MP Rota announces funding for Canadore College project that fosters social inclusion for seniors

Sep 10, 2019

Seniors are an important part of Canada’s social fabric and have made countless contributions in the past. They helped build our nation and continue to contribute to its success. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that its programs and services encourage the healthy aging and social inclusion of seniors, particularly for those who are most vulnerable.

Today, Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, announced an investment of $1.99 million through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) for a project spearheaded by Canadore College’s The Village living learning centre.

The Village Collective Impact Project will take a collaborative, multi-agency approach to develop and deliver services, programs and activities that increase social inclusion for more than 1,250 seniors in Northern Ontario each year.

Mr. Rota made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors.

Canadore College is among the successful applicants resulting from a call for concepts launched in December 2018 through the NHSP pan-Canadian funding stream. Up to $60 million in funding over five years is available for these projects, which are expected to begin in the fall of 2019.

Through Budget 2019, the Government of Canada announced an additional $100 million over five years for the NHSP, with $20 million per year ongoing to enhance the social inclusion of seniors. The new funding will help support more projects across the country that make a difference in the lives of Canadian seniors.

Quotes

“Our Government deeply values the contributions seniors make to our country. Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are taking more steps to empower seniors by supporting opportunities where they can benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their communities. By fostering community connections, seniors can enjoy the healthy, happy and secure life they worked hard for.”

– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors

“Canadore College is a proven leader in innovation, collaboration and partnerships, and The Village living learning centre stands as an outstanding example of this approach. I am pleased that this funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program will support The Village Collective Impact Project and its goals to ensure the health and well-being of Canadian seniors and Indigenous Elders throughout our region.

– Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament, Nipissing-Timiskaming

“The learnings of The Village Collective Impact Project will mobilize communities to reach new potential while enhancing the ability of organizations to achieve new heights in reducing social isolation for seniors. The service and program outcomes of the project will be integrated into all teaching and learning opportunities at Canadore and will reach at least six Indigenous Institutes serving more than 125 First Nations. This will create a new generation of seniors-focused professionals, supported by evidence and community momentum to have a positive and permanent effect of seniors’ social inclusion.

– George Burton, President, Canadore College

Quick facts

The NHSP is a federal grants and contributions program whose goal is to support projects that help improve the well-being and quality of life of seniors and foster social inclusion and engagement of Canadian seniors in all aspects of society.
The Program’s pan-Canadian stream supports organizations that develop collaborative and innovative approaches to increase the social inclusion of seniors.
To date, the pan-Canadian projects have engaged and connected more than 47,000 seniors to supports and services in their communities to reduce social isolation. As well, more than 5,600 professionals and volunteers have been trained to identify, support and respond to the needs of seniors.
It is expected that this project will involve approximately 1,250 seniors throughout Northern Ontario.
Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic group in Canada. By 2031, close to one quarter of Canadians could be 65 years of age or older.

Related document

News release: Government of Canada invests in pan-Canadian projects that support seniors

Associated links

New Horizons for Seniors Program – Engaging seniors, strengthening communities
Programs and services for seniors
Investing in the Middle Class: Budget 2019
A secure and dignified retirement for Canadians

#Access and Inclusion #Athletics, Rec, Wellness #Collaboration #College Drive #Experiential Learning #First Peoples' Centre #General #Health, Human, Wellness #Indigenous #Indigenous Studies #New #Profile #Program Development #Programs #Research #The Village