Today's global landscape is shifting rapidly, leaving many Canadians, including seniors, facing economic uncertainty due to factors such as the rising cost of living. In response, the government is committed to building a strong and resilient economy that enhances the quality of life for older Canadians. The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) plays a pivotal role in this effort by creating opportunities for thousands of seniors to remain engaged and active participants in their communities.
Today, the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors), joined by Minister Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Community-Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) and Matt Jeneroux, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Riverbend, announced an investment of over $54 million for more than 2,600 community-based projects that support seniors. These initiatives will benefit more than 400 communities across Canada.
The announcement was made at the Sage Seniors Association in Edmonton, Alberta, which received $25,000 in funding. This financial support will enable the organization to offer ongoing social and learning activities, financial workshops, digital education sessions, and monthly community meetings, all designed to promote social participation and support seniors' digital literacy.
Funding announced today was awarded through the 2025-26 call for proposals for community-based projects through the NHSP.
This program funds a wide variety of projects that support key Government priorities, such as digital literacy initiatives, fraud prevention and awareness programs, and intergenerational mentoring efforts, all aimed at supporting seniors and fostering stronger, more connected communities.
The 2026-27 call for proposals will be launched later this spring, along with changes to the program which include raising the maximum funding amount to $50,000 per project.
The government has implemented many important measures to make life more affordable for older Canadians. These include increasing Old Age Security for those over 75, expanding the Guaranteed Income Supplement earnings exemption, introducing the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and improving access to affordable internet. The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will provide further support to low- and modest-income households, including those of seniors, as the cost of living continues to rise. Together, these measures are designed to help seniors better meet their everyday needs.
