In recent weeks I have written about how our government is helping families, individuals and seniors. As your Member of Parliament for Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry, it makes me very proud to report on The New Horizons for Seniors Program. In April 2007, the Honorable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and Senator LeBreton Secretary of State, Seniors, announced a national Call for Applications for the New Horizons for Seniors Program for the fiscal year 2007-2008. The program is a $35 million per year program made available to support projects by non-profit organizations that encourage seniors to contribute and get involved in their communities across Canada. This program is aimed to help seniors and communities find innovative ways for seniors to continue to play an important role in their community. The program funds local projects that encourage seniors to contribute to their communities through their social participation and active living.

The objectives of New Horizons are to encourage seniors to contribute their skills, experience and wisdom in support of social well-being in their communities; and to promote the ongoing involvement of seniors in their communities to reduce their risk of social isolation.

Projects funded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program will lead to vibrant and inclusive communities that benefit from the increased participation of seniors in community life. Projects will contribute to this goal by directly involving seniors as project leaders, promoting partnerships and volunteerism, responding to local community needs, and strengthening seniors social networks. Projects should also demonstrate good value for money and have a plan for measuring results.

Applications must meet the eligibility criteria of the program in order to be considered for funding. As part of these eligibility criteria, projects must meet one of the program objectives and respond to at least one of the funding priorities in Ontario. Eligible applications will then be assessed in order to determine their relative merit. The number of projects selected will be based upon the availability of funds and the overall quality of the applications received.

For each Call for Applications, funding priorities are set to ensure that the unique needs of seniors and communities in different regions are recognized and supported. In Ontario, priorities have been set in consultation with the New Horizons for Seniors Review Committee for Ontario.

Canada’s New Government recognizes the important and continuing role senior play in strengthening and building our communities. Budget 2007 announced plans for an expansion of the New Horizons for Seniors Program by $10 million per year. Seniors helped to build this country and we want to make sure they can continue to make Canada a better place. That is why we are investing in seniors and encouraging them to stay active, share their knowledge and help others within their communities. This is just one more way our government is working to make Canada stronger, safer and better.