January 18, 2023 Richmond Hill, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has helped millions of Canadians, including seniors, by providing them with supports and benefits related to COVID‑19. As Canada emerges from the pandemic, the Government of Canada will continue to support community organizations that make a difference and create opportunities for seniors to stay active and involved in their communities.
Today, Canada's Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera, visited the Mon Sheong Court in Richmond Hill, Ontario. She was accompanied Leah Taylor Roy, Member of Parliament for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill. The Mon Sheong Court was awarded $24,930 through the 2021-22 New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) call for proposals for community-based projects for their concerto project to enable seniors to lead and learn new skills such as singing and performing, promoting well-being and social inclusion. They also received over $1.9 milion in 2019 for their pan-Canadian project entitled "R.E.A.C.H. for Aging Well," which involves working in collaboration with NGOs, community organizations and youth groups to increase social inclusion of Chinese seniors over the age of 55 in the Greater Toronto area through activities such as yoga, tai chi, singing, playing musical instruments and mental health workshops.
Amid global uncertainty, the Government of Canada introduced targeted measures in the Fall Economic Statement to help Canadians who need it the most, including seniors. Recent measures include doubling the GST credit for six months, putting on average an additional $225 back in the pockets of Canadian seniors, and delivering a $500 one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit to support low-income renters. Last summer, the Government of Canada also increased the Old Age Security pension by 10% for seniors 75 and older who are among the most vulnerable, representing $800 for full pensioners. These measures have a positive impact on many seniors and aim to build an economy that works for everyone.
During her trip, Minister Khera also participated in a roundtable with seniors at the Aurora Seniors Centre, along with Member of Parliament Leah Taylor Roy for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill, and Tony Van Bynen, Member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora. She also held a townhall with seniors and seniors serving community groups in Don Valley East, accompanied by Michael Coteau, Member of Parliament for Don Valley East.
