians' life expectancy is expected to continue rising?Canadian males and females born in 2016 will live on average to ages 87 and 90, respectively.
• The New Horizons for Seniors Program fosters social inclusion and engagement of seniors by encouraging them to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others through projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors and their communities. The program has two funding streams: one for community-based projects and one for pan-Canadian projects.
• Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding and, as of this year, up to $5,000 in new small grant funding for organizations that have not received funding within the last five years.
• Community-based project funding supports activities that engage seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance. 

Related products
Backgrounder: Government of Canada invests in projects that support seniors in Nova Scotia 
Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program 
Backgrounder: Providing seniors in Canada with greater security and a better quality of life

Associated links

New Horizons for Seniors Program ? Engaging Seniors, Strengthening Communities
Programs and Services for Seniors
Financial abuse of seniors: It's time to face the reality

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada