FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Government of Canada Supports Seniors in St. Marys, Ontario

St. Marys, Ontario,  June 25, 2010—Gary Schellenberger, Member of Parliament for Perth Wellington, today announced federal support for three organizations in the Town of St. Marys  under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Mr. Schellenberger made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors).

The St. Marys Friendship Centre, The Thames Valley Residents’ Association and the St. Marys Curling Association will receive a total of nearly $36,000 for capital improvements to their facilities which will enable seniors to continue to comfortably take part in a wide variety of social activities.

“Canada’s seniors worked hard to make this country the strong nation it is today,” said Mr. Schellenberger. “Our government is proud to support projects that engage seniors and keep them involved in their communities.”

Capital Assistance funding helps non-profit organizations upgrade facilities or equipment required for existing seniors’ programs and activities. These projects are three of 645 projects that were approved through the 2009–2010 call for proposals, providing more than $8.5 million in funding through the Capital Assistance funding stream.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps to ensure that seniors are able to benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their communities through their social participation and active living. Since its beginning, the Program has funded over 6,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. Last year alone, more than 100,000 seniors in over 500 communities throughout the country were involved in projects funded by the Program.

Year Two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan committed $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program. This will be in addition to the $35 million that is the current overall budget for the Program. Plans for the implementation of this new funding are now under development.

For more information about the Program, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Michelle Bakos                                 Media Relations Office

Press Secretary                                Human Resources and Skills

Office of Minister Finley                 Development Canada

819-994-2482                                   819-994-5559