Portage–Lisgar MP Branden Leslie is encouraging seniors’ groups and municipalities across the riding to apply for funding through the federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors program. The annual initiative is designed to increase social inclusion and help older Canadians remain active in their communities.
The program provides up to $25,000 for community-based projects ranging from facility upgrades to digital literacy workshops. Leslie says the possibilities are wide-ranging, with past projects including everything from new flooring and kitchen equipment to technology training and gardening initiatives.
Leslie notes, “It could be more physical capital upgrades for seniors’ facilities and gardening projects, so there’s all sorts of projects. The eligibility of the program is actually quite wide.”
He adds that the goal is to support seniors who “have built our communities and deserve to have a good quality of life and stay active in our communities wherever possible.”
Broad criteria and community impact
The New Horizons program covers a broad set of priorities, including volunteerism, mentorship, elder abuse awareness, and financial protection for seniors. In past years, grants have supported intergenerational mentorship programs as well as educational workshops to protect seniors from financial scams.
Leslie says, “There could be mentorship programs that have been proposed and funded in the past. Some of it also can relate to financial and elder abuse, so programs to try and educate seniors on some of the scams that are out there and protect their financial status.”
He continues that the funding has also gone toward improving local facilities, pointing to a past grant for the Royal Canadian Legion in Portage la Prairie.
Annual funding of up to $25,000
Funding under the program is not capped by riding but is divided provincially. Each project may receive up to $25,000 per year, and some organizations have secured multi-year support to expand projects in phases.
Leslie says, “Others are kind of just one-time programs and see if it works. So if you get a bunch of volunteers that want to sign up for a mentorship program, obviously it’s something that they would apply to the next year.”
He adds that his office is available to help applicants navigate the process.
Example projects and deadline
Possible projects include community gardens, digital skills workshops, facility renovations, mentorship programs, and fraud prevention initiatives. Leslie emphasizes the importance of intergenerational activities, noting their value for both young people and seniors who may not have close family connections.
Applications for this year’s funding must be submitted by September 17. Leslie encourages organizations to reach out for guidance if needed.
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