Gallant Says Federal Program Helps Seniors Participate More Fully in Their Communities

January 18, 2008

PEMBROKE, ON — Mrs. Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Secretary of State (Seniors), today congratulated the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan on being selected to receive funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). This will ensure that seniors in Golden Lake have the opportunity to participate and take an active leadership role within their community.

Total funding of $10,780.00 has been provided for the project entitled Ketiziwidjg-Elder’s Passing on Knowledge, and has allowed for a Community Elder to be secured to assist with the planning, implementation and teaching of Leather and Craft Classes. “The Government of Canada is proud to support seniors in strengthening our communities and building our country,” said Gallant.

The federal government is acting to address the needs of Canadian seniors. In Budget 2007, the Government of Canada announced an additional investment of $10 million per year for two new components of the NHSP, in order to raise awareness of elder abuse, and to provide capital assistance for upgrades to facilities and equipment used for existing seniors’ programs.

Since its launch, the NHSP has funded over 2,600 projects across Canada, inspiring seniors to bring their leadership, energy and skills to projects that benefit our communities. “I am very pleased for the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan. The NHSP funding will help to ensure the community’s knowledge and wisdom is maintained and passed down through the generations, thus preserving the Algonquin culture,” stated Gallant.