NEWS RELEASE

Jay Aspin, Member of Parliament Nipissing-Timiskaming

Aspin announces Government of Canada investment in project to support Canadian seniors

Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, Friday, June 8, 2012 - Seniors across the nation will soon have new opportunities to volunteer, mentor younger generations and help raise awareness of elder abuse thanks to funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). Jay Aspin, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors). Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience that seniors contribute to our society and the economy, said MP Aspin. Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are helping to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities. The Timiskaming Injury Prevention Older Adult Committee (TIPOAC) in Temiskaming Shores will receive $23,275 for its Temiskaming Rising Stars Expansion project. TIPOAC will be working in conjunction with the Temiskaming Health Unit to engage seniors in the community through the mentoring of others by expanding their performance troupe to include seniors from new areas, as well as Francophone seniors. Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 10,400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. This year, the Government of Canada will provide more than $35.6 million in funding for almost 2,000 community projects. - 30

For further information (media only): Marian Ngo Office of Minister Finley 819-994-2482

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 their communities. Through the NHSP, the Harper Government encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others. The 2011-12 community-based projects call for proposals ran from June 20 to September 16, 2011. Projects can receive up to $25,000 in funding and must address one or more of the programs five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation, and capital assistance. Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 10,400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. The next NHSP call for proposals is anticipated to launch in spring 2012. For more information on the NHSP, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.