The Government of Canada has announced a major investment of over $54 million through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) to support more than 2,600 community-based projects across over 400 communities nationwide. The initiative is aimed at improving the quality of life for seniors by helping them remain active, engaged, and socially connected amid rising economic pressures and cost-of-living challenges.
The announcement was made in Edmonton, Alberta, where the Sage Seniors Association received $25,000 in funding. This support will enable the organization to deliver activities such as financial literacy workshops, digital education sessions, social gatherings, and learning programs designed to strengthen seniors’ participation in community life and improve digital skills.
The funding comes from the 2025–26 NHSP call for proposals, which supports a wide range of projects focused on issues such as digital inclusion, fraud prevention, elder abuse awareness, and intergenerational mentoring. These initiatives aim to build stronger and more inclusive communities while ensuring seniors remain active contributors to society.
The government also announced that the next call for proposals for 2026–27 will be launched in the spring, with an increased maximum funding level of up to $50,000 per project. This reflects an ongoing effort to expand the reach and impact of community-based senior support programs across Canada.
In addition to program funding, the government highlighted broader affordability measures aimed at supporting older Canadians. These include increases to Old Age Security for seniors over 75, improvements to the Guaranteed Income Supplement earnings exemption, the introduction of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, expanded access to affordable internet, and the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit to help low- and modest-income households manage rising costs.
Officials emphasized that the NHSP plays a key role in promoting social inclusion and community engagement for seniors. The program funds projects that encourage volunteerism, mentorship, awareness of elder abuse, and participation in community activities, while also ensuring seniors take leadership roles in designing and delivering initiatives.
Since its launch in 2004, the program has supported over 45,000 projects and invested more than $1 billion across Canada. On average, more than 900,000 seniors participate in NHSP-funded activities each year, underscoring its wide-reaching impact on senior well-being and community development.
