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, Chris Malette, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte on behalf of the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors), announced an investment of $22,050 for a
community-based project in Quinte West The project will help seniors stay active, informed and socially connected in their community.
“Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Government of Canada is providing a wide range of opportunities for seniors in Quinte West to participate in meaningful activities where they can share knowledge, skills and experience to the benefit of others," said MP Malette. "Seniors are important members of our community, and I am proud to support initiatives to create connections within our region.”
The Social Kitchen at the Quinte West Public Library will allow seniors to participate in cooking classes in order to promote social engagement among vulnerable seniors.
Funding announced today was awarded through the 2025–26 call for proposals for community based projects through the NHSP.
“The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps fund projects that keep seniors involved in their communities and create more opportunities for participation and inclusion," said The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors). "The projects announced today will help seniors stay active and connected in every part of the country,”
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.
“We are proud of the success of our cooking programs and thrilled that the New Horizons for Senior's Grant has made it possible to offer the community amazing cultural programs, cooking
classes, and special events," expressed Krista Richardson, Programming and Outreach Librarian, Quinte West Public Library. "We are grateful for the opportunity to create social connections and bring people together through these programs."
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.
Quick facts
• Seniors are expected to represent almost 25% of the population by 2059 and could reach 11 million people within 15 years.
• The New Horizons for Seniors Program’s community-based stream invests in projects that help to improve seniors’ quality of life. In the 2025–26 call for proposals, organizations were eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding for projects of up to 52 weeks.
• Program funding supports projects that address one or more of the program’s five objectives:
o promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
o engaging seniors through the mentoring of others;
o expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
o supporting social participation and the inclusion of seniors; and
o providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and programs for seniors.
• Project proposals must involve seniors in vital roles to lead, plan or deliver the project.
• Since its inception in 2004, the program has funded over 45,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada, with the Government of Canada’s total investment now surpassing $1 billion in funding.
• Based on the last two years of available data, more than 900,000 seniors participate in NHSP community-based projects each year.