News
Release
March 5.2007
$14 Million Announced for Seniors Programs
VANCOUVER
-
Mr. James Moore, Member of Parliament for Port Moody–Westwood–Port
Coquitlam, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of
Human Resources and Social Development, today announced $1,745,795
in funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. This
Government of Canada funding for 91 projects in British Columbia
will help seniors participate in and lead activities within their
communities.
"Canada's New Government has listened to
seniors across Canada express an interest in becoming more active
and making long-lasting differences in their communities,"
said Mr Moore. "In response, we are proud to invest in these New
Horizons for Seniors projects and ensure seniors can contribute to
community life in ways they feel will make a difference."
This announcement follows two national announcements made earlier
today by Ministers LeBreton and Solberg. Minister Solberg confirmed
national funding of almost $14 million for 775 New Horizons for
Seniors Program projects across Canada, while Minister LeBreton
announced the creation of a National Seniors Council.
The New Horizons for Seniors Program provides grants to support a
range of community-based projects across Canada that encourage
seniors to contribute to their communities through social
participation and active living. Projects support broad national
objectives and regional priorities.
In
just one year, Canada’s New Government has been making a difference
to make significant improvements to the lives of seniors:
-
Created the position of Secretary of State (Seniors);
-
Provided tax relief by
allowing
pension income splitting for pensioners beginning in the 2007
tax year;
-
Provided
tax relief by increasing the age credit by $1,000 (from $4,066
to $5,066) effective in the 2006 tax year;
-
Provided
tax relief by increasing the maximum amount of eligible pension
income that can be claimed under the pension income credit to
$2,000 from $1,000, – putting almost $900 million back in the
hands of seniors over the next two years and removing 85,000
pensioners from the tax rolls;
-
Increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement maximum benefit,
benefiting more than 50,000 seniors, and proposed
legislation to make it easier for seniors to apply for and
receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement;
-
Increased the Refundable Medical Expense Supplement tax credit
by more than 30 per cent to $1,000;
-
Expanded the Compassionate Care Benefit, making more Canadians
eligible; and
-
Introduced
a Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.
For more
information on the New Horizons for Seniors Program, visit
www.hrsdc.gc.ca
A
list of the projects is included below.
