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 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, March 14, 2007— Lynne Yelich, Member of Parliament for Blackstrap and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today celebrated $70,944 to fund five projects in Saskatoon through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
"Canada's Government recognizes the important and continuing role seniors play in strengthening our communities and building our country," said Parliamentary Secretary Yelich. "It is communitybased groups, organizations, and associations that play an invaluable role in the quality of life of our seniors in Saskatoon." The Government has recently announced more than $580,000 has been invested in over 40 New Horizons for Seniors projects across Saskatchewan. New Horizons provides grants to support community-based projects that encourage seniors to contribute to their communities through social participation and active living.
 Canada has a diverse and growing seniors’ population. Seniors are one of the fastest-growing categories of Canada’s population. We now have about 4.2 million people in Canada who are aged 65 or older. In the next 25 years, that number will double to almost 9 million people, representing one quarter of the population. In her speech at the Blackstrap Focus on Seniors event held in the Market Mall, Yelich explained recent legislation that will affect seniors. "Bill C-36 which is in third reading, will ensure sustainability of Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security. It is a positive piece of legislation that will simplify the administrative process and modernize service delivery for both the CPP and OAS," explained Yelich. Yelich’s speech also highlighted the creation of a new Seniors Council that was announced March 5th by Marjory LeBreton, the new Secretary of State responsible for seniors. With the Council, Canadian seniors will have a say in the issues that matter to them: things like health care, income stability, and personal security. The Council will study in-depth a wide range of issues that affect seniors in their everyday lives, meeting their evolving needs. At the trade-fair-style event, with tables set up for seniors groups like osteoporosis, seniors were able to interact directly with officials asking questions about recent legislation changes that will affect them. A Service Canada representative was on hand to answer questions regarding Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and Guaranteed Income Supplement and a Revenue Canada official answered questions relating to recent changes to income splitting for pensioners. | |  | | Seniors at Yelich hosted, 55 plus, Focus on Seniors event. |  | | Yelich speaking to Seniors. | Lynne speaking to Mr. Swenson and Joy Tappin |
For more information on the New Horizons for Seniors Program, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca. For more information (media only): Media Relations Human Resources and Social Development Canada 819-994-5559 backgrounder  The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) provides funding to support a range of community-based projects across Canada that encourage seniors to contribute to their communities through social participation and active living. By focusing on seniors’ important role in Canada’s communities, the program also gives seniors more opportunity to share their wealth of knowledge and help others. Funded projects are inspired, implemented, and led by seniors; they support broad national objectives and regional priorities set by Review Committees in each province. Review Committees consist of members who are active in seniors’ and community issues and include representation from the federal and provincial or territorial governments. The committees also review and recommend proposals for funding. Individual proposals are eligible for up to $25,000 in funding, and the maximum length of a project is one year. The 2006–2007 Call for Applications resulted in 775 seniors’ projects approved for funding of nearly $14 million. For more information, please consult http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/isp/horizons/toc.shtml |
